Co-Creating Welcoming Spaces: How Orrington 5th Graders Left Their Mark

At Orrington Elementary, the fifth grade class of 2025 didn’t just walk out the door —they left a legacy.

With support from Foundation 65, Assistant Principal Sarah Yoo led a project that empowered students to design and paint a mural for the school’s entryway. What began as an idea to engage the whole community in co-creating a welcoming space became a powerful student-led experience that sparked creativity, collaboration, and pride.

“Foundation 65 gave us the tools and resources to turn student ideas into a lasting, meaningful impact on our school community.”
– Sarah Yoo, Assistant Principal

Designed by Students, for the School

Every Orrington student submitted drawings representing what the school meant to them. A diverse group of 5th graders reviewed the designs, voted on their favorites, and sketched out a new vision—combining the top ideas into a unified, repeating pattern. They picked the colors, approved the final layout, and painted the mural themselves, supported by staff and guided by their peers.

The group even added a special board where every 5th grader could sign their name—ensuring everyone had a part in the final product.

A Lasting Gift and a Powerful Message

The mural now hangs at the front of the school, a vibrant welcome created by students who spent six years walking those halls. More than just art, it’s a message to future students: You belong here. Your voice matters. You can make a difference.

“I liked that we got to paint a mural that’s going in the school for people to see—and that we got to decide what went on it. (Also, the garlic knots.)”
—Nora, 5th grade student

Centering Voice, Identity, and Leadership

This project was intentionally inclusive. Students from all backgrounds were welcomed into the process during lunch, removing barriers like transportation or after-school scheduling. The equity lens extended to how the work was shared too: every 5th grader signed the board, whether they helped paint or not.

SEL outcomes were clear. Students built confidence, practiced leadership, and found joy in creating something bigger than themselves. As one student shared:

“I liked eating lunch with friends while making art for school.”

Looking Ahead

The success of this project has sparked an idea: what if every 5th grade class left a final gift? A mural. A garden. A sculpture. Something that celebrates their time and gives back to the school.

At Foundation 65, we’re proud to support creative, student-centered projects like this one—projects that foster belonging, empower young leaders, and transform everyday spaces into something extraordinary.