Mural program inspires, highlights tradition

When students return to the halls at Meyersdale Area High School (MAHS), in the fall, they will notice some big changes – changes highlighting the traditions enjoyed by generations of Red Raiders. An impressive array of artwork dedicated to our academic, athletic and arts programs will be hung throughout the high school thanks to an unusual community partnership.

This partnership is with the SCI Laurel Highlands Mural Program, and it was made possible through the assistance of Melissa R. Hainsworth, SCI Laurel Highlands superintendent.

“Several years ago, in an effort to make the correctional institutions less stark and bleak and to utilize the talents of incarcerated individuals, they began painting murals within the facility. The murals would be designed and painted in locations of specialized housing or program areas, visiting rooms, the children’s play rooms for visiting, dining halls to include staff dining halls, etc. Over the years it gained more momentum and the incarcerated artists and staff supporting the muralists began to seek areas within the community to share their talents and give back to the community.”

The work of these talented men was so well received, the program began getting requests for fundraisers and their work was featured at the Somerset County Humane Society and other locations in Somerset County. The response to their work inspired the artists to ask to expand their program and Hainsworth asked MAHS if they would be interested in displaying some of their pieces.

“The artists take great pride in their finished products and put a lot of time into researching and designing as well as the actual time spent painting. They are able to paint on a variety of surfaces and try to stretch their creativity with each project producing something that is meaningful and specific for each request.”

SCI Laurel Highlands representatives delivered more than a dozen pieces highlighting our sports teams and the band program just a few weeks ago. The pieces are truly impressive and promise to impress and inspire once they are installed.

MAHS Principal Matt Gombita said this is just the beginning and additional murals will be created in the coming months. “The Meyersdale Area School District is proud to recognize a unique community partnership with SCI Laurel Highlands that has resulted in the creation of custom artwork celebrating the academic, artistic and athletic achievements of Meyersdale students. Inmates at SCI Laurel Highlands volunteered their time and artistic talents to create a series of handcrafted pieces featuring Meyersdale Area School District academic programs, athletic teams, arts programs, and school traditions. The artwork showcases school pride while providing a meaningful opportunity for participants at the correctional institution to contribute positively to the community.”

Thank you, SCI Laurel Highlands Mural Program, for showcasing what makes MAHS so special!