Santa Maria-Bonita School District has announced that Arellanes Junior High School (AJH) was selected by the Leadership Santa Maria Valley (LSMV) Class of 2026 as the recipient of the organization’s annual legacy project.
The collaboration culminated May 20 with the official unveiling of a campus mural during the school’s Open House and Community Carnival.
The newly installed mural was designed and painted in partnership with renowned local artists and mother and daughter pair Glenda Stevens and Marcie Gooley.
In addition to the artwork, the LSMV Class of 2026 presented a check for $9,012.75 to fund the Arellanes Junior High Beautification Legacy Project. This contribution brings the total raised by LSMV for the project to more than $14,000.
LSMV is run and operated through the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. Current AJH students were used as inspiration for the students painted in the mural.
The district thanks the Leadership Santa Maria Valley class, the artists, and all community partners involved in this investment in our schools.
According to Arellanes Junior High Principal Genevieve Beaird, the donation will allow campus beautification efforts to continue into the 2026-27 school year.
Planned future projects may include a second campus mural, repainting the weathered school logo on the gymnasium, and upgrading the school’s garden and outdoor learning spaces.
Beaird plans to continue a collaborative design process that includes staff, students, and neighborhood residents who attended the recent open house.
“Our mural is more than just paint on the wall or campus beautification; it is a lasting investment in our youth that honors our community’s diversity and reminds every student that they matter,” said Beaird.
“By reflecting our students’ core values of kindness and inclusion, this artwork will inspire future Hawk students to maintain our welcoming environment at Arellanes Junior High,” she said. “This mural was a collective effort that included students, staff, artists, and our Santa Maria community.
“We are honored to have been chosen by Leadership Santa Maria Valley class of 2026 for their legacy project.”
The Santa Maria-Bonita School District appreciates the ongoing support of regional leadership programs and local artists who contribute to enhancing the educational environment for our junior high students.
“What started as a mural project became something much greater- a community effort centered around pride, opportunity, and creating a lasting impact for students and families,” Leadership Santa Maria Valley said.
“We are honored to help continue the beautification of this incredible campus and strengthen the connection between Arellanes Junior High and the community that proudly stands behind it,” the group said.