The Conard administration and students celebrate new mural focusing on the theme “Your Choices Matter.”

By Maddie O’Connell

On Wednesday, Sept. 16, the administration at West Hartford’s Conard High School unveiled the school’s new mural alongside Conard student-athletes. The mural was done by Julie Bergeron, who created the “I Belong” mural outside the school the year prior. Bergeron was present at the dedication, which began at 1 p.m. and she assisted Conard football players with cutting the ribbon.

The mural has become a statement of the school and can be enjoyed by students, faculty, and any family and supporters who visit the gym. The mural is not just a visual staple, but a powerful reminder of Conard’s vision of the graduate mission. The mural features the line: “Your choices matter, you matter.”

Assistant Principal Lindsay Tringali wanted the message to build on the ongoing conversation about the importance of the choices students make and the impact those choices can have. 

These words may feel familiar to students, as it is something Conard Principal Jocelyn Tamborello-Noble has recited before. She reminds students to “Make Good Choices.” Conard embodies a community where every member is involved and belongs, which this mural perfectly demonstrates.

“Your Choices Matter” mural at Conard High School. Photo credit: Maddie O’Connell

Maeve D’Arcy, a prevention assistant for the Town of West Hartford, held a key role in the development of the mural. D’Arcy shared that, “This mural was a collaboration between the West Hartford Prevention Partnership and RiseUp for Arts as a part of our Elevate WeHa initiative in which artists created murals to be placed in each of the public middle schools and high schools in town with messages of prevention.”

The West Hartford community’s drive to inspire each student is what makes it such a special place. Conard administration, students, and town officials all gathered to dedicate the mural, reflecting how every part of the West Hartford community collaborates to create inclusivity made possible by funding from the West Hartford Prevention Partnership

D’Arcy also remarked that “artist Julie Bergeron did a phenomenal job of intertwining a message of prevention and the spirit of Conard High School.” She continued, adding, “The message is a reminder that every student has value, and the choices they make have an impact on their own well-being as well as the community around them.” Conard’s “Vision of the Graduate” mission, in specific the goals of collaboration and respect for self and others, are perfectly represented by this mural.

Conard students are supported by everyone inside and out of the building and now they have a physical reminder of that. The students present at the dedication recited the lines prior to cutting the ribbon. The closing of the dedication served as a reminder for all students that they belong at Conard and can make a difference to support themselves and their community.

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