We are one, we are family, we are Pointers.

Van Buren High School’s motto is something that can be seen and felt. It is literally written on the walls, serving as the theme of an inspiring new mural in the school’s stairs for all to see.

Designed and painted entirely by students, the mural represents the cultural renaissance taking place on campus in the 2021 school year. The idea began in 2019 after Van Buren High School teachers and administrators attended a conference centering on school culture. The goal was to better understand the importance and value of establishing a positive culture for both students and teachers. 

Staff set to work on incorporating the ideas they learned. They began by seeking input from the student body.

“For the overall school culture to transform at the high school, students must be involved in the decision-making process,” noted assistant principal Kimberly Holman. “Our students expressed the need to develop a building-wide culture where all students have a place to belong, so creating our new motto was the first step in developing this new culture.”

Students were asked to submit design ideas for a mural to highlight the new motto. Administrators and members of the art department selected four designs to be merged into one mural. Students were then asked to pick between two versions of the combined design. After a winner was chosen, student artists worked for two weeks to complete the mural over the commons area staircase. 

Featuring the Pointer dog, the abstract design incorporates various shades of greens in angular patterns throughout the mascot’s form. The motto, “We are ONE, We are FAMILY, We are POINTERS,” is prominently painted in a graffiti style font alongside the mascot. 

In addition to creating the mural, the school also formed a Renaissance Student Leadership group designed to promote the school’s mission. 

“Students must feel they are valued and have a place to belong, which is why the Renaissance Student Leadership group is so vital to our overall school culture initiative at VBHS,” Holman said. 

Paige Hammond, a science teacher in the district, agreed.

“Our newly formed student leadership group has just begun their quest to improve the overall school culture of VBHS. We are hopeful these improvements will bring new energy, school spirit and a sense of belonging to all students on our campus.”

Van Buren High School already has plans to install more student murals throughout the building during the 2021-22 school year. Hammond said she believes the projects will inspire those walking the halls today, as well as future Pointers. 

“The amazing mural is just the beginning of a true collaboration of not only art students and art teachers, but many other student volunteers who have now left their legacy at Van Buren High School,” she said. “This allows students to take ownership of our building and to take pride in such a spectacular accomplishment, which will be there for many years to come.”