MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The principal at Carol City Middle School is passionate about her students and wants them to feel a sense of a pride for their school.
Principal Sonia Romero is hoping a beautification project she spearheaded with the help of local street artists will do just that, and also bring some positivity to the community.
At the entrance of the school is a faded, outdated mural. It's what students first see as they arrive, but those who work at the school are hoping to create something much more meaningful and vibrant.
"So we know that our mascot is the Little Chiefs. The message that the murals are going to bring is that my students are champions," Romero said.
Romero said her hope for the project is for students to return from summer break and see dozens of murals throughout the school, which all have positive messages.
"Miami Gardens is also a community that is in need of a positive light," Romero said. "I want to bring positivity to our community at large."
The 11 artists are painting the murals pro bono, but Romero created a GoFundMe page to help pay for the supplies needed to paint the artwork.
The total cost of the project is about $5,000, and as of Monday morning more than $1,300 has been donated.
"I think it will hopefully instill in them a sense of pride and what the human condition is capable of," street artist Hec One Love said.
It's expected to take about four weeks for the murals to be completed.
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