Superintendent Hepburn draws a picture in Keena Rodriguez’s art class. {David Volz}
The newly renovated art room at Lyons Creek Middle School is a dream come true for Keena Rodriguez, the art teacher.
“I have more storage space, the floors are now slip-proof, so I don’t have to worry about students falling, and I have new tables that are easy to clean,” said Rodriguez.
On Wednesday, she participated in the celebration and ribbon cutting at Lyons Creek in Coconut Creek for renovating the art and music rooms.
The project cost $6.3 million, and it included roof replacements and improvements to the building’s exterior. According to school information, the music and art rooms received new furniture, paintings, new carpet, new ceiling tiles, and lighting replacement.
Ribbon cutting at Lyons Creek. {David Volz}
To kick off the fun, Rodriguez conducted a drawing lesson with some of her students, and Broward Public Schools superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn sat down at a desk and drew a picture.
Then the school and community leaders moved to the music room and received a performance from some of the school’s top musicians. After the ribbon cutting, they listened to the school’s advanced band.
Art, music, and other activities are critical to maintaining students’ interest, and the improved rooms will improve the morale of the Lyons Creek community, according to school board member chair Debra Hixon.
“Students want to come to school to be part of art, music, and drama programs more than traditional academics. I am thrilled to be here, and it is good to see such beautiful spaces,” said Hixon.
Joan Ramirez, member of the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), Elida
Velez, PTSA president, Dr. Howard Hepburn, Principial Leena Itty, Nancy Fry,
PTSA, and Dr. Jermaine Fleming, North Regional Superintendent. {David Volz}
Art and music can improve student mental health, according to Hepburn. “I love to paint, and it can help me after a hard day. I want to see ribbon cuttings like this, and I want to see more fine arts programs in the schools,” said Hepburn.
Principal Leena Itty thanked the community for supporting the school and said the renovations will encourage the students to achieve even higher levels of success. “We have a great music and art program here, and we have many high-level academic programs at Lyons Creek,” she said.
Most of the Coconut Creek Commission attended the ribbon cutting, and Commissioner John Brodie said he is proud of Lyons Creek and hopes to see more support for city schools.
Got News in Coconut Creek? Send it Here. Don’t Miss reading NW Broward County’s #1 News Sites: Parkland Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, Coral Springs Talk, Margate Talk, Tamarac Talk, and Sunrise FL Talk.
Author Profile
Related
NewsMay 11, 2025Coconut Creek Approves Small Cut to Community Shuttle Funding in New County Agreement
NewsMay 11, 2025Monarch High’s Top Seniors Excel with Perfect GPAs and Bright Futures Ahead
SchoolsMay 9, 2025Monarch Wind Ensemble Wins Earns Superior Ratings at State Competition
EventsMay 9, 2025PHOTOS: Sprouts Holds Grand Opening of Coconut Creek Location