Wading River School fifth graders created clay koi fish sculptures by shaping and joining two pinch pots together. They then rolled out a slab of clay and cut out fins, etched scales and gills and added the eyes.

The work was inspired by stories about the legendary fish and how they symbolize strength, perseverance and determination that art teacher Rosemarie Petruzzellis shared with the students.

“We learned that the koi fish swam to the top of a waterfall and turned into a dragon,” student Chris Murray said. “They are known for their courage and help us to know that anything is possible that you believe in.”