At Stuart Elementary School, one beloved member of the campus has been quietly cheering on students for years—George, the school’s faithful mascot statue. Though George has seen better days, he’s always stood tall as a symbol of school pride. But recently, time had taken its toll on him. Faded paint, cracks, and wear made it clear: George needed a little help.
That help came in the most unexpected—and heartwarming—way.
This summer, employees from Mars Wrigley volunteered their time as part of their community service hours to help spruce up the school. They painted, cleaned, and helped beautify the campus. But one volunteer noticed something more—George. Worn but still full of character, the mascot caught the eye of someone who saw more than just an old statue. They saw potential.
That employee, Pete Nicodemus (right), took it upon himself to give George the TLC he deserved. With care and craftsmanship, George was patched up, given a fresh coat of paint, and proudly fitted with a brand-new collar bearing his name. Today, he stands gleaming and proud once more—ready to greet students, staff, and families for the new school year.
“It was truly a joy to help bring George back to life,” said Nicodemus, a Cleveland Mars Wrigley employee whose son attended Cleveland High School. “I kept thinking about how many students and families walk past him every day. I wanted them to feel pride in their school and smile when they saw him standing there.”
Pete is no stranger to giving new life to beloved figures. At the Cleveland Mars Wrigley facility, he’s also the one who cares for the iconic red and yellow M&M character statues that greet visitors. He patches them up from time to time, making sure they stay bright, welcoming, and full of personality—just like George.
For Principal Kim Bradford, these acts of kindness meant everything. “I’ve always wanted Stuart to feel like a true community school,” she said. “And this—someone from the community seeing a need and stepping up to help—it’s exactly what that means.”
George’s makeover is more than just a fresh look. It’s a reminder of the power of partnership, pride, and what can happen when people come together to make a difference.
Mars Wrigley employees Gary Wingo (left) and Pete Nicodemus (right) are pictured during a volunteer day at Stuart Elementary School.