Perpich National Art Honor Society Members Volunteer at Sonnesyn Elementary

March 14, 2025

On March 11, six students involved in Perpich’s National Art Honor Society (NAHS) volunteered at Sonnesyn Elementary, a local school in the Robbinsdale School District. They were there to assist in Sonnesyn’s Elementary art night, “Sonnesyn Spectacular: Art, Music, and More”.

Perpich’s National Art Honor Society students volunteered at Sonnesyn Elementary for their art night

Samantha Mellum, the Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) President from Sonnesyn Elementary, had reached out to Perpich for assistance with the community event. After discussing the event with Principal Rebecca Bullen, the opportunity was offered to members of the NAHS. Jamie Davis (Visual Arts 2026), Samantha Holt (Visual Arts 2026), Lylah Largent (Visual Arts 2026), Amelia Mattson (Visual Arts 2026), Ajay Nicholas (Visual Arts 2026), and Elspeth O’Brien (Visual Arts 2026) participated.

The students assisted in three arts activities:

• Art Start-sponsored station: Making a magnet house out of recycled materials
• Maple Grove Art Center-sponsored station: Creating “flying art”
• Crayola Modeling Magic station: Using markers to dye white clay and create little sculptures

“I enjoyed volunteering at Sonnesyn Elementary’s art event,” said Ajay Nicholas. “Seeing so many young students bond with each other and their parents at the various art stations was fulfilling. I had fun teaching students how to create flying art and I am excited for future opportunities to volunteer with Sonnesyn again!”

Lylah Largent said, “It was fun to help lead the kids through the activities! It was cool to see the creativity they had, all making such different things.”

Jamie Davis said, “It was a super fun and fulfilling experience, and was a great event to kick off Perpich’s NAHS.”

Perpich’s National Art Honor Society students volunteered at Sonnesyn Elementary for their art night

“I had an incredible time working with Sonnesyn Elementary,” said Samantha Holt. “Working with children was such a rewarding experience and it was really fun interacting with the community in such a positive way!”

After the event, Samantha Mellum sent a note saying, “I wanted to take a moment to express how much of a pleasure it was to work with your students during our art night last evening. They were incredibly helpful, respectful, and truly demonstrated a passion for creating art. We are so thankful for their support, which helped make the night run smoothly.”

Rebecca Bullen, Arts High School Principal, was pleased with the experience for the students. “This was an amazing opportunity for a few of our National Art Honor Society members to showcase their passion for the arts, work with young people, and connect through creative play. This is the start of a great relationship with Sonnesyn and I am excited for what will come!”

Sonnesyn Elementary provides a comprehensive, responsive education for K-5 students. Sonnesyn’s Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) sponsors many lively events such as BINGO, School Dance, Carnival, and more.

The National Art Honor Society (NAHS) is an American honor society for high school students. It was established in 1978 by the National Art Education Association (NAEA) to recognize outstanding accomplishments in the visual arts by students in grades 9 to 12. The NAEA also supports a National Junior Art Honor Society for students in grades 6 to 8. Perpich’s chapter of NAHS started in 2024.