Student artists at Papillion La Vista High School are adding vibrant, personalized touches to their school environment through an ambitious summer mural project. A dedicated group of Monarchs has been working diligently to complete two large-scale murals—one in the Fine Arts wing and another in the World Languages hallway—before students return for the new school year.

The project represents a thoughtful collaboration between student creativity and educational purpose. Last spring, the participating artists engaged directly with teachers whose classrooms are located near each mural site to develop meaningful and representative concepts. This collaborative approach ensured that the artwork would reflect the specific academic areas while maintaining personal significance for the school community. Students spent time developing detailed sketches and determining necessary supplies, allowing them to arrive this summer with comprehensive plans ready for execution.

Each mural incorporates unique elements that celebrate the school's identity and community. The Fine Arts wing mural features the musical notes of the school's fight song, while the World Languages hallway artwork showcases flags representing both the languages taught in classes and those spoken throughout the diverse Monarch school community. "Not many people get to do this. I think it's really fun that we get to personalize the school and add our own little touch, make it colorful," shared Amy Dickamore, an 11th-grade participant in the project.

The current installations represent just the beginning of a broader artistic initiative at PLHS. Additional murals are planned for later in the school year, creating ongoing opportunities for student expression and school beautification. The project demonstrates the district's commitment to fostering student creativity while creating more engaging and welcoming learning environments. A special recognition for Principal Ryan and the PLHS art teachers for initiating this innovative project that allows student artistic vision to flourish within the educational setting.