October 5th, 2022

The GSDF supported the creation and installation of the entrance, student lounge, and cafeteria graphics at Girard High School with a $20K contribution. See a recap of the project below from principals Dave Ashton and Eric Louis: 

We just want to insert a huge "THANK YOU" to the GSD Foundation for supporting this project.  The students are certainly proud of what they see each day, as they enter or as they sit in lunch, etc.  I saw one student approach a friend and be sure they saw the photo on the "Student Engagement" mural.

Kids are universally impressed, and some point out different items, but for the most part, they just seem proud that their school has this to welcome them and any visitors.  During the home football game on August 26th, before school had started, one couple asked, "Can we go up and peak at the mural?!!"  "Yes, please do!"

  • Design and Concept Development: Tungsten Creative Group
    • 510 W 7th St. Erie PA 16502 871.4100
    • Jody Farrell (owner), Corry Lino (creative), Kayli Styborski (creative)

Beginning late in winter, we identified Tungsten as the vendor we would best be able to work with, thanks to their quality work seen on display at UPMC Hamot Women's Hospital, UNITED WAY of ERIE campaigns, and the Erie Otters locker room areas. Louis reached out and Jody Farrell was glad to begin the process of developing a concept, identifying the needs of the school, and assigning her creative team to make these come together.

In May, the Graphic design/creative team met with Mr. Louis, Mr. Mikovcich (Student Council), Ms. Huster (Positive Behavior in School PBIS), and Ms. Pier (GHS Unitas Yearbook adviser) along with about 25 students from all grade levels who represented the groups sponsored by the faculty named above.

Tungsten's creative team then developed a concept for a branded, modern mural design that can be populated with current photos, activity icons, words, or historical photos. The format is pretty flexible so we can be inclusive of all audiences/activities/groups, etc. (Eventually, we can even replace the graphics inside the honeycomb shapes every few years if you would want to do that.) 

  • Front Entry: Welcome to GHS/Home of the Yellowjackets
  • As approach the gym/pool areas: design to feature athletics
  • As approach main office/entry from the athletic area: Student Learning/engagement in classrooms, STEM, music and dramatic performances, etc.

GHS Unitas Yearbook Adviser Heather Pier was very helpful throughout the summer, helping identify photos and strategize options as they became requested. All images used were taken by the Unitas Yearbook Staff photographers for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 Unitas publications.

Return to all News & Releases