OTTUMWA —
Students and parents at Evans Middle School will get a reminder every day: We’re proud to be Bulldogs.
“The statue is bigger than life-size,” said Larry Northup, who retired from Evans Middle School. “I had it sculpted by a sculptor out in South Carolina.”
The big bulldog itself is 3 feet tall — but his tough face stares down from a 6-foot-tall pedestal.
“It’s a great way to promote school spirit,” said Gary Gullion, an associate principal at Evans, standing in the entryway near the statue as he supervised students going home Thursday.
Northup and colleague John Sodey worked together on many of those famous out-of-state science trips Evans students took each year. Both retired with each having 40 years or more in the classroom. When there was a balance left over in their travel funds, they decided they’d use that money to make some improvements at the school.
The men installed a new flag pole and are working on designs for a three-column “Evans Middle School” sign near the new main entrance.
But this week’s addition of the Ottumwa mascot has students talking. Not everyone knew the gift was on its way.
“I just noticed this [for the first time] yesterday,” a girl told a friend as they passed the column after school Thursday.
“They just put it in yesterday!” the other girl responded.
It did go in fast, acknowledged Gullion. He knew Sodey and Northup were working on the project.
“I was glad to see the idea bubbling around,” Gullion said. “It’s a great addition to the entryway of our school.”
But why would former employees continue to put in so much effort?
“John and I worked for the school district forever. We just appreciate what the school district has done for us, we’ve been blessed ...”
He said they decided on improvements that will last — and leave a lasting impression.
Hopefully, Northup said, the big bulldog will permanently inspire school spirit among students, parents and staff.
“We thought that this would give us a place to take different pictures of athletes and other groups.”
The statue is not just meant to inspire middle school kids, Northup said.
“A lot of high school games get played there, and that’s our main [sporting event] entrance to the building, so it’ll fit in really well. Everyone will get to enjoy it,” he said.
Local News
Related Photos
-
The new bulldog statue guards the entrance to Evans Middle School after classes Thursday. Two retired teachers are overseeing improvements to the school grounds. Mark Newman/The Courier
Retired teachers hope bulldog statue will inspire school spirit
- Local News
-
- City to purchase radios, antennas OTTUMWA — New communications equipment will soon sit atop the Memorial Park water tower. At its meeting Tuesday night, the City Council approved the emergency purchase of new radios, antennas and related equipment to be secured on the water tower. Af
-
New communications tower assembled
OTTUMWA — Ottumwa's newest 250-foot structure was constructed in just more than four hours.
-
Storefronts to get a big facelift
OTTUMWA -- A fresh set of facades in one city block could build momentum for the revitalization of downtown Ottumwa. The city has received conditional approval for a $500,000 grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority's downtown master facade
-
Tenco productivity increases thanks to new equipment
OTTUMWA — There's nothing like good partners who team up and improve the world around them. Tenco Industries and John Deere Ottumwa Works have teamed up to improve the way Tenco workers handle all the containers they receive for recycling and other
-
Date set in Pam Ward retrial
A date has been set for the retrial of former Ottumwa Transit Authority Director Pam Ward.
-
SLIDESHOW: Communications tower assembled
Crews assembled the new 250-foot communications tower Tuesday in just more than four hours.
-
Body of Fairfield boy recovered
FAIRFIELD -- Authorities in Montana say they have recovered the bodies of a grandmother and two grandchildren after the car they were in rolled into the Clark Fork River, including that of a Fairfield resident. Authorities were called Friday after a
-
Loosen up, help a student graduate
OTTUMWA -- Students in the massage therapy program at Indian Hills Community College are almost ready to graduate. They just need a little help from the community to complete their requirements. The 14 students in the program each need to clock 200 h
- County supervisors OK mental health contract OTTUMWA -- The Wapello County Supervisors on Monday approved renewing the county's contract with Southeast Iowa Case Management. Supervisor Jerry Parker said the action is related to making mental health affordable. "It's ObamaCare," he said. Manager
- Changes coming to council chambers OTTUMWA — Four city officials are up for re-election this fall, though only two plan on running. Mayor Frank Flanders, as well as Councilmen Bob Meyers, Brian Morgan and Jeremy Weller, will finish out their terms at the end of this year. "Things are
- More Local News Headlines
