Central School students create grizzly mural

Two Libby Central School seniors are doing their part to beautify their hometown.

Lexii Combs and Olie Olson, both seniors at Libby’s alternative school, are painting a mural for their senior project on a north-facing wall of Normont NDT, a local firm at 306 Mineral Ave. that rebuilds film processors.

The pair, who are getting assistance on the project from classmates, are working on the 11th mural created by teacher Todd Berget.

“We look at it like paying rent, giving back to our town,” said Combs. “It’s just my way of paying back for living here.”

Combs said the lessons she is getting at Central School has made continuing  her education possible.

“I’ve learned a ton,” she said. “I can tell you, it’s a great school. It’s comfortable. Teachers interact with us. For me, it works.”

Olson echoed his classmate’s sentiments.

“We just want to make our community look better, and maybe, inspire others,” he said. “For me, this instills a sense of pride. We all want to leave something behind, and that should not be a negative thing.”

On Friday, Combs and Olson were assisted by classmates Cody Benefield and Carl Holcomb on the mural that depicts a grizzly bear on a mountain meadow surrounded by bear grass with towering Cabinet Mountain peaks in the background, a scene sketched by Berget with the students’ input.

“I just love this town,” Berget said. “I’m proud of these kids. They understand they must contribute, be worthwhile citizens.”

Jim Hayes is president and CEO of Normont NDT, and the mural is being painted on the wall of his building at the corner of Mineral and Third streets.

“I like what they’re doing,” Hayes said. “We had the building painted, and they’re giving that side of the building a facelift with their art.”

When approached for the project, Hayes agreed to pay for paint and expenses.

“I gave the approval, and then was out of town for about five weeks, and when I came back, I was pleasantly surprised by what they’ve done,” Hayes said. “It’ll look great.”

The students hope to finish the project by June 1.