By Jeanne Brownfield, Marshall STEMM Academy Instructional Coach
Last year, Marshall STEMM Academy underwent a transformation. With new leadership, the addition of Manufacturing to our STEMM identity,and a new mascot designed by our 6th graders, we wanted our building to have a fresh new look. More importantly, we wanted our students to walk through the doors and feel like they were a part of the community and that the school truly represented who they are.
That is when we reached out to Lorenzo Flores, the Art Director of the Sofia Quintero Center and one of our valued community partners.We asked Lorenzo if he would possibly help us beautify our building by providing murals that represent Marshall STEMM Academy. He immediately agreed to help.
We shared our ideas with him about what it means to be a student at Marshall STEMM Academy. We talked about our students, our community, our STEMM identity, and the things that make Marshall special. Lorenzo took all of those ideas and turned them into something that was even more beautiful than we could have imagined.
He designed and painted an incredible mural for our school and also painted our new Warrior mascot, revealing it to the public for the very first time.
Now, when you walk into Marshall STEMM Academy, the first thing you see is our Warrior mascot proudly displayed on the wall. When you turn the corner, you are greeted by a beautiful, inclusive mural that tells the story of who we are as a school.
For our students, this is more than just artwork on a wall. It is a reflection of them and their community. It gives our building a sense of identity and pride and helps students see that their school is a place where they belong.
We are so grateful to have community partnerships like the one we have with the Sofia Quintero Center, and we are especially grateful for people like Lorenzo who are willing to give their time and talents to make their community a better place.
Our principal, Shani Mixon, shared, “Lorenzo’s artful skills have created a masterpiece that will be with Marshall for years to come. The murals share our unique and impactful story. He’s done an amazing job.”
As a STEMM school, we are always looking for ways to collaborate with our community and connect our students with people and organizations who are willing to invest in them. This partnership was a big win for Marshall STEMM Academy.
Lorenzo did not just help us paint a wall. He helped us create a space that tells our story, celebrates our students, and reflects the community we are proud to be a part of.
We are so thankful to Lorenzo Flores and the Sofia Quintero Center for believing in Marshall STEMM Academy, believing in our students, and helping us make our school a place where every student can see a little bit of themselves.