Dedham 375th Coloring Book Draws School Committee's Support

Former Dedham Youth Commission director Tom Clinton painted a picture of Dedham's historic nature at Wednesday's School Committee meeting. 

Apparently, art students did the same. 

Clinton unveiled a coloring book honoring town's 375th anniversary featuring local students' drawings to committee members. 

"We're delighted with this project," Clinton said. "It certainly speaks to the talents of the Dedham schools."

The coloring book features drawings honoring the town's rich history, including the Town of Dedham seal, the Fisher-Whiting House and the . The town honored its 350th anniversary The Dedham 375 Committee will distribute 3,000 copies of the student-made coloring book. 

The coloring book offered students an opportunity to display their artistic skills while learning about the town's past, Clinton said.

"Our whole goal was to involve young people," he said.

Sixteen Dedham High artists shared their creativity with the coloring book efforts: Danielle Bruno, Brianna Dozier, Sarah Edson, Olivia Gullotti, Marianne Hage, Alison Hargis, Tylah Haskell, Karilyn Masters, Tyler McBride, Emily Mosca, Nicole Mount, Nicholas Romig, Michael Sampson, Genesis Santana, Jacqueline Schneider and Brooke Sheehan.

But Dedham High students have shown town pride in other ways.

The School Committee honored students' community service journey to this month's All-America City Awards in Kansas City, Mo., a National Civic League event recognizing communities working together to solve problems and reach goals. Dedham Superintendent of Schools June Doe said she admired the students' volunteer efforts.

"They were superb representatives of the [Dedham] Youth Commission," Doe said. 

Dedham residents in an effort to win the award. The town didn't make the top 10 when the NCL named the award recipients Saturday, but Dedham students' involvement helped make the journey a success.

"Dedham left its mark," Clinton said. "I'm certainly proud." 

The School Committee honored its younger students as well as the group recognized the top New England Mathematics League performers in grades six through eight. 

The NEML challenges students' problem solving skills and methods for each respective grade level. students took the NEML test on June 8.

The School Committee recognized the top test scorers at the gathering. DMS principal Debra Gately said the mathletes rank among the institution's best. 

"These students are certainly bright lights when it comes to math," Gately said.  

Dedham School Committee chairman Kevin Coughlin said it has been a successful school year for students and teachers.

The School Committee will reconvene on July 13, if necessary.