Graduating Norris seniors Jordan Funk and Olivia German typify the skillfulness and sense of commitment characterizing their senior class. These two student leaders were selected earlier in the year to design, develop and execute a mural painting for a state of Nebraska office building by the State Capitol for the employee benefits division. Their painting was designed to help promote the state’s employee wellness campaign. Paula Fankhauser, Administrator in State Employee Wellness & Benefits, spearheaded the project and said the girls “Did a great job. Everyone is very impressed with the mural.” Their work is now proudly on display for state workers and passers by to witness every day.

Art instructor Jeff Reed was approached earlier in the year about the partnership project with the state. He quickly identified Jordan Funk and Olivia German as two students who had the talent and work ethic to get the job done. “They’ve just been stalwarts in the program since their freshmen year. They’ve taken every class in art they could. Frankly, I knew they had the maturity to follow through and also that painting is a strength of theirs. They’ve done a lot of painting and both possess strong design skills. Basically though, I just knew they were kids who would follow through with a task. And let’s face it, that could be a daunting one when you’re staring at a blank eight by ten foot wall! They did a really good job.”Jordan Funk said the mural experience was an inspiring one. “It was neat to be asked to represent Norris for something that the state needed.” Working on a mural was a different visual art experience for both students. Jordan said she had done more paint and pencil work in the past and it was a fun challenge to work on a project of this scope. Olivia concurred, noting that “That was the first time I’d worked on a mural, so now I’ve done that and have some experience with it.” Olivia also said it was “exciting to be asked to do it and quite an honor when you consider we’re talking about a state building.”The students both particularly enjoyed the opportunity to work with one another on the project. Jordan explained that “Both Olivia and I have done art together for a long time, so it was neat to be able to do this together.” Olivia confirmed that sentiment, noting that “it was good to be able to do the project with someone familiar.” Both of the graduating seniors are headed for the University of Nebraska. Jordan plans to major in pre-veterinary studies and Olivia will be majoring in art. Best of luck to all the graduating seniors and congratulations to Jordan and Olivia on their work on behalf of the state of Nebraska.