A magnificent oak tree, with rich brown branches and brilliant pink and orange flowers, transforms the setting for Keri’s Corner, a key element of the Eric Dickerson Learning Center at National CORE’s Residences of Diamond Hill. Lush green leaves and a whimsical blue bird create a space that feels both magical and real.
The reading niche is designed by and named for Keri Dickerson, whose battle to overcome learning challenges helped inspire the area’s inclusion in the Eric Dickerson Learning center, named for her father, the famed NFL running back.
Today, as a thriving freshman at USC, Keri is a living testament to what happens when a child is surrounded by people who never give up on them.
Keri provided a conceptual sketch for the tree-decorated area. Then, Los Angeles artist Amanda Rose trekked to Texas to bring it to life. It’s not just a painting on a wall; it’s an invitation for children to step into worlds beyond their own and to experience the wonder of stories, Amanda said.
“We wanted to create something that would transport children to other places,” she added. “We are making a space where children can be fully themselves and they feel supported.”
The cozy, inviting reading space allows children to engage in distraction-free reading sessions. Reading fosters the development of essential life skills, and studies show that early literacy is key to boosting cognitive thinking and shaping future academic success.
Amanda brought the space to life over five days, transforming a once-blank wall into a breathtaking 8-foot-tall tree that embraces the corner.
“My family’s support and belief in me convinced me I could succeed,” Keri said. “That’s what Keri’s Corner is all about. I want every child who walks into this space to know they are capable of anything, that their struggles don’t define them and that they have everything they need to achieve their dreams.”