Mars Area Elementary School fourth-graders are creating their own versions of the Pittsburgh Pirates Pierogies mascots who provide in-game entertainment at the end of the fifth inning as they run the Great Pittsburgh Pierogi Race

In their art classes, the students shaped their pierogies out of clay, then painted and glazed their artworks, which were fired in the school’s kiln. Using sheets of plastic Shrinky Dink paper, fourth-graders then traced hands and feet matching the style of their pierogi characters.

The students cut out the designs, which were then shrunken and attached via pipe cleaners to their pierogi characters. In their STEAM classes, the student continued the project by using 3D pens to make accessories, such as hats, sunglasses and bags for their pierogies.

The projects will be featured as part of the 2025 Steel City Showcase, to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, at the school. For more information, call (724) 625-3161.