We, the students of Silverado High School, really feel left out and it is with great sadness that we have to inform you of the elimination of the school's historic mural in the art department. The student mural has been with our community of California since the start of 1900's, and it not only has artistic merit but also carries a lot of sentimental value. They are not just some pictures on the wall; they are the depictions of the past, hopes, and tales of the students who attended this school before us.

One of the many canvases is a painting representing student Tristyn M to whom death was unexpected and the mural is providing, in words and pictures, the condolences and the affectionate tribute to the life and the school community of our dear friend. When a community's mural is allowed to be washed away, then such a community is actually losing a connection to their past and the heritage of those that were once taking refuge in the school will be forgotten.

Mural, For example, the paintings on the walls of our school do not only beautify the place, they also hold an integral part of the school's culture, past, and present. These are the shared memories of the community's hardships, achievements, and shared history - a history that is not only the community's but also the school's and it should be recognized and kept for the years to come.

Instead of covering these portals to the past, we ask our school administration to think about renovation and conservation measures, these may range from the repair of faded parts of paintings to the provision of protective gear for these historical pieces so that they will last well into the future. Conserving these murals is a token of respect

for the artistic creations of both former and current students and implies that our voices, as students, count. One mural is a heartfelt memorial to Tristyn M, a student who passed away unexpectedly. Painting over it would erase a piece of history and disregard the emotional value it holds for Tristyn's family, friends, and the entire school community.

We think the school should be the center and the stronghold of learning, respect, and remembrance. Take action to safeguard these historic student murals so that our successors may access and get knowledge from them the same way as we have. Assist us in this struggle by endorsing this petition to continue displaying our murals for the coming generations.

Sign this petition to help save our invaluable student murals from disappearing