Graduating seniors leave artistic mark on school

If you look up at the night sky on June 1, the stars will appear to be in a different alignment than they are on any other day. That’s the same night as Bellefonte Area High School graduation. But that constellation will be recreated in a picture drawn by senior Ryan Houser on a ceiling tile as part of a larger project for upcoming graduates. The project began with the Class of 2017 to help make sure students literally left their mark on the school. For $6, seniors can purchase a ceiling tile, and paint an administration-approved drawing of their choice that will be installed on the ceiling of the high school. The project is designed to encourage students to maintain a personal relation with the school, and to invest in our environment under the Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support program. Social studies teacher Ally Durney spearheaded the idea last year from inspiration from an Advanced Placement World History class she teaches. “I figure it could be done as a bonus if kids wanted to paint some aspect of history and I could have it all over my room,” she said. “Then it turned into, ‘hey, let’s do this as a class,’ and got an overwhelming response.”Students had until May 21 to turn in a design that was approved by administrators. On May 29, those painted ceiling tiles were installed on the ceiling of the high school. About 15 students have committed to the project this year with designs that included quotes, original art and more.