Members of Harriton High School’s Art Department recently celebrated the completion of a monumental project months in the making, as they watched their masterpiece—the Unity Mural—installed in the Ram Lobby. This collaborative effort was led by Harriton art students, under the guidance of teachers Honora Jackson and Kate Witman, and professional mural artists Eurhi Jones and David McShane from the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program.

October 16, 2024, marks Unity Day, the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, making it the ideal time to celebrate the mural’s installation and share its powerful message with the community. Sponsored by the National Bullying Prevention Center, Unity Day aims to 'build commUNITY through kindness, acceptance and inclusion to prevent bullying.' The mural’s message aligns seamlessly with this mission, as well as with the District's ongoing inclusivity efforts through the #LMSDBuildingBelonging campaign.

The vibrant, expansive mural reflects Harriton’s commitment to 'building belonging' by bringing together diverse voices to explore themes of identity, growth and interconnectedness. Its presence will serve as a lasting reminder to be kind, accepting and inclusive for years to come!

Beyond the art department, the project involved students and faculty from various disciplines, who collaborated to pen a poem entitled 'I Am From,' a central feature of the mural. The poem delves into themes of origin and diversity, development and transformation, togetherness and unity, reinforcing the values the mural embodies.

Congratulations to all the students and staff who contributed to this beautiful and inspirational project, which stands as a lasting testament to Harriton's commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Check out the slideshow below courtesy of Harriton's National Art Honor Society Instagram account! Follow @harriton_nahs here!

Student Designers: Miranda Clapp, Doris Abdolian, Pearl McShane, Tina Zhang, Eleanor Dawson, Amy Luo, Saige Everett, Ishani Koka, Jillian Dixon, Claire Zangerle, Izzy McGinty

Student Painters: Peal McShane, Maya Ash, Anika Tull, Bobby Siano, Tergel Ankhbayar, Max Edens, Kyla Meany, Saige Everett, Samantha Lefkowitz, Livia Kamplain, Naomi Ku, Anna Fleur, Kori Mayo, Tata Fofana, Troi Parham, Lilly Boles

Teachers: Honora Jackson & Kate Witman

Mural Artists: Eurhi Jones & David McShane

"I Am From" Poem

I am from backyard adventures
experiences beyond my memory
and a room that mirrors my identity.

I am from continents, distinct yet interconnected
the oversoul that transcends constructs.
I am from the love of parents, guardians
mothers, fathers, and friends
the village that taught me how to love and be loved.
I am from the assurance of beauty's embrace
knowing I am more than what they see.

I am from the vast ocean of patience
from the person lingering in the background, hesitant to speak.

I am from the influence of artist
from the spirit of resistance, propelling me from creation to creator.

I am from confined to liberated,
from “I” to “We” that cultivates “Us”.

Together, we comprise a perfection rooted in imperfection
We are the radiance that shines from within

So let US assure you
YOU are beautiful