MRS Gold funds used to paint murals we need


Take a look around this school. You see some bricks. You see some cement. A few trees. But there is really nothing aesthetically pleasing about the MVHS campus. Especially near the cluster of buildings that we call the Academic Court.

Interestingly, that pretty much sums up our whole school in one word: academic. But weíre changing that. Leadership Club Commission is now moving to use MRS Gold funds, money used to beautify the school, to create murals on the A, B and C Buildings. These additions will give our campus a much-needed makeover.

It’s true, obviously so, that our school is known for our academics. So itís unfortunate that sometimes, the extra things in life pass us by: mainly, beauty and art. Often, there is a great profusion of science fairs while art galleries take the backseat. Students hear about standardized testing and math competitions each day, but drama productions come and go without fanfare. But it’s important that we realize that life isnít all about being left-brained. And these new murals might just remind us of that.

Without them, we have a dull-looking school that really doesn’t show the world the complexity that MVHS is capable of. The last time we used funds to paint a mural was in the early 80s. And pretty much everyone has forgotten about it. Remember those murals of the matador on the gym wall facing the Rally Court? Now that the chance has come again, we should be jumping to put some more color into this school.

Now, some might argue, what about our education? Why don’t we use the money for something that would actually help us instead of a painting on a wall? MRS Gold funds are reserves ASB gives to clubs for the sole purpose of school beautification; they literally can’t be used for other purposes. But even if this wasnít the case, what we need to realize is that not everything in this school has to do with academics. Yes, it’s important to learn, but it’s also important to have a nice environment to learn in.

We are forgetting about the benefits of a little art. Encouraging art education, especially in a school when education is so highly esteemed, helps improve cognitive development. It allows us to think outside the box, and understand complex concepts with ease.

Besides, who wants to study in a place that looks about as eye-catching as a dull old penny? We will feel the motivation to come here, even if it is just until the novelty of the murals wear off. It will remind us that our school buildings donít have to be just for learning. They can be a blank canvas for us to show off our more artistic side. Or they could allow for therapeutic release from the many stress factors at MVHS. What else is art therapy for?

Even if you don’t believe that, at least acknowledge the fact that we will have at least made some kind of lasting impression on this school. Every class always does the same typical things for themselves. We host proms, we host fundraisers, we create everything we can to help ourselves in the years that we are here. But now, instead of  fleeting events,  we are creating something today that will stay for tomorrow. And that is something we should strive to do more often. Making something permanent means that years from now, if we ever decide to come back to this campus we can feel proud of doing more for this school than just passing a few tests.

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