Palmer Ridge High School recently celebrated the unveiling of two new student-painted murals, marking a colorful addition to campus. Both murals highlight school pride and student creativity.

The murals, revealed during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, were created by students and funded largely through donations. Organizers said Creative Consortium contributed $5,000 and Girls on the Ridge donated $1,000 to help make the projects possible. Most of the painting was completed over summer break.

One mural, located above the gymnasium entrance, was painted by senior Lauren Russo. The sports-themed piece features athletes competing in multiple sports above the Palmer Ridge Bears logo. Inside the letters spelling “Palmer Ridge,” Russo added motivational phrases designed to encourage students before games and competitions. The mural also includes a QR code linking to SupportforSport.org, a mental health resource for student-athletes.

Russo said mental health support is important and “It shouldn’t be something you are afraid to ask for.”

The project was supported by Principal Dr. Frank and athletic director Lance McCorkle, who helped her get it organized. Russo, a member of Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention, is also expected to give a presentation about the mural before prom this year. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, she invited friends to join her in cutting the ribbon.

The second mural, in the hallway near the art classrooms, was painted by junior Payton Wurster. Her work is a recreation of Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” reimagined with several bears woven into the scene. Wurster said she chose the famous painting in part because it already reflected the school’s colors and because she wanted to bring art into a hallway that had remained empty since the school opened.

With help from art teacher Ms. Davis and another recently graduated student, Wurster spent almost 100 hours since summer break started working on the mural. She said the idea began with painting one bear and grew from there, eventually becoming a larger project meant to reflect teamwork. More artwork in a similar style could eventually be added to the art hallway.

Asked what she learned from the experience, Wurster joked, “I learned not to fall off a ladder.”

Both murals now stand as student-led additions to the school, celebrating athletics, art and the impact students can leave on their campus.