LUGOFF, S.C. — With a vision, some paint, and hard work, one local student's drawing has taken the form of a mural in the halls of Lugoff-Elgin Middle School.
"I never imagined it actually happening, like how cool would it be for me to have my artwork on the wall, but now that it's actually up there I'm like screaming with my excitement on the inside. Like that's my artwork, I did that," says eighth grade student Baya Hardee.
Last year, students were asked to submit a drawing for a mural contest, and Hardee won.
"I wasn't expecting my drawing to get picked," Hardee said. "I was doing it as a fun activity since I didn't have nothing to do and whenever I found out it was picked to be on the wall, I was really excited and went home screaming."
"So, it just had a very nice peaceful tranquil quality, and it did have the leopard in it, which is the school mascot, and so, you know, having something on the wall that represents the school and has the peace and calmness. So, it's always a nice touch to the hallways a chaotic place," Art Teacher Kyrsty Nunley said.
Nunley says she hopes as the students work together to bring the mural to life. It's allowing room for expression.
"It gives them ownership, it gives them pride, a sense of accomplishment something they can look back and have a good experience," Nunley said. "Maybe also see they can do things they didn't think was possible."
Now, Hardee's artwork will live on forever in the halls of Lugoff-Elgin Middle School.
"I feel like it excites me, it makes me happy. It will be there for a long time," Hardee adds.
Students will finish the mural when they return from spring break.