Built Piece by Piece

Marlborough’s Class Banner is one of the School’s oldest traditions, dating back to 1890. This storied tradition takes place during 10th Grade when the class comes together to create a banner that serves as a symbol for their collective Marlborough experience. In the 19th and 20th centuries, most of the banners were made out of felt and other fabrics. More recently, students are breaking the mold and getting creative. The Class of 2028 is no exception. They opted to create a glass and tile mosaic to represent their Marlborough journey, which they revealed to the community through a presentation during All-School Meeting.

“This banner did not just happen, but was built piece by piece,” Class President Maddie S. ’28 shared. “It all came together through collaboration, creativity, and shared enthusiasm.”

The mosaic incorporates the class colors they chose in 9th Grade: Alabaster for individuality, Burgundy for a deep commitment to learning, and Blossom Pink to represent their ongoing growth. These hues form a vivid backdrop for the mosaic’s central imagery—a mountain and river encased in a vine of lilies and the lunar cycle. Communications Representative Sofia C. ’28 noted that the mountain reflects the grade's "endurance and ability to overcome obstacles," while the river symbolizes their "unified movement toward their dreams."

The symbolism extends to the flowers and the lunar cycle surrounding the mountain. Arts Representative Sarah K. ’28 described: “The lunar cycle symbolizes our growth, achievements, and new opportunities. As part of the cycle, we eventually return to our beginnings at Marlborough.” She also explained the meaning of the ‘stargazer’ lily that appears in both the mosaic and embroidered on the class polos, noting, “because the flowers open up toward the sky, they represent reaching for dreams and success, just as the Class of 2028 does.”

The act of building this mosaic took on both a metaphorical and literal meaning of assembling something piece by piece, alongside one another. The students partnered with local organization Piece by Piece to help them design and build the banner. Community Partnerships Representative Georgie R. ’28 highlighted the organization’s work, sharing: “Piece by Piece works to empower those who have experienced homelessness or economic insecurity by providing free mosaic art workshops encouraging confidence building, promoting wellness, and giving them a chance to earn supplementary income. Not only that, but they work to beautify the city of Los Angeles and encourage the public to transform previously neglected and undesirable places into spaces of happiness.” This mission echoes the class’s own goal of creating a beautiful legacy.

In choosing to build something together, literally piece by piece, the Class of 2028 has created more than a banner. They have created a reminder that the most beautiful things are made when everyone contributes something of their own. Congratulations to the Class of 2028 for creating such a meaningful, symbolic, and beautiful banner!