MERF in Motion: Fall Updates, Field Trips, and a New Face in Fine Arts

Things have been full steam ahead at MERF! From planning fall programming and writing grants to coordinating Senior Lunches and overseeing the restoration of the MERF House, we’ve been busy behind the scenes. We’re so grateful to all the helping hands who keep this mission running strong.

A special thank-you goes out to the volunteers at The Groundhog — your dedication to sharing our community’s stories is a gift. And to our wonderful board of directors, thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Planning and coordinating aren’t easy tasks, but with a strong team, it really does feel like a well-oiled machine.

This season, we were thrilled to award funding to three amazing teachers at Valley Head School, helping make upcoming experiential learning opportunities a reality. MERF presented checks to support fall field trips, including a visit to the pumpkin patch for younger students, travel for two students to attend the FAA Convention in Indianapolis, and a trip to Space Camp. We’re proud to help bring these experiences to life, because it’s a big world out there, and our students deserve the chance to explore it. These kinds of opportunities inspire creativity, build confidence, and help kids dream big.

We’re also delighted to welcome Sherryl Lewis of Henagar as the new art teacher at Valley Head School. Sherryl brings years of experience working with children of all ages and has a heart for helping students grow through creative learning in the world of music and art. She’s already working alongside teachers to help build a strong, supportive culture at the school. With grandchildren at VHS, Sherryl is especially excited to be part of this chapter in their lives.

Her vision is to create a fun, welcoming space where students not only make art but also take ownership of their learning and feel empowered through creativity. From hands-on projects to daily classroom rhythms, she’s eager to help students make lasting memories and develop confidence through the arts.

At MERF, we’re proud to continue our mission of supporting students in fine arts education. Whether it’s through a sticky art project, musical exploration, or an off-campus experience, we’re committed to giving students the chance to discover the joy and growth that creative learning can bring.

Please consider supporting our students by volunteering or donating. You can learn more about what we do — and how you can help — by visiting merfhouse.org.