For the past two decades, Wilton special education paraprofessional Skip Ploss has walked the halls of Miller-Driscoll School, frequently passing a colorful display of artwork created by students there in 1996.

He is now making it his mission to find the student-artists. A placard next to the art display credits the work to the students in Mrs. Susie Reed‘s second grade class from that year, which was then part of the Miller School (before the 2010 merger with Driscoll School). Today, the students would likely be about 36 years old, give or take a year.

“I’m on a mission to connect these 2nd graders to their adult selves,” Ploss wrote in a social media post to launch his search.

Ploss told GOOD Morning Wilton why he’s so motivated to track down the 19 students.

“I’ve been walking past that for 20 years, and I’ve always wondered, where are those kids now?” he said. “It’s just how my brain functions. I’m curious about it.”

For Ploss, it’s more than just a curiosity. He hopes to make it a meaningful lesson for today’s elementary students.

“One of the things I’d really like kids at Miller-Driscoll today to know is that someday you’re going to grow up, and someday you will do something else, and you will be a grown-up,” he said.

By connecting with the former students behind the artwork, Ploss’ goal is to bring the names on the placard to life. He hopes they will send him a “life update” and perhaps a current photo and any recollections of their art project or time at the school.

“I just want to make that connection, maybe spark a little bit from them,” he said.

Ploss — who is also a writer, illustrator and self-described history buff — has contemplated the project for years, but is finally taking action. While gathering photos for an orientation video he was working on, something clicked.

“I saw this [artwork] and said, ‘you know what, this year, we’re going to make this happen’,” he said.

Ploss reported that “response has been spectacular” and at least three connections have already been made. He also said that so far, the former students have reacted with amazement and enthusiasm about the project.

Since it includes renderings of Town Hall and what appear to be other local landmarks, Ploss believes the artwork may have been part of a community-themed academic unit. He also believes parents might recall being involved.

Susie Reed retired after 40 years of teaching in Wilton, and later passed away in 2019.

The class list includes:

  • Gardie Ashforth
  • Eirinn Disbrow
  • Jeff Elliott
  • Jacqueline Francis
  • Conner Healy
  • Joey Hoermann, IV
  • Jamie Kay
  • Katelyn Kazi
  • Lizzie Lucas
  • Lizzy Marchi
  • Anthony Martinez
  • Brian McGehee
  • Matthew McCarty
  • Lauren Monaco
  • Meredith O’Keefe
  • David Seamans
  • Alex Stevenson
  • Jay Sullivan
  • Michelle Torski

Ploss can be reached at his Wilton Pubic Schools email address.