Brownwood’s Coggin Elementary has received of a full size replica of Rembrandt Peale’s famous “porthole” portrait of President George Washington.  The portrait was given to the school by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, through the efforts of school counselor Donna Swanger, who visited Mount Vernon last year.

The portrait was unveiled during Coggin’s second annual Patriotic Program in February.  The program included pledges, veteran recognition, poems, songs and anthems to celebrate the freedom and citizenship of the United States of America.

Students made decorations, which filled the auditorium with red, white and blue.  To conclude the program, the fourth graders recited a chant naming all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Obama, as music teacher, Brian Potter, tapped the rhythm on a snare drum.

“One of my dreams for this program was that the Coggin students would understand that many sacrifices have been made to ensure that they have the freedoms that they enjoy today,” said Mrs. Swanger.

The portrait of Washington symbolizes the dedication to citizenship that Coggin Elementary holds so dear, and will be permanently displayed in the school.

Photo Caption:  Coggin students, DiDi Johnson, Jonathon Rouse and Isaac Strickland stand proudly with Mrs. Swanger and their new portrait of Washington donated to the school by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.