The community is invited to attend a celebration of a diversity, equity and inclusion glass mosaic mural on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 4 to 5 p.m. near Farmers Market in Hershey and the former Cocoa Beanery at 1215 West End Ave., Hummelstown.

The mural - which is 20 feet long by 5 feet high - is called "Bloom and Belong," and it celebrates the diversity of the community and stands as a reminder to respect and welcome all people. It features approximately 10,000 glass tiles, including 1,000 tiles made by more than 500 students from Milton Hershey School, Hershey High School, Lower Dauphin School District and the Vista School.

"It's important that the youth of our community have a voice in the important message of this mural," said mural organizer and Derry Township resident Susan Cort. "Like the mosaic tiles the students created, they are each a small part of creating positive change in our community."

The mural was designed by Hummelstown glass mosaic artist Linda Billet. Billet worked with Cort and John Davis, who is the visual arts coordinator at Milton Hershey School and an accomplished artist, to create the vision for the mural. The team chose the theme of wildflowers in the garden to remind people to celebrate the beauty of all flowers, regardless of their differences.

"We hope that the artwork is inspirational and educational and that everyone is reminded of the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging," said Davis.

"The mosaic was designed to showcase the students' amazing tiles," Billet added. "In this imaginary flower community, the beautiful dandelion takes center stage and shines among other flowers."

Cort said she was inspired to create the mural after seeing one in Raleigh, N.C., that read "Everyone's Welcome in Raleigh." "I knew that we needed something in our community to send that same kind of positive and inclusive message," said Cort. "It has taken just over three years from idea to completion, and I am incredibly thankful for Linda's and John's passion for this project and for our many generous donors who funded the mural."

The location for the mural was provided by Hershey Trust Company as trustee for Milton Hershey School. The mural is sponsored by The Hershey Company, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine, Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Capital Blue Cross, Capital Construction Management, Hershey Federal Credit Union, McQuaide Blasko and the Rotary Club of Hershey. The Foundation for Enhancing Communities is the fiscal sponsor of the project.

The mural celebration event will include musical selections by the Milton Hershey School Spartan Performance Band and comments from students who worked on the mural. Event support will be offered by The Englewood, and refreshments will be provided by the Palmyra Wal-Mart.