Journey of a Brewster Bear

Today, students, teachers, administrators and PTA members got together for a ribbon-cutting and the unveiling of a new mural: Journey of a Brewster Bear. What began as a simple idea—to bring color to the walls and create a meaningful give-back opportunity for students—grew into a large-scale collaborative mural connecting C.V. Starr Intermediate School and H.H. Wells Middle School. Designed by art teachers Megan Nacliero and Danielle Michielini, the mural fills the entire hallway that bridges the two schools, turning the space into the visual story of a Brewster student’s journey.

The project was a joint effort–every fifth grader from C.V. Starr and eighth-grade art students from Wells helped paint the mural. The project was made possible through the support of the schools’ shared PTA, which sponsored the mural by providing all of the supplies needed to bring the artwork to life. What began as a small idea quickly expanded into a massive collaborative effort that now stretches along both sides of the corridor.

The mural follows the path of a Brewster Bear, a student, from John F. Kennedy Elementary School through C.V. Starr and Wells, and on to graduation at Brewster High School. The bear mascot grows and changes throughout the scene, surrounded by nature imagery that evolves from grass and flowers to a large tree symbolizing the many opportunities Brewster students experience—academics, arts, sports, and theater.

A colorful winding pathway, inspired by a board game, carries the story through the mural, reflecting the fun and unpredictable journey of learning. Painted pillars represent the values that support the schools, alongside messages of pride: “We Are Wells” and “CV Starrs Rising.”

“My favorite feature is the tree with the books and balls and musical notes,” said Casi Prokaski.

“I painted the purple sky,” said Alexa Boyarsky.

“The Brewster mountains are my favorite part,” said Dominick Sedito.

Together, hundreds of students helped create a mural that celebrates growth, community, and the shared journey through Brewster schools.