Mural brings pride and color to Ridgewood cross country building

Ridgewood Middle School art teacher Robin Hire uses her artistic skills to brighten the district’s school buildings. Her latest addition was a mural on the cross country building.

The project was sponsored by the Janusian Club, which Hire’s sister Irene Miller is part of.

“She wanted the cross country kids to have a building they could be proud of,” Hire said.

The design is on the former pool building and features the Ridgewood block R, black silhouettes of runners and a sunset in Ridgewood orange.

“I love that my students love the murals I make,” Hire said. “I’m thankful the school lets me do this. I hope they bring joy and inspire the kids.”

Ridgewood cross country coach Wendy Croy is thankful for the special place her athletes were given.

“We are so excited that the Janusian Club did this and that they got Robin to paint it,” Croy said. “It’s really given the kids something to be proud of. Cross country is a hard sport, and the kids work incredibly hard. To have their home base looking so nice really makes me feel good as a coach. I’ve had many texts from Ridgewood employees and families and lots of comments about how nice it looks. We are very pleased they took on this project and our kids can enjoy it.”

Ridgewood senior Kenzie Bice said, “I thought it was very cool and made it more than just a white building. It’s like known as our place now.”

Sophomore runner Rylee Miller is the granddaughter of Miller and great-niece of Hire.

“I am really grateful that my grandma cares so much about improving her community and our school,” Rylee Miller said. “Also, I think my Aunt Robin is really talented, and she did an amazing job on the pool house.”