HHS Class of 2013 Reveals Mural

It was the fulfillment of a dream –  the latest chapter in the unfolding story of the new Hampshire High School.  It was simultaneously a tribute to the past, celebration of the present, and bellwether of the future.  It was, in a word, inspiring. 

A larger-than-life mural was unveiled Monday morning (Feb. 11) at Hampshire High School as a special gift from the Class of 2013.  Click here to see photos of the big reveal.

Based on the winning concept of senior Sarah Bremd, the mural came to life through the professional artistry of Joe Ortega and the passion of students including Class President Nick DeNardo.  He had the honor of revealing the mural on Monday to his equally excited fellow seniors, joined by class sponsors Amy Lutes and Jenny Steljes, Principal Chuck Bumbales, School Board Member Chris Stanton, Superintendent Dr. Michael Bregy, Assistant Superintendent Ben Churchill, and Communications Director Allison Strupeck.

“We have come to realize that our class is special,” DeNardo said. “While other grades have shunned or ignored the traditions of the past, we embraced them.  … With that passion, we decided that our senior class gift would have to match in magnitude the presence that we have had in this high school.  So we sought to leave a mural behind for the generations to come.”

The canvas mural now hangs impressively in a stairwell and features three Whippurs, which is the school mascot, biting down on a purple sign that boldly reads “WHIPS.”  The largest and most ferocious of the felines is crouched dead center, staring you down as you descend the stairs, seemingly ready to pounce. Only gradually do you discover that the spirited scene is set outside of the school entrance – complete with the school flag.

“Nothing worth having comes easily,” DeNardo said.  “We set out on a course of hard work to accomplishment this goal.”