A newly designed paper bin with a shark motif has found a place in the office of Hockenheim Mayor Matthias Beck after catching his attention during a prevention project week at Theodor-Heuss-Realschule at the end of April. The red bin, created by seventh-grade student Erdon Vuniçi, was originally part of a school project focused on prevention topics. Beck said the design fit well in his office, where a child’s drawing of a whale already hangs, continuing the maritime theme.
During the project week, students across different grade levels worked on a range of age-appropriate issues. School principal Marion Marker-Schrotz said the classes discussed topics including addiction prevention, bullying, fears and personal safety. The initiative was intended to address sensitive subjects in a way suited to each age group and to strengthen awareness within the school community.
To mark the handover of the artwork, Vuniçi and Marker-Schrotz visited Hockenheim’s town hall together. Beck thanked the student for the creative piece and presented him with a “Rennstadtkarte,” a local voucher that can be redeemed at many shops in Hockenheim. The mayor used the occasion to underline the importance of cooperation between the city administration and local schools, saying creative projects like the prevention week help promote a stronger sense of community in schools.
The student appeared proud to see his work displayed in the mayor’s office. The event highlighted how school projects can connect education, prevention and civic recognition, while also giving young people a visible role in public life.
The city administration described the moment with a playful caption: the shark “eats waste” in the most literal sense, referring to the paper bin now standing in the mayor’s office. The photo accompanying the report shows Beck together with student Erdon Vuniçi, SBKS department head Linda Hoti and principal Marker-Schrotz.
The project week at Theodor-Heuss-Realschule took place at the end of April and was part of broader efforts to address social and emotional challenges faced by students. By turning a practical classroom object into a personalized artwork, the student’s contribution became a symbol of the school’s prevention work and of the city’s appreciation for youth creativity.
The paper bin now serves not only as an office accessory but also as a reminder of the connection between schools and local government in Hockenheim. For Beck, it is also a fitting addition to a workspace already marked by child-created maritime art.
