Waverly High School students turn their community into a canvas with unique class

WAVERLY (WBNG) -- Students at Waverly High School are transforming their hometown through art.

Through the school’s “Community Arts Class,” students create handmade murals and various other art pieces to brighten their community,

They have created the “Welcome to Waverly” signs and even turned rundown underpasses into scenic routes.

“It’s a way for them to touch the community through their artwork and for the community to see them and see their involvement,” said Waverly High School Art Teacher Stephanie Mullen.

Students of various skill levels participate in the class.

“I’ve grown up here. I’ve played sports here since I was younger so have my parents,” said senior Payton Fravel. “So, to be able to add something bright to the community and make it look nice, it feels good to be a part of it.”

The students sometimes work long days and under hot temperatures to create the pieces. However, they said the end result is always worth the tiring hours.

“It makes you feel a sense of pride seeing the things you work so hard on be put out in public,” said junior Simaab Tahir.

“It’s really cool to have people see it and appreciate it,” said sophomore Magenna Stanton.

The class began eight years ago, and in its short time, it’s already left a lasting impact.

“The feeling that they get after making [the art], they hold onto that,” said Waverly High School Art Teacher Rebecca Lantz. “We have students that come back and say, ‘Oh! I made that four years ago. It’s still there!”

Officials with the school district said they are excited the students can change their community, one brush stroke at a time.

“Never underestimate that a small group of people can change the world,” said Waverly Central School District Superintendent Eric Knolles. “Our students get to change their little piece of the world whenever they design something or create something.”