Buehrle Academy Student Featured in Local Art Project
Buehrle Academy was recently selected to participate in a community-based art project with the West Art Community and Cultural Center.
The School District of Lancaster invited schools to create artwork for an outdoor mural that celebrates the district and its communities.
Student Artwork Represents School Identity
Each participating school created a piece that included its name and reflected its unique identity.
Buehrle Academy junior Deja Lopez took on that challenge with support from staff members Kim Rodriguez and Oz Eveland. Together, they designed and completed a 4-by-4-foot wooden panel for the larger mural installation.
The finished piece features a black panther emerging from a lush green background, with claws extended and teeth bared. The school’s name appears in large graffiti-style lettering across the center, while the phrase “Built for Breakthrough” stands out in bright yellow below.
“I’ve never had my art displayed before anywhere, let alone in a public space,” said Lopez. “I’m very excited but also a little nervous. Although it was tough to work under a deadline, I think I did a great job of capturing Buehrle.”
Building Confidence Through Creative Opportunities
The project gave Lopez the opportunity to showcase her creativity while representing her school in a public setting. It also highlights how hands-on experiences can help students engage with their surroundings in new ways.
“Opportunities like this help students see themselves as active members of their community,” said Joel Bacharach, school director. “They also strengthen connections between Buehrle Academy and the broader Lancaster community.”
The mural serves as a visible reminder of that connection and the role students play in shaping their community.
Supporting Growth Inside and Outside the Classroom
Buehrle Academy continues to create opportunities for students to grow both inside and outside the classroom, supporting their development as learners and contributors.
Serving middle and high school students referred by the School District of Lancaster, Buehrle Academy provides a structured environment with consistent support and clear expectations.
Focused on academic growth, pro-social behavior, and emotional wellness, the program helps students build the skills needed to return to their home schools ready to engage and succeed. Staff work closely with students and families to set clear goals, and support continues after transition to promote long-term success.
