Months of planning and creating paid off Saturday night when the high school art students received a loud round of applause for the pieces they shared with the 2025 Wildcat Way Gala attendees.

The AP art students smiled as they stood next to their paintings, which were on easels next to the stage for everyone to see. Working together in groups, the 17 seniors had spent weeks of class time, nights, and even weekends to finish the artwork.

Their six large canvases, each representing a different Wildcat Way trait, was a new contribution to this year’s gala. The annual event honors JPS students displaying honesty, integrity, responsibility, trust, respect, and empathy.

Art Teacher Sara Buzzita-Johnson said she was impressed with how her students maintained the vision of making the artwork a cohesive collection, even when things were difficult. Minutes before the event, they were still rearranging the displays to make sure the colors worked with each other. 

“I was super proud,” Buzzita-Johnson said. “It was an official celebration of their creativity. It represented their whole artistic journey through the district.”

The process began in October, when the class discussed the Wildcat Way traits. They determined what traits resonated with them and then split into groups, she said.

Then they produced sketches, pulled together colors, and began underpaintings. All of this took place while they juggled their other artwork in class. 

Buzzita-Johnson said the group component of the project taught her students problem-solving skills and communication skills. Her main role was to keep the conversation going and help them keep the eye on the prize.

“I learned a lot through it,” she said.

Looking ahead, Buzzita-Johnson said the artwork is expected to be displayed in JPS buildings for years to come. The students are very excited about that possibility. 

“They felt good,” she said. “They were proud.”