The Lincoln School Centennial Collector’s Print is a rich visual tribute to the enduring legacy of Lincoln School and the African American community of West Plains. This commemorative artwork thoughtfully weaves together symbols, history, and memory to honor a full century of learning, perseverance, and community strength.

Two historic streets—Pony Thomas Street and Abe Taylor Street—form the foundation of the composition. Named after respected African American men in West Plains history, these streets represent the longstanding presence and contributions of Black families whose lives shaped the cultural fabric of the region. In the background, the softly rendered streets of “The Hill” evoke the historic African American neighborhood where generations lived, worshiped, and attended school during the era of segregation.

At the center of the artwork is a portrayal of Ms. Mary Margaret Givehand’s first classroom of students, captured with warmth and authenticity. One young boy stands in a heartfelt salute—a figure of such strength and dignity that his likeness inspired the bronze sculpture I Too Am America in Reflection Plaza. This connection to Langston Hughes’ poem “I, Too” underscores the themes of belonging, resilience, and the unshakeable assertion of one’s rightful place in the American story.

Above the children, the Eastern Bluebird, Missouri’s state bird, sets majestically perched. The bird symbolizes the freedom to learn, to dream, and to rise—freedom that Lincoln School worked to protect and nurture for its students. The schoolhouse itself appears luminous, serving as a beacon of hope, bridging the past to the future and standing as a testament to the community’s determination to preserve its history.

Throughout the artwork, symbolic elements deepen the story. The eight-point star—a powerful Christian symbol—represents regeneration and new beginnings. This meaning reflects the renewed life of Lincoln School as it enters its second century, standing not only as a historical landmark but also as a place of unity, education, and healing. The Missouri hawthorn flower, the state flower, is also prominently included. Its delicate white blossoms honor both the natural heritage of Missouri and the beauty, resilience, and strength of the community that has supported Lincoln School from 1926 to 2026.

In his signature style, artist Charly Palmer intertwines vibrant flowers, historical symbols, and expressive color to honor ancestors while celebrating those who carry the story forward today.

The Lincoln School Centennial Collector’s Print is more than a work of art—it is a visual narrative of faith, memory, and new beginnings. It stands as a tribute to the generations who learned within its walls and as an inspiration for all who continue its legacy into the next century.

With Sincere Gratitude.
Crockett and Tonya Oaks III
Founders – Lincoln School Project