Class Gift Complete: There's a New Mural at Livsey Elementary School

At Livsey Elementary, it is a tradition dating back several decades for the graduating class to leave behind a gift using funds raised at the school’s annual fall festival. This year, the class of 2013 used the funds to pay for a new mural to be painted on the blank white walls of the cafeteria.

Woodward Academy art teacher Heather Hviding designed, drew and painted the mural with the help of a few Livsey school moms, including Suzanne Stewman, whose daughter was a member of the class of 2013.

Stewman said that every year Livsey parents ask the principal to recommend a class gift based on the needs of the school. Walking along the grounds, you can see several benches, doormats and other projects left behind from previous graduating fifth graders. This year, Principal Dr. Jamie Wilson asked for a mural to brighten up the cafeteria room. 

Stewman knew Hviding and asked her to head up the project.

“She called me and asked me if I knew anybody that does murals,” Hviding said. “I’ve done a few on a smaller scale, but nothing this large so it was kind of something knew for me to do.”

The mural contains elements of Tucker, including the Tucker Farmers' Market, along with the school mascot and images of children embarking on a journey together.

“As the Class of 2013 soars to new heights in their future endeavors, the current students of Livsey Elementary will be inspired to do the same,” Stewman said.

For new and returning students, the mural, like so many class gifts before ,is a physical reminder of the legacy and memories that they too will one day leave behind.