Westview News & Highlights

Sometimes the best additions to a school aren't planned. They're created by the students themselves.

When renovations to Westview's original 1900 Building added a new wall to the Harris Library, the space felt incomplete beside the library's beloved hand-painted mural. Rather than leave the wall blank, Dr. Koch saw an opportunity to invite students to help write the next chapter of Westview's story.

A group of high school art students accepted the challenge.

A Blank Wall Becomes an Opportunity

During the school year, students teamed up with Westview art teacher Ms. Kaylee Bond and instructional assistant Jyra Pringle to create a new mural. Their goal was to honor the library's original artwork and also reflect today’s Westview. From the first sketches to the final touches, the project encouraged our students to work together to turn their ideas into reality.

"You could tell they were really excited to share ideas," Jyra said. "This was a long project, and they maintained interest. The students really took ownership of it."

One of the student artists was James, who helped design and paint the mural. Some of his favorite memories came from experimenting with different painting techniques. Asked what he enjoyed most, he didn't hesitate. "The fish," he said. "Because we got to use stamps."

From Sketches to Brushstrokes

Before the students dipped their brushes and painted their first stroke, they gathered all their ideas and met with Dr. Koch for design approval. After thoughtful discussion and some minor tweaks, the project got the green light, and the once-empty wall slowly came to life.

While the original Harris Library mural features a rainforest-inspired theme, the student artists also wanted the new mural to reflect today's Westview. Jyra suggested incorporating Wiley the Wildcat to connect the artwork to the school's identity. Sebastian, one of the student artists, had the idea of placing Wiley in the tree. 

To create a version that felt welcoming in the Lower School library, the art team used AI to help develop a friendlier interpretation of Westview's mascot before Ms. Kaylee created the final sketch for students to paint.

A Lasting Tribute

For Jyra, what made the mural different from other classroom projects was that it wasn't temporary. "It was long-term and permanent," she said. "It's something the students can share with the community."

For James, knowing the mural will remain in the Harris Library long after he graduates is one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.

During the final weeks of the project, the mural took on even greater meaning. Following the unexpected passing of beloved Middle School Instructional Assistant Ms. Joy, the student artists chose to include a subtle tribute in her honor. The small addition serves as a reminder of the kindness, encouragement, and care she brought to her time at Westview.

Today, the mural feels like it has always belonged in the Harris Library. It complements the original artwork while reflecting the creativity of today's Westview students.

For the first group of high school artists to contribute a permanent work of art to campus, the project became more than an assignment. It gave them the opportunity to preserve a special part of Westview's history while leaving their own mark on a place they call home.