HONOLULU (KHON2) -- In the heart of Waipahu, a small town on Oʻahu, students from Hawaiʻi Technology Academy (HTA) embarked on a colorful mission to beautify their community. Through a unique project, they painted electrical boxes at various intersections. Their intention has been to bringing art and pride to a place they call home. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You This initiative not only showcased the students' creativity but also deepened their connection to their surroundings. Dr. Sharon Schleigh, project manager and community partnership outreach for Hawaiʻi Technology Academy in Waipahu, led the charge. “I saw some boxes out in town; and I thought, 'what a great idea',” she said. Inspired by vibrant murals seen in other areas, Dr. Schleigh introduced the idea to HTA’s project-based learning program, which encourages students to engage with the community. The project aimed to highlight diversity and foster a sense of pride among Waipahu residents. “I asked the students if they would be interested in doing something with diversity and pride for the community,” Dr. Schleigh recalled. The response was enthusiastic. According to Dr. Schleigh, students were eager to express their identities through art. LG Mock, a student and project leader, explained her motivation. “I didn’t really have a good elementary school experience; so, I thought that maybe changing my environment would give me new opportunities.” Coming to HTA provided Mock with a platform to share her emotions and ideas through art. “It felt like I was leading a generation," she said. I felt like I wasn't leading along; we all felt like leaders together.” Mock’s artistic journey involved a great deal of reflection. “I paid more attention to the nature and environment and saw what good things happened and the bad things too,” she shared. This awareness led her to create five distinct designs for the electrical boxes, each reflecting her connection to the community. “It took a lot of patience and dedication,” Mock noted. Despite the challenges, she felt proud of her work, particularly her depiction of sharks, which held personal significance for her. Ashlyn Bruno, another talented student and project artist, joined the effort with a passion for wildlife. “I thought that doing sea animals would be a really good thing to do for diversity,” she said. Bruno’s designs aimed to celebrate the rich marine life surrounding Hawaiʻi. Her experience on the project opened his eyes to his own artistic abilities. “I learned that I’m way more artistic than I thought,” she reflected. The positive reactions from the community were a highlight for her, as people honked their horns and gave shaka signs while passing by. The project faced unexpected hurdles, including graffiti from local artists. “We had some issues with graffiti artists who wanted to paint over our work,” Dr. Schleigh explained. Instead of letting this discourage them, the students took proactive steps. They communicated with the graffiti artists, leading to a mutual understanding that helped preserve their artwork. “It was nice to see that they respected what we were trying to do,” Dr. Schleigh added. Throughout the process, the students painted five boxes, with plans to tackle more. Their commitment was evident as they dedicated weekends to this labor of love. “We actually had several people come by and ask us if we would paint electric boxes out in front of their establishments,” Dr. Schleigh said, noting the growing interest from the community. This enthusiasm has demonstrated the impact of their work, as local businesses expressed a desire to join the beautification efforts. Mock’s experience in the project taught her more than just painting skills. “I learned that I’m not alone,” she emphasized, acknowledging the support she received from her peers. “It can take so much time and dedication, but you don’t really focus on the time. It felt like I was going through every moment with grace.” The friendships formed during this project made the journey even more rewarding. Bruno also relished the camaraderie and sense of belonging he found in the project. “I just felt like I was a part of something,” she said. The thrill of seeing his work celebrated by the community added a sense of accomplishment to his experience. “Whenever you drive by the electrical boxes, I’m like, I did that,” she smiled. As the project continues, Dr. Schleigh expressed hope for the future. “We’re excited about the possibility of expanding this project even further,” she stated. The students’ dedication to beautifying Waipahu has not only transformed the town but has also fostered a sense of unity and pride among its residents. In the end, the project is about more than just painting; it was about connecting with the community and celebrating its diversity through art. To learn more about HTA, click here. As the students of HTA continue their work, they leave a lasting mark on Waipahu—a vibrant reminder of the power of creativity and collaboration in transforming their environment. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 You can drive around Waipahu to see the art created by these students; many of whom had no idea they were equipped with artistic talent until they took a leap of faith in themselves.