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The unveiling of a mural Monday was the prelude to a subtle metamorphosis at South Philadelphia High School.
Outside its alumni room, students – with the help of their imaginations and classes at the locally based Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial – honored former pupils through painted portraits of South Philly cultures, lifestyles and structures.
"It’s another way we recognize those wonderful individuals who actually attended South Philadelphia High School and went on to become doctors, lawyers, musicians and entertainers," Principal Kevin E. King said. "We want our students to strive to do the same thing, to be the best they can actually be."
Strongly appreciating its past while getting a firm grip on the future, the educational institution at Broad Street and Snyder Avenue is participating in various renewal efforts through the South Philadelphia High School Revitalization Project. The renovations are part of the School District of Philadelphia’s plans to improve many of its facilities this year.
While using the mural to brighten the school’s interior, additional efforts are under way to make outdoor portions aesthetically pleasing, as well. The front courtyard eventually will include benches and new greenery and flowers surrounded by wrought-iron gates.
Further attempts to brighten the exterior include another mural on one of the gym’s walls near the school entrance. The artwork will depict the Parthenon with several different workers – craftsmen and tradesmen, for example – and ethnic groups seated on its steps.
"The kids were very much involved with coming up with the theme, as well as the artists," King said. "All in all, it’s accentuating learning – the importance of learning."
With assistance from two artists – Ernel Martinez and Felix St. Fort – involved with the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, about 15 students have been attending the artists’ studio since March. On specialized fabric, they carefully create sections of the artwork that will be glued to portions of the grid already drawn on the school’s outside wall.
King hopes the outdoor refurbishments will create a respectable first impression and noteworthy appearance for the school.
"It speaks volumes about how we as educators feel about providing the services necessary for a great public education," he said. "I firmly believe that when you walk here in the morning and see the redone courtyard, the kids will feel more connected and feel some pride in keeping their school clean and they will feel a sense of accomplishment and ownership, too."
ARRIVING AT SOUTH Philly High last year, King always wanted a digital message board on the building’s Broad Street side. Now part of the revitalization project, the proposed device – backlit with the school’s name and logo in red – will highlight sports scores, community meetings and student achievements.
"It’s going to be a great way to disseminate information out to the public as well as to students and parents about things going on here," he said.
Additional ideas for the school’s improvement came from the district.
"The facility manager for the school district got involved and wanted to do things in the way of beautification," said King, noting residents supported the changes at community meetings.
The renovations are expected to be completed by September, he added.
Another part of the project is revamping the sports complex at 10th and Bigler streets, used by both South Philly High and Bok. Soon undergoing construction, King said the new football stadium, track area and two-full sized baseball fields serve to end the lack of student involvement in extracurricular activities.
The new complex will "accentuate a cohesive high school environment and a positive influence on the kids that this is a high school for academics and participating in school-sponsored activities, such as athletics," he said.
Another challenge, King said, is parental participation. The principal hopes an inviting environment, coupled with up-to-date displays of information on its message board, will change this.
Despite King’s enthusiasm for these alterations, Bill Esher, president of the South Philly High’s Alumni Association, is concerned about the new sports complex.
"Teams will not be able to play or practice for a couple of years while the work is being done," he said.
However, Esher is in full support of the beautification efforts at the school, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.
"Anything that beautifies Broad and Snyder, I’m for," he said.
