Celebrating the life and legacy of Nick Elizalde

On the morning of Monday, June 12, 2023, students from WB Saul High School and Roxborough High School came together to celebrate the life and legacy of Nick Elizalde with the dedication of a mural in his honor.  The mural, Te oigo mi hermano / I hear you brother, was created by artist Calo Rosa and adorns Roxborough High School.  

Nick was a freshman at WB Saul who joined Roxborough’s football team (the closest school for WB Saul students). In his fifth week of school, Nick lost his life in a shooting on the Roxborough campus. This mural dedication celebrates an amazing young person described by his peers at both Saul and Roxborough as a light, who was always smiling, who brought joy to the world, and cared deeply about it. He was beloved by family and friends. 

The dedication event opened with a traditional offering by Cesar Viveros, followed by a brief speaking program and then a traditional Aztec dance to celebrate Nick’s fascination with his Mexican heritage. Nick’s favorite foods were on hand, along with breakfast treats from Brown’s Super Stores. This moving yet celebratory,— dedication provided a space for friends and family to come together to honor this extraordinary young man lost so tragically. Mural Arts Philadelphia was honored to be a part of this celebration of Nick’s life.

Thank you to our funders and partners

Funders for this Mural Project include The Office of Children and Family Services, and Public Health Management Corporation.

Partners for this Mural Project include: 

Meredith Elizalde & the Family of Nick Elizalde

Kristin Williams Smalley, Principal, The Academies at Roxborough High School
Julian Saavedra, Assistant Principal, The Academies at Roxborough High School

Kate Mullen, Assistant Principal, The Academies at Roxborough High School

Roxborough High School Students: Dante McKeither, Rafi Stevenson, Ollie Conner, Lovett Davenport, Faith Bush, Timaij Bowman, Brielle Canady, Deyavauhntae Bolger, Jay’lah Holmes

Gabriel Ginsburg Tuffs, Assistant Principal W.B. Saul High School

W.B. Saul High School Students: Anarquis Castillo-Ortiz, Pablo Lopez-Perez, Muhyyee-Ud-Din Abdul-Rahman, Joshua Rejouis, Mariah Alicea, Isis Feristin, Cole Rainis, Talayah Crabbe, Abigail Morales

Brown’s Super Stores