Growing Greatness, One Story at a Time Mural
Fair Oaks ES & Highland Springs HS
This collaborative mural project brings together 5th graders of Fair Oaks Elementary School and mentors from Highland Spring High School, to create a vibrant, ever-evolving masterpiece that celebrates student growth, history of the Highland Springs community and storytelling. Students spent time with a local artist, author, and historian that helped them develop the piece of art that was celebrated by the community at the 100-year celebration for Fair Oaks Elementary School.
2025-26 Cycle 1 Grant
Funding Amount: $3,000
Number impacted: 550
Grant recipients: Corinne Schofield, teacher & Amanda Robertson, teacher
"By exploring the rich history of their own school and community, our students experienced the research process through a transformative lens. They realized that research is not merely an isolated academic task, but a meaningful journey that can be applied to their own interests and passions. The students' enthusiasm truly blossomed as their classroom insights converged with guest artist and author visits, a local field trip, and a brilliant collaboration with high schoolers to bring their findings to life within a community mural for our school. They are leaving a legacy of their time here at Fair Oaks and a visual representation of a path forward for the students who continue to walk through these doors.”
Amanda Robertson, Fair Oaks ES Librarian Teacher
"Through One Story at a Time, high school art students and fifth grade art students shared a true ‘brush with history’, learning about their school’s past, sketching ideas together, and creating a mural that shows how art can bring history, storytelling, and community to life. As students grow and move on from the school, they carry the experience, memories, and pride of leaving their own mark for future generations..”
Corinne Schofield, Fair Oaks ES Art Teacher
November 2025
One of the first steps in the plan was to introduce students to local artist Terrell Mack, who has built a thriving creative business through his artwork. Terrell spoke with the students about his work and the experiences that he’s gained along his artistic journey. His impact was powerful and inspiring.
December 2025
As part of the journey, students met local author Steven K. Smith, whose historical fiction series brings Virginia’s past to present day life. Not only did the students learn creative writing lessons, but they also learned how historical events have shaped their lives and community.
February-April 2026
Highland Springs HS Art students travelled to Fair Oaks ES almost every week to meet with the 5th graders to explore their artistic ideas. They combined talents to create a mural that tells the story of the history of Fair Oaks ES and also captures the things that the students love about their school.
April 2026
As part of the experience, students from Fair Oaks ES visited the Historic Tredegar Civil War Museum to deepen their understanding of Richmond’s history. Teachers created space for students to reflect on the past and consider how it shapes their hopes for the future of the Highland Springs community.
May 2026
"Our story is rooted in this fundamental idea that learning should be accessible and equal to all people, so we decided to put the theme growing greatness in the roots that are supporting the tree. The tree has open books with different eras of history represented.
The Rosenwald school is in the center.
The idea for the quilt squares came from freedom quilts used in the underground railroad.
The leaves of the tree are actually fingerprints from each 5th grader."
Meredith Spencer, Highland Springs HS Art Teacher