Twelve Rock Island Elementary students create a mural celebrating this valley
Rock Island Elementary counselor Rosalind “Rosie” White wanted to give students a chance to stretch their creative muscles while celebrating the beauty of North Central Washington through a colorful hallway mural.
To bring the idea to life, White applied for and received a grant from the Community Foundation of North Central Washington to fund the project. She also enlisted longtime artist and art teacher Terry Valdez — who had once been her own art teacher while she was growing up in the Eastmont School District — to help guide students through the mural process.
Valdez has a special gift for working with young people and encouraging them to explore their creativity. His calm, encouraging approach made him the perfect mentor for students learning how to transform ideas into art.
More than 50 fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students applied to participate in the project, and White said selecting just a dozen young artists was no easy task. The chosen students spent weeks collaborating with Valdez and White to create the mural, each contributing a unique section while working within the mural’s overall vision.
Last week, Principal John Reichmann and Superintendent Spencer Taylor joined students and parents for the mural’s official dedication ceremony.
“As artists, we feel things,” Valdez told the crowd as he reflected on the students’ work and growth throughout the project.
The mural captures many of the images that define North Central Washington, including salmon, mountains, flowers, beaches, water and sunsets. Valdez said the students themselves generated the ideas and decided what scenes should be included.
This wasn’t the first mural project at Rock Island Elementary for Valdez. About 15 years ago, he helped lead another school mural using Eastmont High School artists. The new mural, created by elementary students, serves as both a continuation of that earlier work and a new source of inspiration for younger generations.
As part of the application process, students were asked to explain why they wanted to join the art club and participate in the mural project. White said the students exceeded expectations.
“We are very fortunate to have these kids, and they did a great job representing our school,” White said.
The pride students felt in their work was evident during the dedication ceremony. Smiles filled the hallway as parents admired the finished mural and listened to students explain the meaning behind their sections of the artwork. Valdez encouraged families to ask students about the thought and emotion that went into each piece.
One of those students, sixth grader Ben Bustos, proudly pointed out the sunset he incorporated into his section of the mural. Bustos said he applied to become a muralist because he wanted to spend his time doing something meaningful and creative.
“I don’t want to be on my phone too much,” Bustos said. Because he enjoys photographing sunsets, he chose to include one in his design.
Experiences like this can have a lasting impact on young people, building confidence, creativity and connection. Working alongside an accomplished artist like Valdez gave students an opportunity many will remember for years to come.
Hats off to counselor Rosie White, Terry Valdez and the talented student artists whose mural will brighten the halls of Rock Island Elementary — and inspire future students — for many years to come.
Participating students included: Alyah Arellano Ochoa; Izabella Bernal Ochoa; Ben Bustos; Samara Garcia; William Flores; Divina Perez; Ava Pierre; Isaac Reyes; Alesandro Sitio; Cahlynn Townsend; Sophia Vasquez; and Pablo Yanez.
