LUMBERTON – In the heart of Lumberton High School, students have turned grief into art.

A group of students, led by art teacher Christopher Holzinger, have spent the past six months painting a mural to honor Susan Copeland, a beloved science teacher who died in a two-vehicle crash on Jan. 31, 2024.

Copeland, who had taught at Lumberton High for nearly a decade, was known for her bright personality, deep love for science and unwavering support for students.

Her passing left a profound impact on the school.

“(The school) was quiet — it was depressing,” said senior Jabari Funchess, recalling the days following her death.

In the weeks after, students began leaving notes and pictures on a wall outside her classroom. That spontaneous tribute soon evolved into something permanent: a mural on the side of the science building, painted by the Lumberton High School Art Club.

A vibrant legacy in color and chemistry

Holzinger and his students designed the mural to reflect Copeland’s personality and passion for teaching.

“Ms. Copeland meant a lot to a lot of kids at the school,” Holzinger said. “So, our art club got together and decided to commemorate her with a mural.”

The bright colors chosen represent her vibrant energy, and her name is written using elements from the periodic table as a nod to her love of science.

“Ms. Copeland was a very vibrant person,” said Taryn Holzinger, an artist assisting with the project. “So, when you walk by this mural, it’s like she’s here because just that vibrant light that she spread is still shining.”

For many students, Copeland was more than a teacher — she was a mentor who went the extra mile.

“She kind of helped me out with things she didn’t have to help me out with,” said Funchess. “During intercession, I struggled with a class of mine — biology — and she helped me out during my intercession. It made my grade go up.”

Sophomore Abigail Riley said the project holds deep meaning for her friends.

“My closest friends said that she used to babysit them and so they were pretty close,” Riley said. “I’m glad this (mural) will be here for them.”

Holzinger hopes to finish the mural by March 3 — a lasting tribute marking just over a year since Copeland’s passing.

“Hopefully, people will look at this mural and remember all the wonderful times they had with her for generations to come,” he said.

More than a mural: Beautifying Lumberton through art

While the mural is a memorial, it also represents a growing movement in Lumberton — using art to revitalize the community.

In recent months, the Lumberton Main Street Association, led by Christopher Holzinger, has been spearheading mural projects as part of a broader initiative to breathe new life into the city.

As Lumberton leaders work toward a Downtown Master Plan, public art has become a key piece of placemaking efforts.

According to our partners at The Robesonian, recent community workshops have highlighted public spaces, entertainment and pedestrian-friendly design as top priorities. Murals, alongside other placemaking projects like the Lumberton Loop, Riverwalk expansions and Courthouse Square improvements, are intended to attract visitors, foster pride and encourage economic growth.

Taryn Holzinger sees murals as a powerful way to bring life to the city.

“As an artist, you want to spread the light,” she said. “To have that vibrant imagery that people can pass by — to lighten their day.”

Lumberton’s growing public art movement has already made a mark.

• Murals at Lumberton Elementary School Library.
• A collaborative piece at the Lumberton Public Library.
• Future mural projects in planning stages.

The hope is that murals like the one honoring Copeland will not only beautify the city but also strengthen the sense of community — one brushstroke at a time.