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High school senior proposes historic mural for Oak Grove; board offers edits and support
Summary
Ava Marie Johnson, an Oak Grove High senior and Girl Scout Gold Award candidate, asked the board to approve a community mural she has been fundraising to fund; she said she has $15,000 saved, is working with professional muralists and the historical society, and expects to start in spring weather. The board signaled support and asked for edits to include school history elements.
Ava Marie Johnson, a senior at Oak Grove High, presented a plan to paint a large historic mural on district property as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project. Johnson told the board she has about $15,000 in savings earmarked for the project, has been fundraising, and will not ask the district to pay for the mural. She said professional muralists Isaac and Rodrigo will mentor the work and that the design is intended as an educational timeline highlighting Native American presence, early settlers, railroad history, local figures and agricultural themes.
Johnson asked the board for feedback on the sketch and invited suggestions for including school-related imagery; multiple board members recommended incorporating the school’s history and mascot (panther) elements and suggested a QR code or digital pamphlet so classes can use the mural as a local-history learning tool. Staff noted the project must be durable and protected against graffiti (Johnson said much of her fund would cover a clear protective coat).
Board members and staff discussed possible locations and visibility, and suggested Johnson submit a revised sketch that incorporates several school-related elements; the board offered to review edits at a future meeting or via a special session so the project can proceed in spring weather if the contractors’ schedule allows. Johnson said she aims to have the mural executed in good painting weather (spring) and will work with the mentors to coordinate a site visit and estimate before finalizing the design.
What happens next: Johnson will collect suggested edits, coordinate a site visit with the muralists, and submit a revised design for board review; staff indicated they could facilitate a special meeting or an email‑vote for a prompt decision if needed.
