The 2nd annual KPR Mug Design Contest took place this March and KPR received an excellent batch of mug design submissions from local 3rd grade teacher Shane Heiman's class. The students found ways to incorporate
the KPR instructions and tied their unique perspective of what Kansas, community connections, and radio looked like to them. While the winner of the KPR Mug Design Contest was Daniele Green, Shane felt the students deserved a mug of their very own. Before the pandemic, Mr. Heiman sent the students' designs out to be printed on mugs in the hopes that he'd have them ready upon students' return from spring break. While they were not able to get together again in the classroom, Shane did not let that stop him from brightening students' days by making home deliveries of all of their designed mugs.
We'd asked Mr. Heiman to reach out to students to hear what their inspiration was for their mugs and got the following responses:
"Just sitting down in a chair holding a mug with a drink in it and watching TV." - Camden
"I was thinking like relaxation like that feeling that you get when you're like aaaaaah yes and that's what I was going for." - EJ
"Hot chocolate design." - Kavion
"Mr. Heiman gave me the idea." - Max
"My inspiration was designing my own building with trees on a sunny day and clouds." - Judah
Learn more about local teacher and KPR sustainer, Shane Heiman.
Grade you teach:
Third Grade at New York Elementary
How many years have you been teaching?:
In May, I'll have completed my 14th year.
What called you to the profession?:
When I was a struggling 5th grader, I had a wonderful teacher who inspired me to work hard and pursue education. From that point on, I knew teaching would not only be my profession, but my passion.
You are a big public radio fan. What drew you to Kansas Public Radio?:
A few friends of mine in Emporia got me hooked on Retro Cocktail Hour about five years ago. From that point on, I've never looked back.
How did you decide to have your students do the KPR Design Contest as a class project?:
I was thrilled to have my 2nd grade students participate last year using Google Slides to create their designs. I moved up to 3rd grade this year with part of my class and one of my students asked if we could participate in the competition again. How could I tell them no?! Also, I think it's a great connection my students can make with their community and state!
KPR Staff was really impressed with the designs your students created both years. Have any of them talked about wanting to become graphic designers now?:
I would not be surprised if I have a few that become interested in graphic design! I've noticed my students creating more 'from scratch' designs utilizing the tools from Google Slides instead of Google searching images. My students have been risk-takers trying out other tools in this app that maybe they would not have tried before.
Will you be submitting again next year?:
I plan on it!
Any last comments you'd like to share?:
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