Students and families at Park Orchard Elementary have a vibrant new reason to smile as they walk onto campus, thanks to a generous donation from local artist Shelly Metzger of Acorn Murals. The new mural, titled Hungry for Knowledge, now adorns the school, serving as a colorful celebration of learning and community pride.
Shelly Metzger reached out to Park Orchard Elementary earlier this year with an offer to donate her time and talent to create a mural for the school. Principal Patrick O’Connor worked closely with the Kent School District Facilities Department to secure approval for the design and location. The School Board later gave its official acceptance of the donation, allowing the project to move forward.
The result is a stunning, large-scale mural that captures the spirit of curiosity, growth, and community that defines Park Orchard Elementary.
“We’re really grateful for the opportunity to work with Shelly and have her partner with us on this project,” said Principal Patrick O’Connor. “She actually came up with the idea, and it turned into a wonderful way to beautify our school and campus. Our students and families already have so much pride in being Park Orchard Pandas, but this just made it even sweeter. Families have been taking pictures in front of the mural with their children — it’s become a real point of connection and celebration.
The mural, titled Hungry for Knowledge, perfectly aligns with our school’s core values. It represents our belief in being eager, lifelong learners, and it visually reinforces the culture of curiosity and pride we foster every day here at Park Orchard.”
Shelly Metzger shared her perspective on the project as well:
"Murals transform blank walls into spaces that feel special, bringing color and encouragement to the school environment. The Hungry for Knowledge mural is a playful reminder that, just as pandas spend much of their day eating, students can develop a strong appetite for learning. I look forward to future opportunities to create murals that bring color and inspiration to more schools, students, and staff alike," said Metzger.
The mural is already drawing praise from the school community and will be a lasting source of inspiration for students, staff, and visitors for years to come.