New Cabrillo Elementary School mural has a Navy touch

A new mural on the campus of Cabrillo Elementary School in Pt. Loma is the work of students and a Navy volunteer, Petty Officer John Willman.

The mural of iconic San Diego Bay sites -- sailboats, the San Diego Coronado Bay Bridge, and downtown -- close by the campus. Students worked on the mural with Willman.

"Petty officer Willman is an exceptional volunteer who has been with Cabrillo for the last two years. Since his arrival at Cabrillo he has demonstrated a high degree of commitment and professionalism towards community service," said Principal Nestor Suarez. "As a muralist he has taken on the challenge of working with students to create artwork that was used to beautify the library wall with a mural depicting the life, nature, and culture on the bay of San Diego."

Suarez said Willman also works as a volunteer noon duty, math tutor and other duties around the campus. He is one of hundreds of Navy and Marine Corps personnel who volunteer time in San Diego schools.

Volunteer service is a big part of Vision 2020, San Diego Unified School District's roadmap to the future. According to the vision, "community involvement with active school volunteers and business partnerships adds to the success of students.

"Petty Officer Willman is an invaluable and respected member of our learning community and we are honored that he chose Cabrillo to further his community service," said Suarez.

Find out more about Cabrillo Elementary by calling Principal Suarez for a tour at (619) 223-7154.