Cuss words. Insults. Slander.

These things line the insides of almost every bathroom stall at Mayfield High school. They get covered up and wiped away by janitors as soon as it comes to their attention, only to be rewritten the next morning.

However, recently a group of artistic students decided to start a project that will turn the negative graffiti in the bathrooms into positive imagery—permanently painting the stalls with vibrant colors and positive quotes.

These students are led by senior Emma Kline, who thought of the idea when she saw a positive remark written in one of the stalls among the nasty ones.

Kline said, “Someone had taken the time to write something really kind and encouraging. It would be nice to spread that in a more official way by maybe covering up bad messages with kind ones.”

The ultimate goal is to make students want to stop vandalizing the walls.

Art teacher Jennifer Stevenson soon got on board with the project, agreeing with the destructive effects some graffiti has. She said, “I think it has a really negative impact on the general culture of the building. When you see people writing things that are mean or hurtful, it gives a sense that we’re not a community, and it kind of impacts your day.”

A game plan has been formed among Stevenson and the students involved—picking out paint types and colors, and deciding on designs and layouts.

Stevenson said, “We need to figure out how to actually physically do this. We need to figure out the specifics, like the kind of paint to use that won’t be ruined, will be durable, and that custodians can obviously clean easily.”

Kline expands on the plan of action. She said, “We’re going to come up with some designs. We’re only going to cover one bathroom for now, but hopefully if all goes well, we’ll expand to other bathrooms.”

With principal Jeffrey Legan’s approval of the idea, the project will start on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Stevenson said of Legan, “He is really supportive of it, he’s fully behind it, and once we figure out these details, we’ll be able to get started.”

Legan said, “I think it aligns perfectly with the administrator’s and the teacher’s goal of creating a positive culture in the building and we want people to feel good when they’re here.”

Senior Alexandra Ruggieri is another student who will be helping paint the stalls. Ruggieri agrees with Legan’s sentiment. She said, “By covering up something negative with something positive, I think it will really add to the sense of community that Mr. Legan has brought to our school.”

After discussing plans, the students and Stevenson decided that they would start by laying down a background color one day and allow it to dry. Then on another day, they would go back with another layer of paint to add the designs and quotes.

They decided the most effective design would be to have one strong quote on the door of the stall. Then, put separate designs going along the side walls. Stevenson said, “We needed to figure out what’s going to be kept most impacted and what is going to least likely be defaced.”

If all goes well, the group is hoping to be finished with at least two bathrooms by the end of March.