With care and precision, art students are designing and sculpting an enduring legacy at Friends Academy.

Graduation is about a month away, and Friends Academy’s eighth graders have launched into their final art project: a ceramic tile that will remain at the school indefinitely. The tiles will be displayed together and become part of the commencement ceremony in June.

There are no strict guidelines dictating what students can create. As evidenced by the walls of the academy, students have found inspiration in everything from nature to the Pillsbury Dough Boy.

“It’s a gift to the school, but it’s part of them that they leave behind,” said Cheryl Deane, director of admissions.

She said that when alumni visit the school, there are two things they want to do: check in with their former teachers and search for their tile.

The project dates back to 1950 when the first graduating class crafted their tiles from copper. Back then, students would use a process called repoussé to hammer or press the metal from both sides into a desired design.

Most of the copper plates remain intact since their initial creation and are on display in the auditorium. But a few have started to show some wear and tear. Those tiles, however, are well-loved.

“Certain tiles were considered lucky,” said Deane. “As children walked past those tiles, they would touch them. But the enzymes in our hands would deteriorate the very thin copper.”

One tile in particular, created by Kathleen English in 1950, is flaking away toward the bottom. Deane thinks this may have to do with the fact that it's positioned outside the former head of school’s office — a room that may have inspired some students to wish for luck before entering.

In 1980, as the price of copper increased, the tile project transitioned to clay.

Taken as a whole, the project serves as a time capsule of sorts. Pop culture trends, popular bands and important moments in history are speckled throughout the rows and rows of tiles.

While the project began in early May, art teacher Wendy Goldsmith instructed students to start brainstorming as early as possible.

“I tell them the first day of class in September to start thinking of ideas,” said Goldsmith. “When they come in, they’re in different stages of drawing, thinking about what would fit in the space, what would represent them.”

After sketching their ideas, students are given a slab of clay and, using hand building techniques to create an image in or on top of the flat surface.

This years’ eighth graders are hard at work, constructing everything from logo designs to original creations.

Kenny, 14, used the flat tile as the base for a rocket blasting through the sky. He said that while he loves outer space, the design had symbolic value as well.

“It shows that we’re going another step in our journey, in our lives, because we’re leaving eighth grade and going on to high school,” he said.

After 11 years at Friends Academy, Kenny said he’s nervous about taking the next step, but it will be an “interesting change” nonetheless.

“The art program here is really creative,” said Sarah, 14, who was etching on the pages of a clay book resting on her tile. “It lets you express who you are and what you like to do.”

On Friday, the art room was alive with activity, particularly from Goldsmith whose name was called throughout the room by students seeking guidance and approval. No matter where her students go in their careers, she hopes those experiences will make them appreciate art.

“Hopefully, people remember their experiences here,” said Goldsmith.