Cottondale Elementary receives transformed teacher’s lounge
By: Shelia Mader
Teachers and staff at Cottondale Elementary School are now enjoying a well-deserved retreat, thanks to a recent makeover of their staff lounge sponsored by Envision Credit Union. The transformation is part of Envision’s “Teacher Lounge Makeover Contest,” a special initiative launched earlier this year in advance of Teacher Appreciation Week to give back to educators across North Florida and South Georgia.
Cottondale Elementary was one of five winning schools selected from dozens of heartfelt applications. Envision awarded makeovers to one school in each of its service areas: Leon, Gadsden, Thomas, Decatur, and Jackson counties. In addition to Cottondale Elementary, the winners included Chattahoochee Elementary, John G. Riley Elementary, Jones Wheat Primary, and Thomas County Central High School.
“This lounge makeover is just a small way for us to say thank you for the big impact teachers and school staff make every single day,” said Kelli Walter, Vice President of Community Development at Envision Credit Union. “We hope each of these recipients feel celebrated, appreciated, and at home in their new spaces.”
The makeover at Cottondale Elementary completely reimagined what was once a cluttered, utilitarian workroom. The space now functions as a relaxing and welcoming lounge for teachers to recharge throughout the day. Among the many upgrades were brand-new appliances, including a refrigerator and a high-end microwave with air fryer and convection oven capabilities. A cozy coffee bar was also installed, giving staff a convenient way to enjoy fresh coffee during their breaks.
Comfort was a top priority in the redesign. The lounge now features ample seating, including a table for six and a small loveseat, ideal for both collaboration and quiet moments of relaxation. The design team also took care to repaint the room in a soft, neutral gray tone, brightening the space and creating a calming atmosphere.
The adjacent bathroom was not overlooked—thoroughly cleaned and repainted, it now matches the inviting aesthetic of the main lounge area. Thoughtful decorative touches added the finishing flair, making the room not just functional but truly enjoyable.
The transformation was made possible in part through a partnership with the Florida A&M University (FAMU) School of Architecture & Engineering Technology. Students and faculty worked hand-in-hand with Envision to design each lounge makeover, ensuring the results were both beautiful and tailored to each school’s specific needs.
“We were thrilled to partner with Envision for this project and allow our students to apply their skills to real-world projects that have a meaningful impact,” said Andrew Chin, Dean of the FAMU School of Architecture & Engineering Technology. “It was an incredible opportunity to give back to the community while enhancing learning
through service.”
According to Walter, the Cottondale lounge presented one of the more challenging spaces due to its small size and original condition. But the outcome exceeded expectations. “It was more of a workroom than a lounge, so we really had to start from scratch,” she explained. “Seeing the teachers’ reactions when they walked into the finished room—that made all the hard work worth it.”
Founded by educators, Envision Credit Union remains deeply committed to supporting