A Legacy in the Makingby Stuart Warpinski
On Friday night, May 16th 2008, Newark history was made. A project that began two years ago and required hundreds of hours of work to complete was officially dedicated to the Village.
The Newark Mural was first conceived in Mr. Hall’s sociology class of 2006 by Ashley Larson (Class of 2006), and Emma Miller (Class of 2007). It began as a service learning project for the community and has now become an icon for Newark’s heritage. Tyler Vickroy (Class of 2007), Jacob Young (Class of 2007), Emma Miller (Class of 2007), Crystal Nieland (Class of 2007), and Jessica Christensen (Class of 2008) spent over 300 hours of school and personal time painting this mural. After completion it was on display in the student center until it was moved to the Newark Fire Station.
The official dedication took place on Friday, May 16th 2008, and the mural was accepted by Newark’s mayor, Jim Davis. All five of the artists returned to Newark for the dedication and were congratulated on their success and contribution to the community. Making a picture that defines a community was a daunting task, but Newark High School’s Advanced Studio class in conjunction with the Sociology class created a timeless piece of art that will honor the community for ages.
Pictures from the Dedication Ceremony:
Ms. Pauline Berggren, Superintendent, spoke at the Mural Dedication Ceremony about NCHS's Service Learning Initiative. The mural project was part of a 2007 Learn & Serve Grant.
Mike Hall, Sociology Teacher, thanked various contributors to the project, including, Pauline Berggren, Superintendent, Doug Hoster, Principal, NCHS Board of Education, Roger Sanders, Norm Meier, NCHS Faculty & Staff, Gary Fruland, Mayor Jim Davis, Lewis Huntley and Newark's 36 Cent Fund, Fern Dell Historic Association, Lowell Mathre and the Newark Fire Department, Lynette Heiden and the Charles B. Phillips Library, Community Survey Participants, Sociology and Advanced Studio Art Students.
William Blidy, Art Teacher, discussed the project in detail, then thanked and introduced the artists of the mural. Each student's panel was discussed.
Mayor Davis accepts the mural and commends the artists for their contribution to the community.
