Local high school students team up with the NH Department of Education for a colorful learning experience

After winning a statewide art contest, four public high school students from Rochester were tasked with designing and creating a new mural inspired by the state’s natural landscape.

Max the Moose—a life-sized stuffed moose—has served as an ambassador for the state of New Hampshire for the last 25 years. Since moving to his new home in the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) building in 2023, Max has played a beloved role in honoring students, teachers, and state officials. 

In September 2024, leaders at NHED came up with a way to use Max as a bridge to connect with students in a meaningful way. They launched a statewide art competition inviting students to create a mural for the mascot, which they hoped would showcase young artists’ contributions to the cultural vibrancy of New Hampshire. 

Students were challenged to create a design incorporating the White Mountains—home to many moose in the Granite State. Once selected, the winning design would be painted on one of the walls at NHED headquarters with the help of those who created it.  

In November 2024, that honor went to Addison Delano, Cassilly Gould, Arianna Malaquias, and Shannon Connolly from Spaulding High School in Rochester. 

With assistance from Spaulding art teacher Jen Daly, the winning students spent a month bringing their vision to life, which resulted in a hands-on learning experience about decision-making skills and teamwork. 

“It was fun watching these students problem-solve as a team,” said Daly in a press release. 

“In most of their art classes, their experiences are limited to a singular activity, but for this mural, they had to make difficult decisions every visit. In order for them to feel comfortable, everyone had to be included as a cohesive unit.”

“I feel like this was a great learning experience,” said Malaquias, a 10th grader. “It was not anything I would expect to have had the opportunity to do, but I looked forward to it each week.”

From left to right: Jen Daly, Spaulding High art teacher, along with students Addison Delano, Cassilly Gould, Arianna Malaquias and Shannon Connolly, as well as Commissioner Frank Edelblut. Photo Courtesy of the New Hampshire Department of Education.

Last month, the mural was publicly revealed. 

“From a blank canvas to a work of art, this mural has transformed our lobby into a fun, vibrant, and colorful place to gather,” said Commissioner Frank Edelblut of NHED in a press release.

“It is a new focal point for Max and a conversation starter for visitors.”