The Superpower of Self-Belief
July 2, 2026
From Recycled Materials to Remarkable Art: Springer Students Bring Denver the Turtle to Life
This spring and summer, a group of Springer students took on a creative challenge unlike any other: building a larger-than-life-size sculpture of Denver, Newport Aquarium’s well-known loggerhead sea turtle, entirely from hard-to-recycle materials.
At Springer, we know our students are phenomenal in the arts. Art gives them the opportunity to communicate ideas, solve problems, take creative risks, and share their unique perspectives with the world. This project gave them the chance to do all of that on an incredible scale.
Commissioned by Newport Aquarium, Springer students across the Lower, Middle, and High School worked on the sculpture during a series of after-school sessions, transforming over 140 pounds of discarded materials into a detailed piece of art. Guided by Springer’s art teacher and several adult volunteers, students explored the creative process from early planning and problem-solving to construction and finishing touches.
Our students looked at recycled materials and imagined something entirely new. They experimented with shapes, textures, colors, and materials while considering how everyday objects could be repurposed in imaginative ways. The sculpture is comprised of materials like wire baskets, egg cartons, cans and bottles, pool noodles, CDs, fabrics, toys, and lids. Along the way, students practiced collaboration, flexible thinking, perseverance, and attention to detail. They listened to one another, shared ideas, and divided responsibilities. They encouraged their classmates and worked together toward a common goal. And the result is truly remarkable.
“The coolest thing about this project is the creativity and vision we’ve had together to bring the turtle to life using trash... everyone has worked together.”
- Orion, Springer Lower School Student
After months of hard work, the sculpture of Denver was officially revealed during a public unveiling and celebration at Newport Aquarium on July 8th. Students, families, Springer faculty and staff, aquarium representatives, and members of the community gathered to see the completed sculpture for the first time. The finished sculpture is approximately the size of a small car. A commemorative plaque recognizes the Springer students whose creativity, teamwork, and dedication helped bring the project to life.
For the students who participated, the unveiling was an opportunity to step back and appreciate everything they had accomplished together. What began as a collection of recycled materials has become a large-scale piece of public art, and a lasting example of what can happen when creativity, community, and environmental responsibility come together.
“[The sculpture] started as sketches and piles of old bottles and CDs and stuff, and now it’s something people will stop to look at. It’s a pretty great feeling.”
-Springer High School Student
The sculpture will remain on display at Newport Aquarium throughout the summer, where visitors can enjoy Denver’s recycled-material counterpart and learn about the Springer students who created it.
Springer is grateful to Newport Aquarium for inviting our students to be part of this meaningful collaboration, to the Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub and to the Springer community for donating hard-to-recycle materials, and to the teachers, volunteers, families, and supporters who helped make this project possible.
We are incredibly proud of our student artists and excited for thousands of aquarium visitors to experience their creativity.
Springer students' sculpture of Denver the loggerhead sea turtle will be on display in the lobby of Newport Aquarium until August 30. Stop by and visit him any time during Aquarium hours!
