This year for the Class of 2028, the arrival of 10th grade meant that it was their turn to contribute to one of Marlborough’s most noteworthy customs: the banner. The 10th grade class followed in the innovative footsteps of recent classes by selecting an unconventional format of a banner: a mosaic. As part of the mosaic’s creation, the Class of 2028 partnered with the nonprofit organization Piece by Piece. Introduced with Marlborough’s first senior class in 1890, the banner tradition is now a key part of sophomore year. Students design and present a banner that displays their class’ most distinctive characteristics. Banners are traditionally displayed on campus until the class graduates and every five years after when a class celebrates a milestone reunion.

In recent years, Marlborough class banners have taken a step away from the traditional embroidered or sewn fabric artworks, with some of the latest including neon signs, a full-sized surfboard and a stained glass piece.

“There is this challenge of creating something that uniquely represents your class in a school that is over a 100 years old, and I think each class has leveled up in their approach to creating their banner,” Class of 2028 Grade Dean Katherine Pollock said.

The 10th grade class mosaic was decided on through presentations by each advisory, followed by a class wide vote that considered design ideas from quilts to lanterns to board games.

“We believe [the mosaic] serves as a symbol of unity and permanence of our legacy at Marlborough,” 10th Grade Arts Representative Sarah said.

For the physical construction of the mosaic, the 10th grade class worked with the nonprofit organization Piece by Piece, which strives to empower those who have experienced homelessness or economic insecurity by working to ensure equal access to arts education. Through free mosaic art workshops and community outreach projects, they promote stability and personal growth in underprivileged communities, aiming to demonstrate the healing power of art.

“Mosaic art is a powerful metaphor for transformation,” Executive Director of Piece by Piece Maggie Bohlman said. “It takes broken, discarded materials and turns them into something whole and meaningful, reflecting the journeys of many of our artists.”

“As a frequent participant in volunteer work and as an artist, I thought their mission statement captured both community service and art in an incredibly meaningful way,” Sarah said.

The opportunity to contribute to the banner through a series of workshops was given to every member of the 10th grade class. It was Piece by Piece who first approached the 10th grade council with the opportunity, and the organization was met with great enthusiasm.

“The entire council was immediately so excited about the possibility of each person having a physical role in the creation of this piece of art, which will represent them at Marlborough,” Pollock said.

The mosaic features a variety of symbols found within nature, such as the “stargazer” lilies, which serve to demonstrate the 10th graders upholding of the Marlborough core value to aim high. The mountains symbolize the class’ ability to overcome any obstacle thrown at them, while the winding river portrays the ongoing journey towards their dreams.

The banner also features a distinct nod to the 10th grade class song “Night Changes” by One Direction, through the lunar cycle wrapping around its edge.

“The lunar cycle symbolizes our growth, achievements and the start of new beginnings,” Sarah said.

A class banner’s purpose is not only to showcase who students in a class are and what they bring to Marlborough, but to help students understand the impact they have. Contributors to the banner such as Pollock and Bohlman hope that students have been able to find new meaning in this Marlborough tradition.

“Through the creation of the mosaic, we want [students] to experience firsthand what research now confirms, that art is not just something we consume, it is something that shapes us,” Bohlman said. “Creating art can change how we think, feel and connect with others, strengthening both individual well-being and community bonds.”