Mural Painting Underway at Future Youngstown High School

Local artist transforms gymnasium with new school's mascot and city landmarks.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:49am

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A mural is currently being painted on the gymnasium walls of what will soon become Youngstown High School. Local artist Pat McGlone is leading the project, which will feature the school's owl mascot, the iconic Peanut Bridge, the downtown Youngstown skyline, and the new school's 'Defenders' nickname.

Why it matters

The mural is an important part of the transition as East High School is rebranded as Youngstown High this fall. The artwork aims to create a sense of school pride and community for students entering the new school environment.

The details

Youngstown muralist Pat McGlone is painting the mural on the gymnasium walls. He has completed over 140 murals but this is his first time working on a school gymnasium. McGlone wanted to 'beef up' the original design to give the students a space they would instantly feel proud of and eager to defend as their new home.

  • The mural painting began on Friday, March 28, 2026.
  • Youngstown High School is set to open in the fall of 2026.

The players

Pat McGlone

A local Youngstown muralist who is leading the project to paint a new mural in the gymnasium of the future Youngstown High School.

Youngstown High School

The new high school that will open in Youngstown, Ohio in the fall of 2026, replacing the former East High School.

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What they’re saying

“That's why when the design was originally brought to me, I kind of wanted to beef it up a little bit and give these kids that are going to be already thrown in to a new environment with new students, I wanted to give them a gymnasium that they were instantly really proud of and thought of as home and were eager to defend.”

— Pat McGlone, Muralist

What’s next

The mural is expected to be completed before the start of the 2026-2027 school year when Youngstown High School opens its doors for the first time.

The takeaway

This mural project is an important part of the rebranding and transition process as East High School becomes Youngstown High School. The artwork aims to foster a sense of community, school pride, and ownership for the students who will be attending the new high school.