REAL Exclusive Magazine

Neal Communities Sponsors Art Contest At Bashaw Elementary School.

As part of Neal Communities’ ongoing efforts to support local schools, the company once again sponsored its “My Favorite Home” art contest. Bradenton, Florida’s Bashaw Elementary School was the site of this year’s contest. All 671 students participated in the challenge to create a picture of their dream home. A winner from each grade was chosen by a group of independent judges. This is the tenth year that the Lakewood Ranch-based home builder has donated funds for art supplies to area schools and organized this event in which one of the winning designs will be used on the Neal Communities’ 2009 Holiday Greeting Card.

To introduce the project, art teacher Rose Stock asked the students, “If I gave you $2 million dollars to create your dream house, what would it look like? The children then selected shapes, picked colors, designed the doors and windows and applied details such as shingles on roofs, flowers, people and even animals.”

“I’m so impressed with the quality of the work,” says Neal Communities’ President Pat Neal. “We value the relationship with our public schools as vital components of our community.”

Manatee School Board Superintendent Tim McGonegal, who was one of the judges, commended Neal Communities for its partnership with schools. “It is so good that we have maintained our arts programs here in the County,” he said. “The arts provide balance for students and serve as an ‘attractor’ for many. They complement academics.”

In the end, however, there was only one winner per class. The winners included: Jessie Zhuo, kindergarten; Khashaunti Hall, 1st grade; Logan Mason, 2nd grade; Trinity Miller, 3rd grade; Kyle Kennedy, 4th grade; and Bernaldo Maxime, 5th grade.

Bashaw Elementary was chosen because it is the school serving River Sound, Neal Communities’ newest neighborhood. The gated community, which opened in February 2009 has already sold 90 new homes and is 50% sold out. With a community pool, play area, nature trail, two dog parks and proximity to top-rated schools and amenities it is attractive to families with children of all ages.

Photo Left to Right:
Back row: John Neal, Charlene Neal, Pat Neal
Front row: Kyle Kennedy, Trinity Miller, Logan Mason, Jessie Zhuo, Bernaldo Maxime