“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
Behind-the-scenes photos and timelapse videos coming soon.
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
Behind-the-scenes photos and timelapse videos coming soon.
