05/19/2026
This has to be the best thing We have seen all year. You never know what kind of impact a small gesture you show to a child will have.
Local Bozeman High School (BHS) student Peyton Cahill surprised Bozeman Police Department School Resource Officer (SRO) Harlee Barbao with this painting for his office. Read on to learn their stories about this beautiful work of art.
SRO Barbao writes, “As the SRO at BHS, I have enjoyed watching students go back and forth between school and The Rock Youth Center, located at 214 North 11th Avenue, right across the street from BHS. The space offers a wide range of opportunities for students to come together in a safe space with adult supervision. As their website states, 'The Rock exists to give teenagers a fun, welcoming space to hang out, enjoy inexpensive food and drinks, chat with adults, play games, laugh, and be cared about.' This goal resonates deeply with me both as the SRO and as a parent.
Rhonda Cahill, Director of The Rock Youth Center, an amazing person who does a lot for BHS students, was first introduced to me when she took on her current role. Rhonda introduced me to her daughter, Peyton Cahill, shortly thereafter and showed me some of Peyton’s artwork displayed around the business. Peyton also showed me some of her other drawings, and I couldn’t believe how talented she was. I remember encouraging her to try her hand at painting and see if it was something she might enjoy. She later surprised me with a one-of-a-kind painting of a lion to hang in my office. Peyton knew that I had been searching for the perfect painting to hang in my office, and I immediately knew this was it. I sincerely hope that Peyton continues painting because she is so talented. Those who know Peyton know how caring, kind, and how positive of an influence she is. Now anytime someone walks in my office, the painting is the first topic of conversation. Thank you again, Peyton!”
Peyton Cahill writes, “I'm 18 and a senior this year at Emerge Christian Academy. I love volleyball, music, friends and art. My mom, Rhonda Cahill, is the director of The Rock Youth Center, and it was there that I met Officer Harlee. He saw some of my drawings at the youth center and encouraged me to try painting. He shared that I should pursue my passion of art and to keep going with it. I had never painted before, but he gave me a canvas to give it a try. I decided to create my first painting for Officer Harlee and wanted to depict an image that reflected who he is to our community and the students at BHS. I felt that a lion most represented who I saw him to be: a leader with quiet strength and a protector of his tribe. I am so thankful I was encouraged to try painting. I plan to keep pursuing it.”
Thank you for this amazing piece of art, Peyton!
