The National Art Honors Society (NAHS) is working on a project to paint a vibrant mural in the girls’ volleyball team’s locker room, transforming a bland space into a celebration of team spirit and Viking pride. The mural project began shortly after spring break and has engaged a dedicated group of student artists eager to make their mark. The mural aims to celebrate the volleyball team while fostering a sense of unity and motivation.
The volleyball head coach, Abby Guy, reached out to Kaitlyn Frost, the art department teacher, earlier this spring, asking whether the NAHS could help add creativity and energy to the locker room’s stark white walls.
“The wall feels a bit bland right when you walk in, so I believe providing a mural will uplift the team,” Frost said.
Students submitted individual design proposals, and the final concept, selected by the coach, features the school’s colors of gold and blue to symbolize school pride and team spirit. The mural will occupy a significant portion of the locker room wall, making it a focal point for the athletes. Since the design choice was made NAHS members have gathered every Wednesday after school, pouring their creativity and effort into the mural.
Hyrum Grinder (10) enjoys being in NAHS because he can use his artistic talents outside of art class. He believes the mural will encourage team spirit in the girl’s volleyball team.
“It is for team spirit; it makes the team seem more unified and connected,” Grinder said.
The mural is not just about beautifying the locker room, it also carries a deeper purpose. This aspiration reflects the broader mission of the NAHS, which aims to create meaningful connections within the school community. The mural’s impact extends beyond the volleyball team’s immediate community. By creating a space that inspires athletes, the NAHS hopes to foster a culture of encouragement and teamwork throughout the school. The mural will be presented before the volleyball season begins, allowing players to enjoy the new environment as they prepare for their games.
Pierce Lake (12) articulated the sentiment shared among the students.
“A goal for this mural, in my opinion, is to help inspire or motivate the girls’ volleyball team,” Lake said. “I’m hoping that with this mural, we can inspire other groups, teams, or students in the school through art.”
As the mural progresses, the students are honing their painting skills and developing a sense of ownership and pride in their work. With Kaitlyn Frost guiding them through techniques and color choices, the students have taken the lead in executing the design. NAHS is a club that aims to create a community for all artists through creative projects. In addition to the mural, the club has designed aprons for pottery students, created Viking spirit shirts for spirit week and made holiday decorations for school hallways.
Ava Felafel (12) emphasizes the camaraderie and creative freedom that NAHS provides. For many members, the club is a platform to forge friendships while engaging in artistic endeavors.
“I enjoy creating and designing t-shirts and other designs. Overall, the club is amazing for people who love art,” Felafel said.
As the NAHS students continue their work on the mural, they are not just painting a wall but building a legacy of teamwork, creativity and school spirit. With each stroke of paint, they transform the locker room into a vibrant space that embodies the heart of Spartan High’s volleyball program. The mural stands as a testament to the power of art to inspire and unite, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who enters.
Frost encourages other students to consider joining NAHS next year.
“If any other students want to be a part of the mural painting action next year, they just need to look out for the email about how to apply for NAHS,” Frost said.
