Warren County Public Schools officially opens ‘JJ the Jaguar’ at Natcher Elementary

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -An installation designed to enrich elementary school students is officially open at a Warren County school.

Warren County Public Schools held a ribbon-cutting Friday morning to introduce the opening of a new installation – JJ the Jaguar.

In the backwoods of William H. Natcher Elementary, hundreds of young cubs made their way downstream, descending upon the giant that has appeared in the area.

Matt Thornhill, principal of Natcher Elementary School, says, “I wanted to take a moment and do a big group ribbon cutting with everybody as we officially declare this space a natural elementary outdoor classroom space for you to enjoy for years to come.”

The jaguar was inspired by the principal’s family trip to Burnheim Arboretum when he saw the forest giants created by an artist using recycled materials.

Thornhill said while hiking there, he had the vision of a giant on the natural property of Natcher Elementary, where the jaguar is the school mascot.

It was a labor of love and community.

Thornhill said volunteers helped bring the idea to life, including several parents, student groups and more.

Thornhill said we’re in the technology age but don’t want to forget our roots, having an outdoor time, especially for kids.

“Being outside, learning in a space in nature, I think is very important to me,” Thornhill said. “And I wanted to give them an opportunity where they could come enjoy the outside environment with a sculpture that’s pretty cool. And then, you know, read a book, you know, just enjoy nature, have some conversations away from technology. So it just gives them an opportunity to be encouraged to kind of step away and unplug as, as the saying goes, and just have a space that’s safe for people to come together and and just enjoy nature.”