MV’s Student Council continues its efforts to add beauty and depth to the school after its recent installation of a Roman Harrison mural in the gym lobby.
The mural is created from charcoal on paper and was created by Harrison himself in 2021, winning the Principal’s Award.
“Roman was gracious in donating the artwork entitled “Stride” to MV, and I was thrilled to finally have it installed in the gym lobby. Spectators to Ram events and students and staff will be able to enjoy it for years to come,” stated co-advisor Dr. Jamey VanZandt.
“I love how the Culture Committee has been able to entwine traditions from the old campus to the new campus,” said co-advisor Mrs. Melanie Andrews.
One of the most notable pieces the committee has created is the “When I Lift You Up” sculpture outside of G wing.
The piece was created as a part of a program called “Art in the City” in the 2000s and this program is why there is a sculpture in front of every District 80 school.
Originally located at Cedarhurst, the piece was donated to the high school and first installed at the old campus, in 2002, it entered into more of a public eye with it being on the outside of the school in 2022.
“I believe the culture committee has been extremely successful in recent years, adding many new pieces to the school that make the halls of MVTHS even better than before,” stated Peyton Julius, ‘24.
“I love seeing the sculpture in a prominent location for all to enjoy. It’s kind of interesting, I was there for the first dedication at the old campus, and I’m here for the second. I love the historical B building walkway around it as well,” commented VanZandt.
On the opposite side of the fence, a mural outside of public view, other than those inside of MV, is the F lobby painted walls.
The walls were painted by Charu Jain in 2020 and are a common part of the MV school day.
“I believe the murals in F lobby are noticed by not only me but many students at MV. I do not think F lobby would look nearly the same without them, they are a common part of MVTHS,” said Julius.
The committee is responsible for many items across MV to give the school more of an identity, and they are constantly looking for more opportunities to brighten the hallways.
“The Culture Committee has several goals set for the next three to five years, including additional murals, signage, and even wraps for the entrances and doorways, plus a couple of surprises,” stated VanZandt.
“The culture committee has many plans for upcoming years and will continue to grow and have new ideas as the year goes on. As of right now, we are working on adding more murals to the halls of our school to increase school spirit and culture inside MVTHS,” added Julius.
