Emerson Project to Benefit All Westerville Elementary Schools

9/21/2012

Artist Anthony Jacobs on the steps of Emerson.

On March 19, 1896, the Vine Street School in Westerville opened its doors to students for the very first time. In the last 116 years, thousands of pupils have filled the halls of this beloved building, now known as Emerson World Cultures Magnet School. Many return to see it every year. Among the most memorable features are the two faces on the front of the facility – a boy and a girl carved in stone. They are the Eternal Children of Emerson.

Susan Chioran, a school psychologist, first proposed that these masterpieces should be shared. She joined forces with another benefactor to work with local artist Anthony Jacobs, who created casts of the relief sculptures. These castings are now available to the public. Proceeds will be dedicated to the new Westerville Elementary Boosters (WEB) organization. WEB is committed to supporting elementary academic programs and schools within the district. Emerson Principal Vicki Jarrell said, "It seems very appropriate that this project, which will benefit kids across our district, should originate from the building that started it all in Westerville. There is a special place in the hearts of many for the Vine Street School...now they can have a part of her history for their very own." Interested individuals can order the sculptures online at

www.everypenny.com/WCSOH/emerson/eternalchildren.