2025 staff picks: Artist Lilada Gee unveils her mural artwork at Lapham Elementary School, 55 years after attending kindergarten there

We’re looking back at some of our favorite stories from 2025. This story from back in May is one of A. David Dahmer’s favorites.

Some childhood school memories just stay with you for the rest of your life. Beloved Madison artist and community leader Lilada Gee had the opportunity to return to her alma mater — 55 years later — to read to Lapham Elementary School students for Read Your Heart Out Day and to be part of a special assembly for the unveiling of four of her art pieces that will soon be installed at Lapham. It was a fun time capturing Lilada’s memories of early ’70s Madison and the beginning of her lifelong journey in Wisconsin.

—Dave

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