by Amanda Molinari, Senior
After months of hard work, students and staff from Council Rock High School South have completed another beautiful mural in honor of its 10-year anniversary. The beautiful artwork displayed in front of the school’s cafeteria is called “Solid Roots, Branching Out to the Future.”
The 13-foot-long 6-foot-high mosaic consists of hundreds of tiles forming the branches of a tree and is complete with famous pictures of meaningful moments throughout South’s 10 years.
Art teachers, Mrs. Taylor, Ms. Kroberger and Madame Kohl French teacher and leader of this project, presented the concept in July 2012, but the project wasn’t finished until late December.
In order to raise enough money for such a big piece, students in the Art department and French Honor Society worked at Fall Festival, conducted bake sales, and even held a car wash despite the cold fall weather. Donations were most appreciated.
Nick Hesson, Claire Chu, Grace Chu, Tim Averianov, and Eric Gasper played key roles in creating the mosaic. These students stayed for hours after school, along with extra time on weekends, to complete the mural by its December deadline.
Along with 250 other students, as well as family members and staff, these students helped to shape and design the diptych. Up to three generations were said to take part in the monument.
This creation was far from easy. Each piece of tile was broken and puzzled together onto a wooden frame to form the branches of a tree. Students who broke the tiles were required to wear goggles to ensure their safety. Other students helped mix the grout and place the tiles accordingly.
The first tiles were placed by Principal Funk, and ninth grade Principal Cassidy.
Nick Hesson made leaves by hand out of clay to fit around the branches. Sisters, Claire and Grace Chu, hand cut and placed every blade of grass at the bottom of the mosaic. Each piece had to be handled with care and was then grouted to the wooden base.
Grouting was done on the last Saturday with a lot of hand finishing and shining to enhance each piece of tile.
To frame the mural South staff hand-selected black pebbles and placed them to perfection. When the time came to hang the diptych, CR South engineer secured the two very heavy panels on the wall.
Madame Kohl claims “South had a story to tell” and this was their way of doing so. The mural includes over 30 square tiles with pictures capturing South’s greatest moments.
Some of these memories include sports prodigies, art programs, volunteer work, sciences and mathematics, world languages, new technologies, teachers inspiring students, prom, graduation, industrial arts, pep rallies, musical groups, the theatre company, and more!
Staff and students were brought together to celebrate their school and created a masterpiece that will live on forever.
“Solid roots, to recall our past; branching out, looking forward to the future.”
Another job well done, South.
