Toppenish Middle School Students Bring School And Community Story To Life Through New Mural (Photo) - 08/21/26
Student-designed artwork celebrates Toppenish, school connection and the City of Museums and Murals
TOPPENISH, Wash. — What better way for students to tell the story of their school and community than through a mural right here in the City of Museums and Murals?
Toppenish Middle School has completed a new 12-panel mural created by Highly Capable and Leadership students as part of a summer learning and campus beautification project. The finished piece now adds another colorful chapter to Toppenish’s tradition of public art while giving students the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the school they call home.
The mural was designed to tell two connected stories. Each letter in “TOPPENISH” highlights something that makes the community unique, while a papel picado banner features programs and opportunities at TMS that help students connect to their learning, their school and one another.
The project was supported through a Community in Schools grant through Educational Service District 105 and led by TMS educators Ms. Baisinger, Mr. Pendlebury and Ms. Lemus. Students spent time developing their artistic skills, creating smaller pieces and working on other school beautification efforts before bringing the larger mural to life.
While the finished artwork is something to celebrate, the learning behind it is just as important. Students explored how art can build belonging, reflect culture and community, and transform shared spaces. They also had opportunities this summer to experience different forms of art and design beyond their own campus, helping inspire the creativity they brought back to Toppenish.
For a community known for the murals that tell its history and stories, the project gives Toppenish students the chance to contribute their own perspective to that tradition.
Toppenish School District invites local media to visit Toppenish Middle School to see the completed mural in person and speak with the students and educators who helped create it about the role art can play in learning, belonging and community identity.
Photos of the mural in progress and the completed artwork have been attached.
