'Luminaries,' new Girls High mural honoring alumna Jill Scott unveiled as a 'beacon' of possibility for Philadelphia students

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia’s own Jill Scott this month returned to her alma mater , Girl’s High, for the unveiling of a new mural honoring her. The Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter said it was the honor of a lifetime, and she fought back tears throughout the day.

“To everyone who envisioned it — thank you, everyone. I love you so much,” she said at the unveiling ceremony on Oct. 10.

The mural, called “Luminaries,” was designed by a local artist and one of Scott’s close friends, Patrick Dougher, who worked closely with Mural Arts Philadelphia to bring the project to life.

“Honestly, it’s a dream come true. Jill Scott is an icon and such a source of inspiration. We’re so happy we could do it,” said Mural Arts Philadelphia Executive Director Jane Golden.

“It’s a mural, but it’s really a beacon and focal point — a sign for all the girls that go here — that anything is possible.”

The design includes a pattern of crowns on crowns, which Dougher says was particularly important to him.

“Crowns symbolize royalty,’ he said. “I wanted to call light to the fact that the alumni and students — all of Philly — are royal in my eyes.”

The day was a celebration — with food, musical performances and a lot of very starstruck Girls High students, for whom Scott’s honor meant so much.

“It means uniqueness and also like it’s a celebration of our community,” said Girls High student Jayda

“It makes me feel proud that somebody who was a Girls High girl can become something so great and to have her own mural in our school,” said Lauren, a student.