Tryon Elementary School students were welcomed the first day of school to a new United States map and painting of its basketball and four square court area, thanks to parents and organizations that contributed.

The basketball courts were repainted over the summer as well as a new United States map and four square courts on the slab.

Tryon Elementary School Principal Todd Murphy said the project was spearheaded by Tryon Elementary School parent Kevin Powell and was completed over the summer with the help of his family.

“Words can’t describe how grateful and overwhelmed Tryon Elementary School is with our beautiful new playground map area,” Murphy said. “The project was the idea of Kevin Powell and was completed this summer with the help of his entire family; wife Krystal and kids, Brianna and Brandon. The project was made possible by the contribution of parents and community partners.”

Businesses and individuals who contributed money, time and products for the map project include Penny Insurance, Henson Mulch & More, Village Appraisal Services, the Tryon Daily Bulletin, Kiwanis Club of Tryon, FENCE, Judy and Rick Placak, Edith and David Bond, TD Bank, Partnership for Children, Seasons of Life Home Care, David Blanton and Tryon Mountain Hardware.

Exceptional contributions were made by Williamson’s Paint in Landrum and Mike & Amy Ashworth.

Murphy said students were really excited to return to school this year with the new map project.

“The joy and excitement that our students have felt has been priceless,” Murphy said. “This project is not only for our students, but for our entire community and our future students and families. This project is just another example of just how supportive and exceptional our school and community is and it builds on the legacy that is Tryon.”