WASHINGTON (DC News Now) -- Students across the District are showcasing their beautiful murals at the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Elementary schools across all 8 wards partnered with local artists to highlight their diversity and creativity.  Garfield Elementary School fourth graders sa ng to celebrate their new mural featured at this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival. “I painted red and black. which is my favorite color,” said Garfield Elementary School student Darryl Nichols, Jr. “I like people seeing our artwork all over the country.” A total of 8 DC Public Schools elementary schools partnered with local artists to create these works of art. 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival guide for DC “I’m proud of myself because it’s good and people like it,” said Kalil Lee. Each mural explored themes of themes of renewal, springtime and unity. “One of the key things for us is to involve the youth and with this project, it not only helps them understand that the cherry blossoms are part of their own backyard, that they really own it. It's only in D.C.," said National Cherry Blossom Festival President Diana Mayhew. Their vibrant murals are now in full bloom to celebrate DC’s diversity, culture and creativity.  “We put our soul in this,” said Emmanuel Foreman. “We was working hard each by day. We didn’t finish it in the first day. We took our time.” Getting ready to bloom: Cherry blossoms reach stage 5 of 6 Once the festival wraps up, the artwork will take root back at the students’ schools to continue to inspire for seasons to come. “I will like it because my mom going to be proud,” said Emmanuel. These murals will remain on display until April 6th.  ...read more read less