Numerous Liberty Union High School District (LUHSD) and Brentwood city officials gathered at King Park to acknowledge the talent and dedication of the Liberty students who created a mural depicting the underwater world of the Delta.

“This mural represents the outstanding result of great cooperation between and among city and school personnel and members of the community,” said LUHSD Board President Ray Valverde.

Collaborating in the creation of the mural were Liberty’s Arts and Humanities Academy staff and the community, including the Brentwood City Council and Art Commission. Academy teachers Katie Collins and Lloyd Cornwell thanked a long list of contributors as Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, expressing hope that the mural would be only the beginning of student artwork enhancing the beauty of Brentwood.

For nearly 20 years, LUHSD has supported academy programs at Liberty, Freedom and Heritage High Schools that provide directed career study for students in various fields. Liberty’s Art Academy will receive nearly $100,000 over two years from the California Department of Education’s Partnership grant program. The City of Brentwood provided further funding for the mural and has helped facilitate the creative process and protect the artwork from graffiti and vandalism.

Students who contributed to the project include Ismael Alvarez, Jakky Anstine, Danielle Bowersmith, Justin Brown, Natalie Colmenares, Teresa DeFrates, Rachel Dirk, Michelle Duarte, Shannon Fickling, Lorena Garcia, Doug Gil, Anthony Green, Debbie Love, Lauren Murphy, Michael Najera, Ana Nunag, Cassie Oseguera, Riley Ruano, Samantha Scott, DJ Trammell, Omar Valasquez, Lei Wei and Rebecca Wood. Their names have been placed on a plaque at the entrance of the tunnel at King Park.

– Contributed by Sarah Singrin