Students at Warrior Ridge Elementary are embarking on a journey of creativity and individualism in Laura Allen’s art classes.

Having stumbled upon an idea that fascinated her on social media, Allen has students painting a piece of their lives onto a small rock to be kept in front of the school for many years to come.

It’s part of the new rock painting fad to spread positivity and self-worth, and it’s gotten students at Warrior Ridge Elementary excited about leaving their mark.

“I explained to the kids, think about what you want to put on your rock to represent you, because it’s going to be a little piece of you at Warrior Ridge forever,” said Allen.

The project is based upon the children’s book “Only One You” by Linda Kranz. The book is about positive quotes and encouragement.

Students have chosen themes or designs that represent their interests or personalities. Many have painted sports themes or logos of their favorite teams.

Others have done flowers, peace signs or other representations of positivity. Some students have opted for words of inspiration on their rocks, and others have gotten as creative as Pokemon designs.

To this point, the fourth- and fifth-grade classes have completed their rocks and have them displayed in the rock bed in front of the school. Allen is currently working with the kindergarten and first-graders, who are learning art on the simplest level. Many of them are experimenting with mixing colors for their rock designs. 

Up next, the second and third grade will be the final classes to complete their rocks. After a design is complete, Allen puts two layers of a clear coating on them to weatherproof the creations for their placement outside.

She is hopeful all rocks will be completed and on display by December. All told, there will be around 550 rocks, including staff and school board members’ creations as well.

Warrior Ridge Elementary students are decorating rocks for the school's rock garden. Each rock uniquely represents a student. Record photo/ Derrick Forsythe.