Students at Holy Trinity Catholic High School have taken what used to be an eyesore and turned it into an sight for inspiration.
Teens for Change is a social justice group for students who want to make an impact within the school and in the community.
After discovering writing on buildings around the track, Teens for Change Advisor Meredith MacNeill, says students saw an opportunity to beautify their space.
“We wanted it to be eye catching and we wanted it to be a general statement not just targeting our students but also something that could remind the community that they too can be something or do something that can impact others and make our world and our community a little bit better.”
Once approval was received for the buildings, students teamed up with a graffiti artist from Calgary to create a design that symbolized the school and community.
MacNeill says once the buildings were complete, she knew the sea can needed to be added to the beautification project. Local artist Liam Renner was chosen to work with the students to complete the sea can.
“Be the Change is on the front side that faces our school, but when you’re actually on the track or football field side of it, it says Holy Trinity and then our school hashtags.”
She adds that other schools could take inspiration from the project.
“We’re hoping that if other schools see our sea can and see how such a simple project actually changes the entire look of the parking lot, that it could grow and more schools will catch on and do the same.”
Now that the beautification is complete, Teens for Change is working on “We Scare Hunger”. They’ve been collecting food donations at school, and will trick or treat in Timberlea to collect more on Halloween.
Come November, they’ll be hosting a Coffee House featuring performers from all four high schools in the area. Admission for the coffee house is by clothing donation.
Find information about Teens for Change and their upcoming events and projects on their Facebook page.
