A tower topped with a farm bell will soon be in place at Lower Elementary School giving a traditional schoolhouse effect to the campus. It will occupy a place of prominence in front of the seven PreK schoolhouses which were added during the early part of this school year housing 125 PreK students.
The bell is given in memory of longtime educator Parks Cadman Porter by his family. He served as Kosciusko High School principal from 1970 until his retirement in 1991 with a total of 38 years in education.
The bell, more than 70 years old, was originally used on the Porter farm located south of Sallis. During recent years, the bell has been in place at the barn located on the grounds of the Porter home in Williamsville.
Mrs. Porter and other family members will participate in the dedication program when the tower is completed and the bell is put in place.
Lower Elementary principal Michelle Nowell said the walls of the bell tower will be covered in bright primary colors corresponding with the schoolhouses. All of the PreK students and Lower staff members have made tiles that will be placed on the walls of the tower. Some of the tiles will mimic those created by the late L.V. Hull, a Kosciusko folk artist. A copper-covered cupola will top the tower. A slate seat will surround the bell tower.
A “great reveal” event and open house is planned when the project is completed, according to Principal Nowell.
