Churchill County Librarian Carol Lloyd shows the bags that will be handed out for the “Why You Matter” program.
After a successful campaign during late 2019 and extending into 2020, a Churchill County High School art teacher is continuing a program that recognizes each person’s contributions to the community.
Jaime Shafer began the “Why You Matter” program in 2019 to allow people to play an important part in recognizing their role in the school and community. Shafer also reached out to other groups when the project initially started.
“Why You Matter” is national campaign that has included many communities. Shafer had spent months eliciting comments, and now she is seeking more. has been soliciting comments. After hearing about the program at a National Art Education Association conference, Shafer said the Lahontan Valley would benefit from the program. felt the program needed to be implemented on the Lahontan Valley.
“I am continuing with the Why You Matter project this year,” she said. “It was a rough start but things have picked up.”
Shafer said the program is distributing small 6 x 6 inch canvas flags to the schools and community.
“We invite participants to be creative and promote positivity by drawing, painting or writing a positive message on the flags,” she pointed out. “We hope to display the flags in the community starting sometime in March.”
More than 1,500 flags have been handed out to schools and community members. Shafer said community members who want to participate may request a flag kit at the Churchill County Library. Each kit contains two markers, a flag and an instruction sheet.
Librarian Carol Lloyd said the markers and flags may be picked up at the Churchill County Library and should be returned to the library drop box in the bag that was provided. To gain access to the library, visitors must call 775-423-7581 and press option 2 for the front desk.
The national program first began at a Massachusetts high school. Shafer said each individual has an important part to play in the schools and community. In addition to seeking youngsters and high school students, she has also reached out to other groups.
Posters of individuals telling how they made a difference were displayed at the library before the coronavirus pandemic closed the facility’s doors in late March last year.
