Page 2 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2026 A Message of Love and Belonging Takes Shape at Beachmont School Students Help Bring Artist Alex Cook’s “You Are Loved” Mural to Life Through Community Art Project Special to Th e Advocate The school’s new “You Are A once-ordinary exterior wall at the Beachmont Veterans Memorial School has been transformed into a colorful declaration of love, belonging, and community through a collaborative art project that brought students, educators, and a nationally recognized muralist together. Loved” mural, created by Boston-area artist Alex Cook with help from Beachmont fi fth graders, is expected to be completed Monday, Oct. 19. The artwork, prominently displayed near the school’s Everard Street entrance, is designed to send a simple but powerful message to every student, family member, ed“WE’RE STILL HERE!” Since 1947 MALDEN AUTO BODY Book online: Maldenauto.com 49 Robin St., Everett, MA 617-389-3030 * Maldenab@yahoo.com Over 79 years of exceptional service! Massone Family Owned & Operated You Are Loved: The school’s new “You Are Loved” mural, created by Boston-area artist Alex Cook with help from Beachmont fi fth graders, is expected to be completed Monday, Oct. 19. ucator, and visitor who walks through the school doors: You belong here, you matter, and you are loved. The mural culminates a project spearheaded by Beachmont Principal Chris Freisen and School Psychologist Amanda Lockerbie, who secured a $4,000 grant through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For Lockerbie, the project represents much more than an opportunity to brighten the exterior of an aging school building. “Bringing this grant to Beachmont gave us the perfect opportunity to transform an older building into an artistic focal point that promotes belonging and self-worth,” Lockerbie said. “It was a truly unique opportunity to involve our fi fth-grade students directly in the painting process, giving them a sense of civic pride and connection to their school.” Freisen said the response from the Beachmont community has already been overwhelmingly encouraging. “We are very excited to have this welcoming mural at the Beachmont!” Freisen said. “Feedback from students and families has been very positive!” For Cook, who has been painting murals professionally for 29 years, the Beachmont project is part of a much larger artistic mission. Cook launched his “You Are Loved” mural project in 2014. Since then, he has created more than 140 murals featurMURAL | SEE Page 7
3 Publizr Home