Business and educational partnerships demonstrate a community’s investment in the leaders of tomorrow.
The students of Whiteside Elementary in Belleville recently created more than 680 Valentines as part of Project Cupid. The valentines were distributed to residents at local nursing homes. S. M. Wilson, currently working with the district as the construction manager at risk, donated the art supplies for the valentines to the school.
“Schools operate with limited budgets, and teachers often go above and beyond to make lessons engaging using the resources available to them. Many teachers even spend their own money to add fun and creativity to their lessons,” said Heather Kypta, the school nurse at Whiteside Elementary.
“When businesses invest in schools, it creates additional educational opportunities for children. Additionally, when adults volunteer their time, it enhances children’s social and emotional well-being.”
Whiteside Elementary was one of many schools in the St. Louis metropolitan area that participated in this year’s Project Cupid. Before February 14, volunteers sorted and delivered thousands of handmade Valentines.
“Our company saw an opportunity to assist one of our community partners in this special endeavor. Greg Williams, one of our Directors of Client Development, had the pleasure of going to Whiteside with the art supplies and participating in the creation of the cards,” said Amanda Bohnert, Chief Marketing Officer at S. M. Wilson.
“When clients hire S. M. Wilson, they hire more than just a construction manager for a project. We want them to understand that they are hiring a partner now and in the future. Our team members go Beyond The Build to assist with community initiatives whenever we can. Our goal is always to positively impact the communities where we work.”
Kypta said S. M. Wilson initially contacted Whiteside Elementary to express a desire to donate supplies to assist in participating in Project Cupid.
“I talked with our art teacher, Mrs. Taylor, and asked her to create a list of items that she thought would be useful in making cards. She compiled an Amazon wishlist, and S. M.. Wilson truly exceeded our expectations by donating even more than what was listed. While Project Cupid would have still been successful without this generous donation, the extra art supplies added more fun and allowed for more decorative cards,” Kypta said. “The highlight of the project was when Mr. Greg Williams came in to make Valentine’s cards with our first and second-grade students. Everyone enjoyed having him in their weekly art class!”
S. M. Wilson is currently working as the construction manager at risk for the Whiteside School District #115, focusing on the expansion and renovation of its existing school facilities. The project includes a new classroom wing for the district’s pre-kindergarten and early childhood education and the construction of additional storage facilities. Whiteside Elementary will also receive security enhancements, a new playground and reconfiguration of the parking lot and drive lanes to improve traffic flow and safety.
The importance of community engagement and initiatives cannot be overstated. They are essential for building strong, resilient, and vibrant communities. By fostering trust, empowering residents, and promoting sustainable development, these efforts contribute significantly to the overall well-being and prosperity of neighborhoods.
“Engaging communities in meaningful ways ensures that everyone has a voice in shaping the future of their environment, leading to more equitable and thriving societies,” Williams said. “These efforts empower and create a sense of belonging and shared responsibility.”
Kypta said that every day, the teachers and staff at Whiteside Elementary work to instill positive character traits in their students. “Project Cupid presented a wonderful opportunity to support a cause that goes beyond our school community. We are extremely grateful to S.M. Wilson for partnering with us in this initiative.”
Community initiatives and business partnerships are vital components of successful construction projects. S. M. Wilson & Co. has worked tirelessly and consistently to demonstrate a commitment through its projects, emphasizing transparency, inclusivity, and active participation from local communities.
For additional information about how S. M. Wilson & Co. can be your construction partner, contact Amanda Bohnert at amanda.bohnert@smwilson.com.
As a trusted partner, the company has built its reputation for 100+ years as a design/build, construction management and general contracting firm. Always putting people first, our company is committed to adding significant value and building client partnerships. S. M. Wilson enriches lives by creating spaces to live, work, heal, learn and play. Our expertise is in many specialty markets, primarily education, commercial, municipal, healthcare, industrial and retail. S. M. Wilson continues transforming landscapes and communities throughout the country, especially in the Midwest. For more information, go to smwilson.com.