Over the past several years, the Mural Class at Brooklyn High School has displayed the talented artistry of students while enhancing the overall school environment through an array of murals around the building. The latest mural adorns the school cafeteria and pays tribute to the proud legacy of achievement in the Brooklyn City Schools. Working in collaboration with Superintendent Caleris, the students prominently incorporated the district’s tagline of Tradition. Pride. Excellence, which overlay images that embody the district’s rich history of accomplishments in the arts, athletics, and academics. Members of the Mural class which includes Catalina Beavers, Ankita Monger, Ra'mya Fleming, Virgil Paletta, Ava Bayura, and Jackie Rodriguez, had free range with finalizing the overall design. The students used a digital projector to get the initial drawing onto the wall and worked as a team on different parts of the mural at the same time.

The experience of creating an impressive mural will be one that the students will not soon forget. “Helping design this mural was such a fun experience and opportunity,” shared Ava. “I've made so many new friends because of this project and I couldn't be happier!”

Forming friendships was a common theme as Ankita expressed pride about “accomplishing my second big mural and creating connections with others throughout the process,” while Jackie shared that  “I liked working with everybody and I think painting was really fun! I would definitely do this again!” Virgil affirmed this sentiment, stating “I really enjoyed getting to know Ankita and Jackie,” while Cat emphasized that “I enjoyed strengthening new friendships. Painting this mural allowed me to try a new form of artistic experience and I'm grateful I was given the opportunity to participate in it.”

BHS art instructor Chris Kaspar had high praise for the students’ efforts, stating that "When the students agree to painting a large mural, it takes a strong level of commitment. It is a difficult thing to dedicate months and months to accomplishing a task such as this. I believe that these murals have a positive impact on the school environment. The students take great pride in this mural, and I am extremely proud of the work this group has accomplished." 

Thanks to their shared sense of collaboration and commitment to their artistic craft, the BHS Mural Class has left a visual legacy that will serve as a source of inspiration for future generations of Brooklyn Hurricanes.