We've painted a lot of murals over the years (about 560 to date) and they are all unique in their own way... but every once in a while we have one that really stands out.
As we prepared the wall for our mural project and got the paints in order out we noticed bicyclists quickly approaching. A sea of maroon and gold apparel and smiles singaling their readiness to help out. These USC student athletes ranging from track & field, swimming, diving, basketball and softball showed their colors and what truly good 'kids' are all about. Volunteering their time on a Saturday to assist with a mural located only a mile from campus.
They quickly teamed up with the Vermont Ave. Elementary students and made them feel important. There was no hesitation, it was natural, like a big brother or big sister.
Our goal was to complete a nutrition theme mural with fruits and veggies to beautify the cafeteria on Vermont's campus. We accomplished that and then some! The athletes took time out to start up an impromptu football game as the OCS crew dialed in on getting things ready for the next wave of USC participants.
After the football match we sat down for a pep talk from the USC kids. They told their ages, where the were from, what their sport and majors were and offered some good advice to the younger students about taying in school, eating healthy and having a positive attitude.
We were treated to a great lunch that Vermont Ave. principal Ms. DeBerry coordinated with one of her students parents who owns a local restaurant.
After finishing the mural - which turned out great - we walked the school's hallways where we watched parents placing photographs of our day's efforts on the inside walls for everyone to see.
This was a project that orchestrated itself better than I ever could. It was a beautiful thing to watch and a joy to be a part of. Thanks USC - you're awesome - let's do this again soon!!!
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