LUMBERTON — Students, faculty and family members gathered Thursday at Lumberton High School to unveil a mural in memory of Susan Copeland, a longtime science teacher who died in a car crash on Jan. 31, 2024.
Painted by the school’s art club, the mural stretches across the side of the science building where Copeland once taught. The project took six months to complete and was led by art teacher Christopher Holzinger.
A tribute shaped by students
The mural began as a spontaneous tribute outside Copeland’s classroom in the days following her death. Students left notes, drawings and photographs on the wall, which inspired a more permanent project.
“This wasn’t just about painting a wall. This was about capturing a legacy,” Holzinger said. “Ms. H. and I had the joy of working alongside a dedicated group of students in our afterschool art club. Together, they brought this vision to life.”
It features bright, energetic colors Holzinger said reflect Copeland’s legacy and spells her name using elements from the periodic table — a nod to her deep love of science and nearly decade-long teaching career at Lumberton High.
“(The students) stayed late, worked through unpredictable weather and poured their hearts into every detail,” he said. “Each element (was) chosen to reflect the vibrant spirit of Mrs. Copeland. The result is more than a mural. It’s a message. It’s a celebration.”
Recent graduate Dennis Holder, who helped paint the mural, said it felt meaningful to contribute to something permanent.
“It’s honestly pretty great,” he said. “It will be part of not only my school’s history, but also, I can basically say, ‘hey, I have a hand in helping in honoring my late chemistry teacher,’ and generations to come will really love and appreciate it too when they walk by past this.”
Copeland’s impact remembered
Holzinger described Copeland as more than a science teacher.
“She was a spark, a light, a force of curiosity and compassion,” he said. “She lit up a classroom and the lives of everyone who knew her.”
Her son, Sean Copeland, said the mural reflects her passion for education and the lasting influence she had on students.
“(It shows) someone who really loved what they did. Someone who was very passionate about what they taught,” he said. “She wanted kids to really get involved with science and really enjoy science the way she did.”
“There’s definitely a legacy that she’s left behind,” he added. “There will be students that will tell stories when they’re parents one day, I’m sure — even though many of these younger kids won’t know her, I’m sure some of her influence will make its way to them.”
Junior Lily Fruge said the mural reflects both Copeland’s personality and her teaching.
“It feels really great to be able to have an actual tribute to her and all that she did,” she said. “… Have little things on it that represent her as a person and also her as a teacher.”
“When the new students see the mural and read who it’s for, they’ll maybe do some research or ask around and try to see who that was,” she said. “They’ll see just how amazing of a teacher and a person she was.”
A lasting presence
Holzinger said he hopes the mural will continue to serve as a source of inspiration.
“Through this artwork, her spirit continues to teach and inspire,” he said. “It also stands as a testament to the creativity, heart and potential of our students. When given the opportunity, they rise.”
He closed the ceremony by honoring the students who helped bring the project to life.
“Ms. Copeland would be proud of your work and of the love that you have poured into it,” Holzinger said. “As we cut this ribbon today, we celebrate a teacher who truly made a difference, and we hope that this mural inspires every student who passes by to live with the same curiosity, courage, and compassion that Ms. Copeland so freely gave.”