Be kind: the motto every person learns from a young age. This saying now resonates in the halls of Woodland. Seniors Olivia Giammetti, Stephen Rebo, and Meghan McGuire worked on the project, along with the support of Best Buddies and Hawkwings. A new mural is now up for display for the enjoyment of students, staff and families. Through the Ben’s Bells project, whose motto is to be kind, this project is the biggest one of the year. On January 29th 2025, the first steps were taken on this project. The people from Ben’s Bells taught students from both clubs how to create the tiles for the mural,
“I really enjoyed how everyone was able to make it personal with different shapes, patterns and words,” said senior Katie Sheehan. “It was super fun to be a part of something that is going to be a part of Woodland forever.”
Typically, the colors of the Ben’s Bells logo are green and white, but Woodland has been given the opportunity to make it personal to emit Hawk Pride through and through. Over the course of a couple of weeks, students in advisory had the opportunity to paint the tiles our signature black and gold. On April 22nd and 23rd, construction began with student and staff volunteers.
“Woodland is a great place, thanks to the incredible support of our administration, staff, and students,” said project advisor Lousia Heemen. “I may have had the idea for the mural, but it was everyone’s dedication that made it a reality. Stephen Rebo, Olivia Giammattei, and Meghan McGuire were part of the first mural at Long River, and their legacy will now live on at Woodland for many years to come.”
It has also had a positive impact on students as well.
“Ben’s Bells is truly a statement to this school with a reminder every morning, and afternoon to be kind,” said senior Kaylin Lawton. “This mural not only carries on kindness but is a part of the Class of 2025 as well as the Peer Buddies group, which will be there until it gets taken down or the school closes.”
The seniors who executed this project also have special places in hearts here at Woodland.
“After a brief talk with Mr.Ogren and Mrs. Heeman yesterday after completion we mentioned getting a picture printed of Steven, Olivia, and Meghan put next to Ben’s Bell so it shows whose senior project it was to leave a lasting imprint on the school,” stated Lawton.
This special project was completed on April 23, 2025, just in time for senior project presentations. The participation of students and staff helped bring the beautiful mural to life.
“It was a great time participating in the process from painting the tiles to then glueing them to the wall and finally being able to grout and clean it up for the final reveal to the school where the mirrors were shimmering in the hallway as we all finished it.”
