Every year, the Cooke Beautification Award recognizes one elementary school, middle school and high school that have completed projects that beautify their school environment and significantly enhance the school’s overall appearance and ambiance. All public schools in the state, including charter schools, are eligible to apply. Below are descriptions of this year’s awards recipients and winning projects:

Iliahi Elementary School is being honored for the transformation of a bare exterior wall into a colorful mural entitled, “Educating the Whole Child the Iliahi Way.” Students from the school’s after-school art program illustrated extracurricular activities offered at the school, configured in a larger design of a dragon, which is the school’s mascot.

Washington Middle School is being awarded for the installation of an incredible ceramic mosaic, constructed with the help of students. The I-themed piece is displayed prominently at the school’s entrance and features the names of students who assisted with the project. The school previously received a Cooke Beautification Award in 2010 for another mural project.

Leilehua High School is being recognized for an ongoing indoor and outdoor beautification project that has engaged hundreds of art students at the school for the past two decades. The project has resulted in approximately 30 murals on interior and exterior walls throughout the campus.

Here are some pics of the Leilehua murals, courtesy of the Hawaii Community Foundation:

Each school will receive a $5,000 check and a koa plaque to commemorate its efforts. 

— Alia Wong