What's been the impact of this effort to restore the traditional presence of our First President's portrait in the nation's schools? How do the portraits seem to have inspired students and sparked interest in history? This page provides an opportunity for schools to answer these questions for themselves!
The following is only a very small sampling of the many gracious letters of thanks recently sent to Mount Vernon from schools that have received their free George Washington portraits. We would like to express our gratitude to these schools for taking the time to send us their notes and photos, which have helped sustain our effort to continue this free portrait program for as long as possible. Please keep them coming!
“We would like to thank you for the breathtaking portrait of President George Washington! We were amazed by the quality of the canvas and the framing. You have certainly given our school, and the other schools involved in the project, something of great value. We look forward to using the Celebration Kit in the years to come as we seek to teach our students about the character and courage of President Washington. He was, and still is today, a model of an American patriot.”
~ Oakwood School, Annandale, VA
“We placed the portrait in the library with the flag hanging over it. IT LOOKS GREAT! Everyone can't believe that it was donated…the portrait is really beautiful, much nicer than I had expected. The education kit will be utilized next year – what a great resource!…thank you for making Washington available to us.”
~ Robert Morgan Educational Center, Miami, FL
“The portrait is absolutely gorgeous and we will hang it in a prominent location in our school. The gift is very generous and we appreciate it immensely. Please share our gratitude with those responsible....At [our school], it is important for our students to have knowledge of our country's history and information about George Washington because many of our students are from other countries or are first-generation American citizens. Again, thank you.”
~ Washington Elementary, Allentown, PA
“I would like to thank you for the handsome portrait of George Washington. We have hung it in the Media Center, where it is highly visible the moment one enters the Center, and in fact, where it dominates the room. Each child has certainly noticed the portrait and admired it. The students have been so excited and have begun requesting more information about George and his contemporaries. Again, thank you for sending George Washington to our school!”
~ Kaley Elementary, Orlando, FL
“Students, staff, and community members…were elated to be selected to hang the wonderful portrait of George Washington. It is a welcome addition to our school library. Also, the flag that flew over Mount Vernon and the certificate are great. What a coincidence!!! My fifth and sixth graders are studying the Revolutionary War even as I write this, so the Celebration Kit is just perfect!!...The flag will also be displayed beside the picture and will be used at school board meetings, parent-teacher group meetings, and at other events that usually take place in our wonderful library....Thanks again for choosing our wonderful school!”
~ Alexander Elementary, Alexander, ME
“Thank you for the beautiful portrait of George Washington. It is hanging in our library in a prominent location for all the students to enjoy. Since the students do study George Washington in all the grade levels, they have all recognized and discussed the portrait. This has helped generate wonderful history discussions.”
~ Marshall Elementary School, Manassas, VA
“I would like to say thank you for the wonderful portrait of President George Washington. Many of our students stop to look at it from time to time and it adds some character to our library. It really has helped in getting our students more motivated about United States history.”
~ Walled Lake Elementary, Walled Lake, MI
“We received the portrait on Wednesday of last week, and you are right, it is fabulous. We decided to put it in the front hallway of the school where everyone will have a chance to look at it. We are all very excited about our new and only portrait of George Washington. Thank you so much for sending it to us.”
~ Herff Elementary School, San Antonio, TX
“[Our school] was so pleased to receive the wonderful portrait of George Washington already framed and ready to hang! All the students noticed it after it was hung up, and even the Pre-K students knew who it was. It is a great addition to our school and library. Thank you.”
~ Cresaptown Elementary, Cresaptown, MD
“On behalf of our principal and our school, I want to thank you for the portrait of George Washington....All our students use the library weekly and will see this portrait and be reminded about what is best about good leadership and strong personal values.”
~ Sun Valley School, San Rafael, CA
“I want to thank you sincerely for sending us the beautiful portrait of George Washington. My students were excited when I first showed him off. Nowadays, schools do not hang these remarkable portraits as they used to. George Washington is up on my classroom wall right in the center of my American history exhibit....Thank you again.”
~ Silver Star Center, Orange County Public Schools, Orlando, FL
“Thank you for the recent materials that you sent.... Rembrandt Peale's portrait of Washington will have an honored place in our school's hallway. We are excited that [our school] was included in the venture, and we will do our best to use the materials responsibly.... We wish you continued success as you work hard to preserve the heritage and prestige of this great man to whom all of us are indebted for the freedoms we enjoy today.”
~ Burlington Day School, Burlington, NC
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude for your generous donation to our school....I know that [this free portrait project] is only a small part of your work, yet your commitment to helping schools across the nation teach students to understand and honor the Father of Our Country is sincerely appreciated. It is remarkable that these gifts are entirely funded through donations, ticket sales, and other private, non-profit funds. Thanks again for your generous support of public schools.”
~ Lake Pend Oreille School District, Sandpoint, ID
“I was amazed at how beautiful the portrait is: The second grade children told their teacher that it looks like he is ‘watching’ them. Thank you again for the generous donation.”
~ West Elementary, New Philadelphia, OH
“Thank you so much for the lovely painting of George Washington. We have it hanging in our Media Center, where every student and staff member comes and goes. Everyone comments on how beautiful the picture is. Thanks again.”
~ Lakeville Elementary, Apopka, FL
“The flag was presented to [our] students at a Student of the Month assembly, and they were excited to learn of its history. Attached is a photo of Brittan’s Leadership Class and our Superintendent standing with the beautiful portrait you so graciously sent to us. The portrait hangs in our library for all students to enjoy. It will be a wonderful teaching tool for the curious minds of the young children who will pass through here in the coming years. Thank you so much.”
~ Brittan School, Sutter, CA
“We just received our beautiful full size replica of Rembrandt Peale's portrait of George Washington. It is really fantastic and we certainly appreciate the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association for sending it to us. It will hang in a very prominent place in our school....Please express my appreciation to the association for this wonderful gift to the children.”
~ Lowes Island Elementary, Sterling, VA
“I just wanted you to know the framed image of George Washington arrived today and it far surpasses our expectations. We will hang it proudly in our main foyer.”
~ Washington Elementary School, Belvidere, IL
“Thank you for the beautiful full-size replica of Rembrandt Peale's famous ‘porthole’ portrait of George Washington. We know that this exquisite portrait will stir our students to learn more about George Washington, the father of our country.”
~ Benton Middle School, Manassas, VA
“Thanks so much for the portrait! It looks wonderful in our school library. Attached is...the article [about the portrait dedication ceremony] and picture that ran in our local newspaper….Thanks also for the flag – it was a great way to cover up and then unveil the portrait at our dedication ceremony. I also developed a handout for guests, plus students read some quotes and stories about Washington.”
~ Southington High School, Southington, CT
“Attached you will find an electronic photo of ‘George’ in our school media center along with the school Geography Bee winner (who read something about him on the morning news) and the school Assistant Principal. He makes a great addition to our campus! Thanks so much.”
~ Avalon Middle School, Orlando, FL
“Please share our thanks to everyone involved in selecting [us] to receive this beautiful portrait. We elected to hang the portrait in our Business Office, which is visited by staff, students, parents, and various community members. And since George Washington is on the dollar bill, we felt it most appropriate! Thanks again….We are very proud!”
~ Topeka High School, Topeka, KS
"Thank you for the wonderful portrait. It has become a welcome piece of art in our Media Center. Since our school is named after another Founding Father, James Madison, it is fitting that the Father of our Country also is honored here…. Again, thanks for the portrait!”
~ James Madison Middle School, Titusville, FL
“Washington Elementary School would like to thank Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens for your wonderful donation. We are very honored to be the namesake of such a great man and his portrait will hang proudly in our front office for everyone to see.”
~ Washington Elementary, Bellflower, CA
“Attached is a photo of George Washington beaming his approval at a staffulty member and two students in the Media Center…. [We] invite you to visit President Washington and the students he’s so obviously encouraging any time you are in the area. We have many good things going on here and thank you for adding Mr. Washington’s portrait to our school.”
~ Ocoee High School, Ocoee, FL
“We would like to thank you for the George Washington Celebration Kit along with the portrait. Materials have already been used, and the portrait is currently being displayed in our high school media center.... Attached is a photo of the portrait along with students from my Street Law class who are now studying a document created in Washington’s time — the Constitution! Thanks again!”
~ New York Mills High School, New York Mills, MN
“I am sending the picture of our eighth-grade Civics class dedicating the portrait we received. I really appreciate the opportunity to add the picture to our library. Until we received the picture, we had no portraits of President Washington.”
~ Hinckley-Big Rock Middle School, Big Rock, IL
“Thank you so much for the opportunity to teach our students more about George Washington.”
~ Goodview Elementary, Winona, MN
Return to Main Portrait Page
