INDIAN HEAD, Md. — Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students and staff have been honored for their role in creating a vibrant mural for the newly opened Oasis Fresh Food Market, the first grocery store in Indian Head in over 25 years. Under the guidance of Rachel Proctor, an art teacher at Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School, students designed and painted a 40-foot mural on the store’s fence, transforming it into a symbol of community pride and engagement.
Proctor, who took the lead in designing, outlining, and organizing the painting process, was joined by several elementary students in completing the mural, unveiled as part of Oasis Fresh Food Market’s grand opening on Oct. 25. The store, which held a soft opening on Oct. 9, offers Indian Head residents a much-needed, accessible source of fresh food, marking a significant development for the town.
Dignitaries, including Gov. Wes Moore, U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, Charles County commissioners, and Maryland state lawmakers, visited the store to view the mural and tour the facility. The mural project drew contributions from students at Indian Head Elementary School, including fourth grader Ava Walker and fifth graders Valentino Castro and Larra Carino. “The students were honored to meet our leaders,” said Marissa Ackerman, the community school coordinator at Indian Head Elementary.
In recognition of their efforts, Proctor and her students received praise not only from local leaders but also during a recent assembly at Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School. Attending the event were Indian Head Mayor Brandon Paulin, Oasis Fresh Food Market co-owner Mark Steele, and Kimberly Hill, Ed.D., former CCPS Superintendent and a current member of the Oasis Advisory Board.
During the assembly, Steele presented a $500 donation to Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary to support the school’s annual Thanksgiving dinner for local seniors. Additionally, Colson, a fifth grader and the sole contributor from Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy to the mural, received a gift bag from Mayor Paulin, while Proctor was presented with the official Indian Head town seal in recognition of her leadership in the project.
Oasis Fresh Food Market’s establishment represents not only a milestone for Indian Head but also a collaborative success story involving students, educators, and local officials. The mural is expected to serve as a lasting emblem of the community’s resilience and the commitment of CCPS students to enhancing their hometown.
For more information on Oasis Fresh Food Market and its services, visit OasisIndianHead.com.
