10/13/2026
Community News: Norton City Schools Unveil LOVE Sign Design
Check out this story about J.I. Burton High School's LOVE Sign project!
NORTON – A visual rendering of Norton’s history is on display at J.I. Burton High School. Students have spent the past few months researching, drawing, and painting a LOVE sign that celebrates Norton’s history and landmarks. The sign, which sits on the school’s front lawn at the intersection of 11th Street and Kentucky Avenue, was previously installed as part of a project with the school’s career and technical education and textile arts programs, according to Stephanie Adams, Norton City Schools Career and Technical Education Director, who also developed the concept and design for the LOVE sign.
This initial project taught students about the “common thread” that connects different cultures and generations through textile arts while also highlighting the value of hands-on arts for all ages. Each letter represented a different textile art: Weaving, Crocheting, Knitting, and Sewing.
As weather and age took its toll on that design, a new vision emerged for the sign’s future: celebrating Norton’s history. The school’s history and English departments had students research the images that now appear on the sign, and art students drew and painted the images. Wise County Career-Technical School helped with metal work and City of Norton crews welded pieces of the sign. Norton City Schools Superintendent Gina Wohlford called the project a nice addition to the school and one that will help connect downtown Norton and the High K**b Destination Center.
Images depicted include Flag Rock, the Woodbooger, railroad tracks that represent Norton’s rail history, High K**b Tower, and Hotel Norton.
On a break from painting one morning at the school, Zoe Addison, 17, explained it was cool to paint something she had grown up seeing and visiting. The Norton native said it was a bit nerve-wracking knowing the work she was doing would be viewed by a lot of people, but she was enjoying it.
Brianna Canter, also 17, said she was excited to be part of the public art project. “I get to look back and say, ‘I helped make that.’” She also noted that it was a rare opportunity to get to work on this type of project. “It’s very exciting to be able to work with friends to get it done.”
The school system officially unveiled the sign on Friday, Oct. 9.
❤️ ❤️ ❤️
City of Norton, Virginia High K**b Destination Center
