Current George Washington Preparatory High School students, staff and faculty now walk into campus each day to see vibrant murals and they can thank the Los Angeles Rams rookies for it. During the summer, the Rams partnered with City Year to beautify the Washington Prep campus.
“What we’re seeing here is we have the young players who are coming in fresh and are actually being exposed to ways in which they can impact the community directly,” said City Year executive director Dr. Sandra Cano. “What [the Rams] are doing is truly a demonstration that social justice is at work.”
The Rams rookies and front office staff collaborated with City Year members to paint the murals.
“We have more than 75 Rams representatives, so that’s including our entire rookie class, Rampage, Rams cheerleaders and Rams staff members on the business side,” said Rams director of social justice and football development Johnathan Franklin. “[We are] excited for this partnership with what we’re doing to inspire and motivate the students here on this campus.”
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The Rams rookies painted spangled stars in red and blue throughout the main hallways, a nod to the namesake of the school and their school colors. Murals near the back of the school feature football players.
The outdoor bungalows were decorated with power fists in the air, the hues ranging from deep brown to fair. The wrists on some of the fists say encouraging words including “focus” and “passion.”
“The murals will definitely represent hope, belief, especially as these students come in from the South LA community,” Franklin said. “To walk past these murals and believe that they can be the best versions of themselves.”
Rams rookie offensive lineman Steve Avila knows how exciting it is to see public figures uplift youth and was happy to impact Washington Prep.
“It’s just an amazing feeling to know that we can just give back to the community. I feel like we’re at a position to where children are able to look up at us,” Avila said. “We’re happy to be a part of people’s memories.”
This event is part of a long partnership between the Rams and City Year. They have done campus beautifications at Dymally High School, Crozier Middle School, and Woodworth-Monroe Academy.
“We came out here in hopes to bring some joy,” said Rams rookie linebacker Ochaun Mathis. “It’s not even an effort thing. More than anything, we love doing this, we love giving back to the community. We love putting smiles on people’s faces.”
