Martin High School officially opened its newly reimagined courtyard last month, celebrating a transformation made possible through student leadership, community volunteers, district support, and several generous grants. The ceremony was both a grand unveiling and a big thank-you to everyone who contributed to the years-long project.
The courtyard – once nearly unusable with a dilapidated stage unused since 2020 – has been reborn as a vibrant, colorful courtyard designed for creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning.
“The courtyard project has been a true labor of love, one that has taken two years to bring to life,” said Martin art teacher and National Art Honor Society sponsor Sharon Miller, who led the renovation effort. “It was inspired by a simple need: giving our art students more room to work on larger projects and providing a safe, creative outdoor space. What was once a forgotten eyesore … became the starting point for a complete reimagining.”
A Community Effort
The transformation was a huge feat made possible through the contributions of student groups, parents, district staff, teachers, and grant funders.
With support from the National Art Honor Society (NAHS), the Art Booster Club, and dedicated staff members, volunteers spent many weekends dismantling the old stage and creating a fresh canvas for the new courtyard. Miller worked closely with AP Environmental Science teacher Jaylee Holland and art teacher Elizabeth Osbourne to re-envision the area as both an outdoor classroom and a true community hub, a space where academics, creativity, wellness, and collaboration intersect.
Three major community grants also helped fund the courtyard renovation and outdoor learning enhancements:
- Texas Health Community Hope awarded NAHS and Gardening Club students a $5,000 wellness innovation grant in the spring of 2025. Students submitted a written proposal and presented to a panel of judges in Fort Worth.
- The Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) North Texas Chapter provided another $5,000 student impact grant, awarded through a video application produced by students.
- The Arlington ISD Education Foundation awarded $10,000 to AP Environmental Science teacher Jaylee Holland for hydroponics equipment and outdoor raised garden beds – key elements that now enrich the courtyard’s science-based learning opportunities.
Celebrating the Contributors
The grand opening ceremony highlighted the many groups who played a role in bringing the project to life.
Martin staff thanked Arlington ISD facilities team members for completing the work that students and teachers couldn’t do themselves, and facilities coordinator Todd Lane received special thanks for his guidance throughout the process.
NAHS members created banners for each grant funder to show their appreciation, while student groups passed out seed packets, mini-zines, and information about the art exhibit and courtyard project. A student quartet performed during the event, and student artists worked at easels throughout the courtyard, painting live portraits of attendees, including Martin Principal Marlene Roddy and Arlington ISD Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith.
As guests explored the space during the grand opening, students shared how the new courtyard is already benefiting them.
“We love our new courtyard, thank you!” wrote Martin senior Blair Rayburn to the grant funders.