Mary's Garden

A NABA Certified Monarch Garden

Mary Loudermilk was the well-liked and long-time art teacher at Sanders Corner Elementary School (August 1995 to November 2007) who died unexpectedly in the fall of 2007. She was also in her own right a versatile artist excelling in both acrylic painting and raku pottery.

Students appreciated Ms. Loudermilk’s patience and encouragement. She taught all students at their own individual levels. Staff loved Ms. Loudermilk because of her ability to work well as a team and her fun extra art projects for staff. Because of her amazing teaching and talents, we did nominate her as the Shenandoah Teacher of the Year. She was a finalist.

Each year Ms. Loudermilk did a project that her 3^rd grade classes in which students created a still life in oil pastels reflecting the inspiration of Van Gogh’s sunflowers. There is a wall mural painted in tribute to this beloved project in the hallway outside the art classroom.

The garden was established in her memory as a place of nature and reflection, where students could think, draw and write.