Superintendent video: MMS 6th grader paints a bright future

By Superintendent Dr. Laurie Dent:

It’s not every day I get my face painted by one of our 6th grade students! I had the pleasure of meeting Liora, a 6th-grade student at Mountain View Middle School, who is already making waves as a young entrepreneur.

From the moment I met her, it was clear that Liora is not your average 11-year-old. Her brushes, materials, and supplies are neatly organized and thoughtfully cared for—a testament to her professionalism and pride in her work. But what’s most impressive is her intuition: she says she can tell what to paint just by looking at a person.

And I got to experience that firsthand—Liora painted a beautiful sunset scene on my face, complete with tropical trees and birds gliding through the sky. Her focus, creativity, and attention to detail were incredible. For others, it might be a flower, a butterfly, or something completely unique. Every design is a reflection of her gift and the joy she brings to others.

Liora says making people smile is the best part of her business—and it shows. She has a calm, confident presence that immediately puts you at ease.

Liora’s story is a beautiful reminder of our district’s promise—to know, value, and support every student. When we create spaces where students feel seen for who they are and what they love, incredible things happen."

Check out Liora's face painting in action.