This past April and May, the Holliston Drug & Alcohol Awareness Coalition (HDAAC)’s Youth Action Team (YAT) at Holliston High School (HHS) created a new mural for HHS. More than 40 students collaborated to brainstorm the concept together, while freshman member Alyssa Balardini recruited fellow Art Club members Sea Singh and Amanda Oliveira, also freshman, to help bring the mural to life through painting. Alyssa told us, “This mural was an awesome opportunity for us three artists because it challenged us and gave us experience. In the end, we were able to work through these challenges and love the finished product.”
The inspiration behind the mural was to highlight protective factors: the positive influences in our lives that can reduce the likelihood of substance use and addiction. Some protective and risk factors can be genetic, such as a family history of addiction or mental illness, while others are environmental, including where a person lives and the resources available to them. Organizations like HDAAC work to help young people recognize and strengthen their protective factors while reducing risk factors.
The mural features several protective factors, including exercising, listening to music, reading, spending time with pets, family, and nature. These activities represent healthy outlets that can boost happiness, creativity, and overall well-being, while encouraging young people to avoid negative coping strategies such as substance use.
At the center of the mural is HDAAC’s flower logo, paired with a slogan often used at Holliston Youth and Family Services (HYFS), where HDAAC is housed: “Grow through what you go through.” The flowers spread throughout the grass each hold special meaning as well. The artists initially painted them white, then invited the entire school community to help complete them using colorful thumbprints as petals. This activity was promoted as a “drug-free pledge” and a way to bring the HHS community together.
This mural serves as more than just a piece of artwork, it is a lasting reminder of the importance of connection, creativity, and healthy coping strategies within the Holliston High School community. Through collaboration, student leadership, and community participation, the project reflects HDAAC’s mission to empower young people to make positive choices and support one another. By encouraging students to recognize and strengthen their protective factors, the mural stands as a symbol of resilience, hope, and the message that no one has to face challenges alone.