Commentaries from the Ilm Group participants
Kickstarting Creativity: Art Circle Project by Ilmenau's Lindenberg-Gymnasium Seniors
Step aside, blank canvas! The graduating class of 2025 from Ilmenau's Lindenberg-Gymnasium is shaking things up with an artistic rebellion. Titled the Art Circle Project, this creative endeavor fuses artistic talent, team spirit, and sheer dedication, leaving an impressive mark on the school's newly acquired building 1.
The Art Circle Project is more than just a school project—it's a celebration of the seniors' shared journey towards graduation, with the motto "ABI McQueen - Full throttle to the finish!" guiding them to create a vibrant, energetic piece that's reminiscent of the animated film Cars. Spanning around 20 square meters, this whimsical masterpiece has been meticulously designed by Finnja Peppler, with the senior art students and a handful of enthusiastic participants from music and other art courses bringing it to life.
Crafted after school hours and during holidays, over 60 to 100 hours have been poured into the project. The young artists have enjoyed backing from Farben-Schröder, who have supplied additional materials, along with the school caretaker, who lent ladders and a helping hand in organization. And let's not forget the artwork department's paints!
Among the project's standout moments, the self-deprecating license plates adorning the vehicles in the image have won over the participants. Mr. Kaiser, for instance, races in an Audi as "Kaiser on Speed," while Mr. Lippert travels in a VW bus named "Hippi Lippi." The concept car Lincoln Futura makes an appearance, rechristened as "Susannenschein," and Mrs. Knoll speeds away in a beetle titled "Knolli." With room to spare in open image areas, the artists and the entire graduating class have immortalized their names and left their mark on the community project.
Parental concerns about lighting conditions and detailed shading were swiftly squashed by the talented team's creative teamwork and constructive discussions. This stunning artwork is already garnering attention as one of the high-quality final projects, likely to serve as a lasting testament of the seniors' shared Abitur time for years to come.
Field Exploration: Nature Conservation Youth Group Visits Bio-Farm "Ross and Rettich"
Where does our food come from? These curious minds from Ilmenau's Nature Conservation Association youth sought answers. Together with friends, neighbors, and interested parties, they embarked on an educational trip to explore the sustainable agricultural practices at the Risch family's bio-farm in Bucheloh.
From grazing goats and daily milked goats providing cheese to mobile chicken coops and the ridge method of vegetable cultivation using horses, the group was treated to a hands-on farming experience that emphasized the benefits of sustainable agriculture over conventional methods. The children even had the chance to pet a chicken and draw their furrow alongside Herr Risch and his horse.
Organic farming is at the heart of the Risch family's operation, with vegetables like carrots, onions, lettuce, beetroot, celery, leeks, and spinach grown in a soil-friendly manner that protects the environment and benefits local species. Herr Risch, who works as a forest ranger with his pack horses, embodies sustainable farming at its finest.
Sports Competition Test: Goetheschule Students Test Their Strength and Wits
Let the games commence! The Goetheschule students faced off in an exhilarating team competition, testing their strength, agility, and cunning as they navigated tire-carrying races, steep peak climbs, and tricky sports trivia. Organized by Intersport Prediger, Müller Drogerie, and the school's Parent-Teacher Association, this annual competition brought together grades 10, fostering team spirit, problem-solving, and a whole lot of fun.
The students tackled challenges that ranged from carrying each other in a tire to throwing accurately to collect points, responding to sporty riddles, and transporting balls to the target using tight fabric. The competition, initially held in 2016, serves as an exciting culmination of the BLF.
After weeks of grueling preparation, teamwork, and camaraderie, the winners emerged victorious, leaving the Goetheschule community with memories of a thrilling competition and unforgettable camaraderie.
Aiming for Perfection: Goetheschule Girls Compete at Bundesfinale "Jugend trainiert für Olympia"
The thunderous clap of ping-pong balls and the relentless pace of the tournament echoed through the halls of Berlin's sports facilities, as the Goetheschule's girls' under-18 table tennis team proudly represented Thuringia at the Bundesfinale "Jugend trainiert für Olympia."
Having outperformed their rivals from Regelschule Schwarza in the state finals, the girls secured their place as the Thuringian team, competing against the best school teams from across Germany. Finishing third in the group stage, they advanced to the qualification games, only to face a heartbreaking defeat against Schleswig-Holstein.
Regrouping to fight for 13th to 16th place, the girls managed to secure 13th place, a commendable achievement that showcased their resilience under pressure. The team's successful run was made possible by the support of sponsors, the Goetheschule's Parent-Teacher Association, the city works, the University Society - Friends and Supporters Alumni e.V., and private supporters.
As the curtain falls on this remarkable journey, the players can take pride in their hard-earned experience, skills, and memories, as they look forward to new challenges and triumphs.
The creative spirit extends beyond the canvas, as the seniors of Ilmenberg-Gymnasium's Art Circle Project delve into fashion-and-beauty and cars, designing self-deprecating license plates for their animated Cars-inspired artwork. For those seeking knowledge about food-and-drink, the Nature Conservation Youth Group explores sustainable agriculture at the Risch family's bio-farm, showcasing organic farming practices.
In the realm of sports, the Goetheschule students engage in a competition, testing their strength and wits in various physically demanding and intellectual challenges. The school's girls' under-18 table tennis team demonstrates their skills on a larger stage at the Bundesfinale "Jugend trainiert für Olympia", competing against the best school teams from across Germany.
When it comes to education-and-self-development, the Goetheschule community supports their students, ensuring the girls' under-18 table tennis team has the chance to represent Thuringia at the Bundesfinale. Shopping enthusiasts can find unique treasures at the annual shopping fair held in Ilmenau, where merchants offer a diverse array of goods, from home-and-garden items to pet supplies and fashion pieces.
Lastly, the love for pets and travel intertwines as many pet lovers opt to adopt animals from shelters worldwide, providing them with loving homes. For those who wish to embark on new journeys, the city of Ilmenau boasts a rich history and picturesque surroundings, making it an ideal destination for exploration and outdoor activities.
