After seven full weeks of painting, we unveiled the new mural in the 8th grade corridor with an end-of-year celebration! On June 2nd, our History through Hip Hop students joined us at Chavez to perform original songs promoting their message of peace.  Following their show, 8th graders performed a beautiful Polynesian dance. It was a fun, heartfelt event to cap off a wonderful year at Chavez.

HEArt + HHH at Chavez unveiling celebration

HEArt team

The new mural is pictured below.  From left, the flames represent the risks and struggles Chavez students face on a daily basis and the hardship they must overcome in order to succeed.  The flames are also a positive symbol of purifying, cleansing and rebirth as the students find their paths toward healthy lifestyles at school and beyond.  The metamorphosis of a butterfly is depicted as an analogy for the students’ growth and transformation from 6th through 8th grade. The butterfly evolves from the right, beginning as a young caterpillar climbing into the foreground, resting in the chrysalis until it finally emerges fully transformed into a beautiful adult butterfly. In the middle a girl holds up a peace sign, urging for peace in her community. The East Palo Alto street scene depicted behind her shows the front of Chavez Academy on Bay Rd.  The girl uses her inner strength to create positive change in her home community.  On the right, an 8th grader ascends the stairs to meet a hand extending his Chavez diploma as he graduates to high school.  The ivy vine surrounding the diploma and stairs is a symbol of growth, strength and friendship.   The East Palo Alto foothills and blue sky rest in the background.