By Katie Blair
   “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This well-known quote was basis for the idea of a mural at Long River Middle School (LRMS). JoAnn Moran, an artist, visited the school in order to help them create this piece of art.
Students were asked to create a sketch of an idea that they would like to have put onto the mural. The sketches were supposed to be creative and reflect upon the quote.
   After seeing how well the first mural was progressing, they? decided to create two murals. The second mural was based on the idea that “No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted”.
   After submitting the ideas to Moran she incorporated them along with sketches in order to create a 24 by 8 foot paper separated into panels.
Once the mural sketches were put down on paper every student was given the opportunity to paint a part of the mural.
   “This was a good way to skip some class, but was also a fun thing to do,” said 8th grader Nicole Blair. “I think it will really get our school to think that maybe we can change things and we do not have to wait for other people to start the change.”
   Students really enjoyed the painting of the mural it was a fun thing to do for many students, but subconsciously they were learning as well. Student’s learned that they do matter and they do not have to wait until they become adults, or wait for other adults to help them before they can make a world different.
   During this time, notices were sent out to all of the parents asking them to get involved too. All of the parents were asked if they had any interest in helping paint the mural or set up the art room for the students.
   After the mural was completed and the paint was dry they began putting the divisors together. They decided to put the mural in a place where everyone goes and everyone will look acknowledge it and see the quotes.
   The murals are going to be presented for the community to see in November. This was a not only a fun project for the kids to do, but it got them thinking about the changes they can make in our world and how a little kindness can go a long way.