Students resurrect a Michigan town that now boasts a new Finnish line.
But three years ago, art teacher Deborah Crandell and Cynthia Asiala, now a retired Spanish teacher, seized upon a way to revitalize the town. They designed an award-winning service learning class at neighboring Brethren High School that's transforming Kaleva into a tourist destination. They get to see their town improving, and the kids are proud of their work. With permission from the village council and township board, students brightened the park with benches, birdhouses, and a Finnish flag. Flowers were added with the help of a local landscaper and a garden club found through the Internet.