Building Legacy and Pride: Valley Elementary’s Mosaic Medallion Project

Thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Poway Community Foundation, the Valley Elementary School PTA brought art, teamwork, and inspiration to life through a remarkable campus beautification project led by the school’s 5th grade class.

With the help of the Rainforest Art Project, students, parents, and teachers came together to design and create a stunning mosaic medallion that now graces the Valley Elementary campus. This vibrant piece of art is more than just decoration—it’s a lasting gift from the students to their school, a symbol of unity and creativity that will inspire generations to come.

Under Rainforest’s expert guidance, students learned every step of the process—from design and layout to cutting and placing each tile. They developed new skills, patience, and pride as they transformed their ideas into something permanent and meaningful.

The mosaic features the school’s tiger logo, surrounded by a softly “foggy” background. The design reflects an important life lesson: sometimes, when the path ahead seems unclear, clarity and confidence will come with time and perseverance.

At the unveiling ceremony, students were asked to imagine the finished mosaic without the pieces each of them had contributed. They immediately understood that without every single tile—without every person’s effort—the artwork would be incomplete. It was a powerful moment that connected art to a deeper message about community, inclusion, and the value of individual contribution.

The project embodies the very spirit of the Poway Community Foundation’s mission—to strengthen community ties, foster creativity, and build pride in the place we call home.

Through this grant, Valley Elementary students learned lessons that extend far beyond the classroom: teamwork, patience, pride, legacy, and the power of working together toward something beautiful and lasting.

The Poway Community Foundation is proud to support the Valley Elementary PTA in helping students leave a lasting mark on their school and community. “Every piece matters, and together, we create something extraordinary.”