TUPELO – A group of North Pontotoc High School art students fought tears as they tried to discuss what NPHS art teacher Gail Morton means to them.

Morton was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago but continued to teach through chemotherapy treatments, which she completed in March.

Her students honored their teacher’s fight this fall by putting together an art show about breast cancer awareness. On Thursday, the students hung their work in The Mall at Barnes Crossing to commemorate the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness month. The art will remain in the mall throughout October.

North Pontotoc junior Koby Logan said he and his classmates hoped that through their art, others who had loved ones battling breast cancer would know that they aren’t alone.

“If we would have lost Ms. Morton, I don’t know what we would have done without her,” Logan said.

The theme of the art show is “One in Eight” because one in eight women will get breast cancer, Morton said.

Much of the artwork is located near the food court, with other pieces scattered throughout the mall. It includes paintings, as well as human figures, hands and faces and even a guitar. Much of the art is pink. Morton said that Walmart in Pontotoc donated the pink spray paint.

Most of the art was produced by Morton’s students, but some it is was donated by several local artists.

“If I just taught about elements and principles and technique, it would be superficial,” Morton said. “The art also needs to be able to say something about the artist or have some kind of meaning to the one who views it.”

Morton, 47, said she hoped her students understand that they can say something – through words or through art – that is not about them and that may touch someone they don’t even know.

Morton’s students said they learned from her perseverance and gained a greater appreciation for life. They said they were most impressed by Morton’s attitude.

“She is the only teacher I’ve ever seen who doesn’t have a bad day,” said junior Olivia Chauvin. “Even when she was undergoing chemo, she had a smile on her face.”