Next STEP student Jacariya Wright and another student make their way down a hallway May 5 at the end of the day. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Encouraging words and phrases are everywhere throughout the Gov. James B. Longley School in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

A message on a poster in one of the halls in the Gov. James B. Longley School in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Art is an important component in the Next STEP program and can be seen all throughout the Gov. James B. Longley School in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Next STEP student Katie Monteith, left, works with Branches Project Manager Keenan Shields on May 5, while Jamyla Spearman, right, works on an English project with teacher Elisabeth Sampson. The Next STEP program is housed at the Gov. James B. Longley School in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Next STEP students Sam Brown, left, Emily Dauphin, center, and Cymon Gaudet pose May 5 in the Chill Room where they painted the mural in the background. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Next STEP arts and English teacher Noelle Auger, waits for students to come into the classroom May 5. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Nearly every wall in the Gov. James B Longley School, which houses the Next STEP program, is filled with art and positive messages. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal