What started out as a simple classroom idea has turned into a successful real-world collaboration, thanks to the creativity and leadership of a group of fourth-graders at Lewes Elementary and a partnership with Lewes Oyster House.

Chef Sean Corea, LOH restaurant partner, is student Marlon Wilkinson-Perez’s stepdad. After learning about the business, Marlon noticed the restaurant’s children’s menu was missing something – a mascot.

Once his idea sparked, Marlon asked for permission from his teacher Brandi Townsend and approached his class with an interesting proposal. He explained the restaurant’s local sourcing concept, and launched a mascot design contest among his peers.

The project quickly gained momentum, with students enthusiastically creating and submitting their own designs. The entire process, from concept to submissions, was led and facilitated by Marlon and his classmates. After reviewing the entries, Corea worked with Marlon and his staff to select a winning design and reimagine the children’s menu. The winning concept, “Sammy the Sea Shell and Precious the Pearl,” created by student Ana Morales-Henriquez, will now be featured on the menu and incorporated into the restaurant’s branding.

“The idea for Sammy the Sea Shell and Precious the Pearl came first from the oyster, but then I decided to make them best friends since they belong together,” said Ana. “I feel proud of myself because I never thought I would win, but now I am super excited.”

Marlon said the idea stemmed from his own creativity and desire to involve his classmates. “One night I was thinking of drawing something I haven’t drawn before, and then I thought maybe I should draw something in the sea,” he said. “Then it hit me, the Lewes Oyster House should have a mascot. I knew if I did it without my friends, they would be mad, so I let my class in on it.” Reflecting on the experience, Marlon added, “I do feel proud of myself because everyone got a chance to win, and now everyone is happy.”

Corea praised the students’ efforts and creativity. “All of us at Lewes Oyster House really appreciated the level of creativity in all of the students’ drawings,” he said. “Each character clearly showed the students understood the assignment and connected to our brand. While we could only choose one winner, it was a pleasure to see all of the students’ work, and we are excited to feature Sammy the Sea Shell and Precious the Pearl on our menu.”

Townsend said, “This was a great example of student-driven leadership and putting ideas into action. Marlon took initiative, engaged his classmates and created an authentic learning experience that connected school to the real world.”

The project culminated in a classroom celebration where the winner was announced and students shared in the excitement of seeing their ideas come to life. The new mascot will soon appear on the Lewes Oyster House children’s menu, serving as a lasting reminder of the creativity, collaboration and innovation of these young learners.