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‘Pride of Lamar’ mural completed in July

The pride at Lamar High School is obvious. So obvious that it’s boldly displayed across the wall of the��Viking band hall.����

That’s because in 2023, the took on a beautification project that led to the creation of a blue and gold 60-foot mural right outside the band room.��

Designed with the help of band director Alan Lang, the mural celebrates “The Pride of Lamar,” the longstanding name of the Viking marching band.����

Installed this past July, the project took a year and a half to complete.����

“It started as a conversation in passing,” said Lamar Band Booster Club president Jennifer Stein. “The entry doors into the band room were in bad shape and looked kind of old. We thought it would be a great idea to spark this area up. But then we thought, let’s not just stop at the door, let’s do something even bigger.”��

Through private donations and fundraising with a social media campaign and concessions stands, the club was able fund the $9,000 project. ��

Parents also took the time to pitch in, prepping the walls by filling holes, sanding and painting after work or��on weekends.��

“It was quite a long process,” Lang said. “We’re so lucky to have a booster club that is so dedicated to these kids.”��

From drumline to color guard, the mural highlights the different roles of students��in Lamar’s band program.����

“These kids work so hard,” Lang said. “ They deserve a cool thing that represents their space. It feels good to finally have it done. I love looking up at it when I walk in every single morning. It makes me so proud.”��

But it’s more than just a mural in the band hall. ��

“It’s a representation of the hard work and collaboration of our band booster members, our band students’ hard work and our volunteers’ dedication,” said Lamar principal Lesley Maroney. ��

As students, staff and visitors pass through the transformed hallway, the mural serves as a daily reminder of what defines the Viking community. ��

“It brings about a sense of pride in not only the band program��but in our entire school,” Maroney said. “It’ll truly serve as a lasting symbol of Viking��Fight Never Dies!”��