Glenelg HS Student Mural Reflects Diversity and Inclusion

May 15th, 2024

When Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) liaison Kamesha Milton looked at the blank wall of her office at Glenelg High School (GHS), she saw an opportunity. She began reaching out to students, asking if they were interested in contributing artwork to liven up the space. GHS senior, BSAP member, and Graphic Design Academy student Juliana Thornton jumped at the chance.

Milton’s requirements for a design were broad, Thornton says. “She wanted something related to inclusivity that would also bring elements of the outside indoors. Beyond that, she gave me a lot of wiggle room to explore and experiment with different ideas.”

Thornton set to work developing design concepts, which she presented to Milton.

“We ping ponged ideas and tested different things out until we settled on something we both felt really good about,” Thornton notes.

Where Thornton and Milton landed—a mural featuring a diverse group of hikers in the mountains—was exactly what Milton had hoped for.

“The stunning mural holds tremendous significance for the Glenelg High School community, particularly in our quest for enhanced belonging … It serves as a powerful symbol of acknowledgment and representation. It is a visual declaration that every student matters and that their perspectives contribute to the vibrant mosaic of Glenelg High School,” Milton says.

“To me, the mural shows that while we are all different, we are going on this journey of life together. We need to be kind to each other and help each other along the way,” adds Thornton.

The mural also represents an important personal accomplishment for Thornton, who has been studying graphic design at HCPSS’ Applications and Research Lab and interning with HCPSS Print Services.

“I started with a totally blank document and was involved in every step of the process, including printing the graphic and installing it at GHS,” Thornton says.

In addition to her work on the GHS mural, Thornton has been actively involved in producing wall graphics, window graphics, signs, stickers banners and posters for schools across the county. Working closely with HCPSS Print Production Assistant James McLean on school visits, she has met with school staff and administrators to discuss design ideas, take measurements, and, in McLean’s words, “look for areas of opportunity.” From there, she has helped McLean print design items, prep them for installation, and install them in schools. In the process, she has learned a mix of design, production and installation skills, including how to use a large format printer, printing software, production tools and various methods for creating signs and graphics.

“It’s been such a great experience working with James and the other members of the print shop team. They have taught me so much and enabled me to put what I’ve learned in the classroom into practice,” Thornton notes.

McLean, too, has valued Thornton’s presence in the print shop.

“I have enjoyed working with Juliana immensely. She was very independent and eager to assist with any project that needed attention. Her enthusiasm was infectious to the rest of the team and she was a great help. There were several projects where she went on independent installs, saving me valuable time and allowing us to cover more schools,” McLean says.

Ultimately, Thornton says, her work with HCPSS’ print shop is helping to bring life to HCPSS schools.

“In making it possible for kids to see themselves on the walls, we’re letting them know that they are seen and valued. And we’re communicating that we value diversity, and that all are welcome in our schools.”

Thornton will attend Salisbury University in the fall and plans to major in graphic design.