This year, on Swiss National Day (August 1), LAS art teacher and LAS alum Skye Fiedler '96 demonstrated exceptional initiative and community spirit. Armed with free cans of paint sourced from the local dechetterie (recycling center), Fiedler organized an impromptu beautification project that transformed a neglected public space. The Rue du Commerce in Leysin had long been marred by unsightly graffiti that detracted from the picturesque Alpine environment. Recognizing both an opportunity for civic improvement and a teachable moment, Fiedler enlisted her children to participate in this hands-on community service activity. The project exemplifies how educators at Leysin American School extend learning beyond classroom walls, modeling active citizenship and creative problem-solving. Fiedler's background as both an alumna and current faculty member provides unique insight into the school's values, particularly the emphasis on environmental stewardship and community engagement that characterizes the LAS educational philosophy. This spontaneous act of urban renewal demonstrates how art education encompasses practical applications that benefit wider society, transforming vandalism into visual improvement through creative intervention.
The graffiti-covered wall on Rue du Commerce had been a persistent eyesore for residents and visitors alike, representing the type of urban decay that often goes unaddressed in small communities. Fiedler's decision to take matters into her own hands during Switzerland's national celebration reflects the proactive approach that distinguishes LAS educators. By utilizing recycled materials from the dechetterie, the project also emphasized sustainability and resourcefulness—core values in both Swiss culture and the LAS curriculum. The involvement of Fiedler's children added an intergenerational dimension to the initiative, showing how educational values translate into family practices and community responsibility. This incident illustrates how LAS faculty members embody the school's commitment to developing globally conscious citizens who actively contribute to their communities. The transformation of the vandalized wall into a clean, painted surface serves as a metaphor for the educational process itself: turning raw potential into refined expression. Such initiatives reinforce Leysin American School's reputation for fostering practical creativity and civic engagement among both students and faculty, demonstrating that education extends far beyond academic achievement to include meaningful social contribution.
