Two students at Palmer Ridge High School are leaving a lasting legacy at their school. Each created a mural that transformed a plain, ordinary wall into a meaningful work of art. “Anytime our school can look more beautiful thanks to student artwork, we’re going to say, ‘yes,’ to that,” said Dr. Adam Frank, Principal.
Their masterpieces were commemorated during separate ribbon cutting ceremonies on March 12.
Mural Supports Student-Athlete Mental Wellness
The first mural celebrated was designed by senior Lauren Russo, and adorns a wall outside of the gym above the trophy case. Lauren, a student and Girls on the Ridge athlete, created the concept for the 12-by-24 foot mural, which features a variety of girls’ and boys’ sports, along with encouraging and inspirational words for athletes and students. The mural also includes a QR code for viewers to easily access mental health resources.
“I lost someone in my family to mental health, and I joined the Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Teen Board. Being a part of the Teen Board has helped me learn how almost everyone is affected by mental health,” Lauren shared. “Being part of the Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Teen Board, we are asked to create an impactful project at our schools. I decided to go big and go grand.”
Creative Consortium, a custom sign company, generously donated $5,000 for materials and installation, and Girls on the Ridge contributed $1,000 to make the project possible. Girls on the Ridge is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering female athletes at PRHS.
“Lauren is amazing … she has driven every part of this,” said Jennicca Mabe with Girls on the Ridge. “She asked if we could help, and this was Lauren’s vision from the beginning. Dr. Frank and Lance McCorkle, athletic director, have also been super helpful with getting this up.”
Leaving a Legacy for Future Art Students
The second mural dedicated was painted by AP art student and junior, Payton Wurster. The first student-created mural at Palmer Ridge was completed a few years ago by another student-artist, Bella Kappel. “Payton had a vision and an idea, and wanted to be a contributor too,” said Dr. Frank. “I knew she was a talented artist, so it was easy to say we could do something.”
Payton’s artistic concept started with a single bear [the Palmer Ridge High School mascot], but the idea grew quickly. “In the art room, it just feels like everyone is on your side,” said Payton. “I figured I could do [something inspired by the painting] ‘Starry Night’ because it’s in Palmer Ridge colors.” One of Dr. Frank’s favorite details in the mural is the bear that’s holding a paint can.
“One thing about Payton and her art is that she never stops,” said Perri Davis, art teacher. “She just came to me today with a new idea on how to improve and do more work for her portfolio. It’s pretty amazing that a student with a lot of drive can accomplish something so large … I think she did an amazing job.”
