At campuses across the Valley, gymnasiums serve as the focal point for athletic programs. Among numerous changes to occur next school year, the first step will take place with the addition of a campus mural.

The administrators and athletic department have researched the idea of painting a wall mural in the FC gym for years. Both the Foundation and the School boards affirmed the decision in a meeting, April 19.

The 12′ x 62′ mural will consist of the FC sports Eagle logo and the name of the school. It will reside on the north wall of the gym facing Alluvial, visible for up to 500 feet.

Superintendent Debbie Siebert believes the painting will encourage campus pride and anticipates the unveiling at the end of June.

“It will serve as a catalyst for unification of not only the sports programs, but also the entire student body,? Siebert said. ?It will serve as a rallying point for parents, teachers and students, as well as making our school more visible in the community.?

Athletic director Chris Schultz envisions a boost in the campus’ sports program due to the project.

“It will serve as a visual reminder to our athletes of who they play for,” Schultz said. “It will also serve as a source of pride for athletes as they compete on the athletic fields.”

In addition to uplifting athletes’ pride, Schultz believes the mural will draw attention to the school.

“The mural serves the role of visually communicating to the community that a school exists here on this campus,” Schultz said. “Far too often people in Fresno don’t know that we even exist and this is one way that we feel we can effectively communicate the name of Fresno Christian.”

The Foundation Board is committed to paying for the project. They have hired FranCisco Vargas, owner of Studio Vargas, to paint the mural.

?I am very excited about the mural,? Nick Anderson, ’09, said. ?It will bring a fierce presence to the campus, as well as, hopefully, more FC pride.?