Michele K. Sommer

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Former Wheeling Country Day School student Michele K. Sommer and her students’ are published in the Harvard Educational Review. Congratulations to alumna Michele Sommer whose article, “The Cream Does Not Always Rise: The Plight of Visual-Spatial Learners and the Power of Art Education” was selected for publication in the Harvard Educational Review. Hers was selected from 450 entries from five continents considered for inclusion and was the only one in 20 years featuring art. Check out the full article here about Sommer and her great achievement. In the Harvard Educational Review article she notes the inspiration she gained from her art teacher during her time at Wheeling Country Day School. Here is an excerpt, “Her article noted her lack of confidence in middle school, and the feeling when she received an award for a drawing with a note from Wheeling Country Day School art teacher Debbie Kiester. In part, Kiester wrote, ‘Your incredible artistic talent is a gift to be nurtured and cherished.” According to Sommer, “My art teacher saved my life that day. The knowledge that I had a valuable skill that I could share with others set me on the path to my bright future.” Thank you, Michelle, for demonstrating the power of encouragement and education in young lives and for the wonderful “shout out” to WCDS! We are proud of you!

You can read the full article on The Intelligencer website at this link. Full Story.