Fiction or non-fiction? Now Minisink Valley Elementary Students can quickly decide and find their reading choices thanks to a new wall mural created by high school senior Nicoletta Lombardo.

The non-fiction mural appeals to the K-2 grades served by the school library with colorful illustrations of popular animals, including a penguin riding a dinosaur, birds and butterflies in flight, a fish bowl, and a well-behaved dog.

“We needed more signage in the library to differentiate the fiction from the non-fiction section,” Mrs. McLean said. “I explained to Nikki that I was looking for something attractive to our age group and she ran with it.”

With Lauren Telgheder’s second graders for an audience, and in the presence of school and district officials, Mrs. McLean unveiled Nicoletta’s artistic mural and presented her with a certificate of recognition.

“Nicoletta started at this school, just like you,” school Principal Colleen Fitzgerald said addressing the second grade class. “Now she’s giving back to her school community with her time and creativity, and making a difference.”

Mrs. McLean emphasized the countless hours Nicoletta devoted to the project, on what might be the busiest year of her high school journey. Nicoletta thanked her audience, especially the students. “I’m so glad you could come,” she said.