By Carl Holcomb
Moorefield Examiner
Cougars pride has been revitalized at the football field by East Hardy High School sophomore student-athlete Jaedyn Funk with a special painting update leading to the gridiron.
“I think it’s important to have a well-maintained area where the school’s sports will take place and to be able to show them that area and appreciate how it looks. I noticed at events that the old paws were starting to fade and needed to be touched up, so I asked if I could use my abilities to brighten them back up,” East Hardy sophomore Jaedyn Funk commented.
Funk took the initiative to give the East Hardy football field spirit walk a refreshing new look as the paw prints have been given a brighter shine towards victory.
“It means a lot to me, and not just because I got to go up there and repaint the Cougar paws, but because I was able to get out and show people what I can really do with my art skills. I have learned that it is important to take pride in your area and to help in the community when I can,” Funk stated.
After the retouch, the Cougars’ paws are more vibrant.
Funk’s love for art was encouraged by East Hardy Early Elementary School art teacher Michelle Holstein.
Artwork is an outlet of tranquility and passion for Funk, who prepares pieces for festivals in the region.
Funk is currently designing pieces for the Wardensville Fall Festival and the Mountain Color Art Show in Richwood, where she has been named the featured artist of the show.
Funk has become a local art celebrity with a special piece created for the ShenArts Council and is hanging in the Old Town Walking Mall in Winchester, Va.
Funk desires turn her passion of artistic work into a career in the future.
“I first found passion for art when I was about eight years old, not so much from just drawing and coloring on paper. My previous art teacher (Ms. Holstein) always believed in me and was able to show me that I could be pretty good at art if I just took the time for it,” Funk noted.
Funk’s passion for art has brought the pride of the Cougars to life.
