Walking through the doors of Bronx Leadership Academy (BLA) is now more uplifting than ever, thanks to a collaboration between the school’s students, impact artist Marco Santini, and Wayfinder. The New York City school's entrance is now adorned with vibrant words of inspiration, a testament to its students' creativity and the community’s spirit. Led by Santini and planned during Wayfinder lessons, this project aimed to set a positive tone for those entering campus and build lasting belonging within the school community.
The mural project started with an interactive art assignment. Students were encouraged to express themselves through words and designs. Using colorful markers, they poured their creativity onto paper, adding geometric patterns and personal flair. The purpose was not only to unlock their artistic potential but also to use these words as the foundation for a mural that would soon grace the front doors of their school.
“When you think about your school community, BLA, what are some words or thoughts that come to mind where you have a sense of belonging?” Wayfinder Training Guide Tammie Davis asked the high schoolers. This question guided the students as they brainstormed during their Wayfinder lessons. As students reflected on their school community and what belonging within it meant to them, they chose words that represented values that they believed in, saw embodied in their school, and wanted to put forth to inspire pride and progress for their school and the broader community.
Davis reflects on the project: “Through the Wayfinder lessons, we learned that true community is built on understanding and inclusivity, principles that are vividly reflected in the mural’s vibrant depiction of unity and belonging.”
One student chose to contribute self-respect to the mural, explaining, “If you have self-respect, I feel like everyone can be their own person and like they can be their own leader. And you can have more courage and integrity and [give] more compassion to others.” This sentiment captured the essence of the project: empowering students to embrace their individuality while fostering a community built on respect and kindness.
In part, BLA students and educators saw this project as a way to challenge perceptions of their neighborhood in the South Bronx. “Sometimes without people stepping into the community, they already have thoughts, perceptions, but I believe that having these positive words written on the door, we can proudly say, our students did this,” shared Assistant Principal Tanisha Shields. The mural became a source of pride, a visual declaration of the positive values upheld by the school community.
The mural's impact goes deeper than the school's exterior. “I think the words do impact the community because walking by the school, seeing all the words, this just makes us feel that we're all together in this, and we're all united,” a student reflected. The daily visibility of these words serves as a constant reminder of the values the school embodies, helping students feel connected and motivated to be their best while there.
For many, the mural signifies that the school cares about its students and the school cares about being an integral part of the neighborhood. “It makes me feel like the school cares, you know, it cares about the community. So, the fact that we're entering this school with the idea that the school cares about us probably motivates us to, like, come to school… do our best in the class,” said another BLA student.
“The mural symbolizes how each individual’s unique journey contributes to the larger story of their school community, creating a shared space where everyone feels valued,” said Davis.
A significant driver of the mural project was the agency it could give students over their daily lives at and around the school. “I hope they feel a sense of agency, sense of ownership,” said Wayfinder’s Chief Customer Officer Brandy Arnold.
The words on the mural are the students' own, chosen through careful reflection and envisioning driven by their engagement with Wayfinder. Artist Marco Santini sees the project as empowering students to leave a lasting impact, one that future students will see and be united by. The mural was not just about beautifying the school; it was about creating a lasting culture of positivity and mutual respect.
The collaboration between Bronx Leadership Academy, Santini, and Wayfinder is a powerful example of how art and education can intersect to create meaningful and lasting change. It is an important reminder of each student's potential to inspire and uplift their community. The mural stands as a beacon of hope and positivity, encouraging everyone who walks through those doors to embody the values of self-respect, compassion, integrity, and courage. With this mural, BLA students have left their mark, creating a legacy of belonging and inspiration for years to come.
Let’s focus on creating community + belonging. Click here to download community-building activities for K-12 students.