Santa Barbara Junior High mural displays hundreds of colorful feathers in the shape of two giant wings against a black wall.
Santa Barbara Junior High mural displays hundreds of colorful feathers in the shape of two giant wings.

Santa Barbara Junior High School (SBJH) has unveiled a mural to commemorate its 90th graduating class. In keeping with the theme of the school’s mascot the Condors, the mural highlights what makes students soar.

The artwork features feathers created by students and staff that include decorations on the front and a statement about what makes them soar on the back. School leaders unveiled the new mural during an event on May 25. 

SBJH opened its doors in 1932 as the first junior high school in the city of Santa Barbara. The following year, artisans from the Works Progress Administration added the Marjorie Luke Theater.

The mural project was spearheaded by PJ Carmean, SBJH English teacher and emergent multilingual learner lead.

Carmean applied for and was awarded a $3,000 grant from the Santa Barbara Education Foundation to fund the project. 

In collaboration with SBJH art teacher Darren Iacono and SBJH woodshop teacher Michael Nott, more than 650 feathers were applied to mural’s wooden backing and affixed to SBJH’s new multipurpose building. 

Speaking at the unveiling, Carmean said, “This mural reminds us that when we combine our diversity and differences, it creates something beautiful.” 

Iacono’s and Nott’s students also helped with the project. In community fashion, four former SBJH students (who now attend Santa Barbara High School) spent numerous hours after school assisting Iacono and Nott with the final product.

“What I love most about this project is that it was both community-inspired and community-created; it brought the entire school together,” said SBJH Principal Dan Dupont.

“SBJH is truly proud of the community effort it took to bring this project to fruition. We’re excited that generations of future Condors will be able to benefit from this collaborative project,” he said. 

“I want to thank everyone who contributed to this project that celebrates the vibrant Condor Community,” said Superintendent Hilda Maldonado. “SBJH educators have inspired nine decades of scientists, engineers, writers, artists, athletes, and more.

“We can’t wait to see what’s in store for the school in the next 90 years.”

Santa Barbara Junior High School’s 90th graduation will be June 8.