Artists, schools, families empowering youth in the Moab Community

Artist Cali Bulmash completed this commissioned mural on the Mill Creek Parkway in 2018.

The names pay tribute to transgender leaders Sylvia Rivera, Marsha P. Johnson and local student Lily McClish.

Bulmash said Lily McClish was Student of the Month at Grand County Middle School for her efforts to promote tolerance for students of all sexual orientations, races and genders. On Jan. 26, 2017, McClish took her own life. “We continue her work,” Bulmash said.

On Tuesday, Feb. 5, the Grand County School District held the Youth Voices Speak Out forum addressing ways to prevent and reduce stigma, harassment, suicide, school bullying, violence and substance abuse. Over 100 youth in grades first through fifth performed at the Grand County High School auditorium during the forum’s introduction.

Student therapists from the Grand County high, middle and elementary schools delivered a presentation called “Top 5 Questions” with dialogue around ways to connect with children to build empowering relationships and find solutions to overcoming struggles.

Volunteers and organizations like the Moab Valley Multicultural Center and Seekhaven Family Crisis and Resource Center are supporting student wellbeing with community resources and education.

“We continue her work.”