“You Belong” Murals at Champaign Central High School
Unit 4 School District / YES Program / City of Champaign
Unit 4 School District / YES Program / City of Champaign
The mural was completed with 40 student employees from Unit 4 School District's YES Program (Youth Employment Services). The “You Belong” mural was revealed at Champaign Central High School. Located at the student entrance, the mural welcomes students with a message of inclusivity and creativity.
Led by the YES (Youth Employment Services) Program, I worked side-by-side with Franklin STEAM Academy's Art Teacher, Madlyn Stevens and Unit 4 students to bring the mural to life: designing, sketching, painting, and adding finishing details that reflect the school’s diverse and
welcoming spirit.
This initiative gave students the opportunity to experience real-world creative collaboration, mentorship, and public art creation, all while contributing a lasting symbol of school identity.
The YES Program partnered with local organizations to provide this hands-on, paid experience
for the students.
Led by the YES (Youth Employment Services) Program, I worked side-by-side with Franklin STEAM Academy's Art Teacher, Madlyn Stevens and Unit 4 students to bring the mural to life: designing, sketching, painting, and adding finishing details that reflect the school’s diverse and
welcoming spirit.
This initiative gave students the opportunity to experience real-world creative collaboration, mentorship, and public art creation, all while contributing a lasting symbol of school identity.
The YES Program partnered with local organizations to provide this hands-on, paid experience
for the students.
Mural Artists:
EKAH, mural artist & designer
Student employees from YES Program
Madlyn Stevens, art teacher
EKAH, mural artist & designer
Student employees from YES Program
Madlyn Stevens, art teacher
Special thanks & acknowledgment:
Amanda Danowitz, Supervisor of YES Program
Dr. Montia Gardner, Principal at CCHS
Dr. Angela Ward, Unit 4 SD Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Engagement
CCHS security staff, custodial staff, and Mr. Shane Rodems
Amanda Danowitz, Supervisor of YES Program
Dr. Montia Gardner, Principal at CCHS
Dr. Angela Ward, Unit 4 SD Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Engagement
CCHS security staff, custodial staff, and Mr. Shane Rodems
