Though the future remains unwritten, we know one thing for certain: the classes of 2020 and 2021 will never forget their senior years at Canby High School.
And, thanks to the latest addition to the school’s newly dubbed “Senior Park,” future students, teachers, administrators and the community will never forget the classes of 2020 and 2021.
Principal Greg Dinse and other administrators on Friday morning unveiled a larger-than-life bronze cougar statue dedicated to the Class of 2021, mounted on a concrete pedestal in front of the Senior Rock, a 27,000-pound boulder that was donated last year in honor of the Class of 2020.
Officials said they plan to fully redevelop this entire part of the campus in honor of all seniors — but with a particular emphasis on the two classes most impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition to the eight-and-a-half-foot-long cougar and its 3-foot-tall plinth, other additions to the park this year include a curb around the rock and a plaque dedicated to the Class of 2020.
Future phases will include a C-shaped walkway around the rock, benches, lighting and vegetation.
“CHS administration came up with the idea of making the area around the senior rock into a senior park to remember this time and as a tribute to our students, especially, to the classes of 2020 and 2021,” Dinse said. “This statue can be a showcase for our school and community for years to come.”
Seniors who attended the walking prom got a sneak peek at the cougar prior to its installation. After graduation, seniors will have the chance to take pictures with the statue as well as several other stations around campus.
“We are excited to honor our students, especially our seniors, with this cougar statue,” Associate Principal Cari Sloan said. “Cougars are known for their strength and adaptability and our students have embodied the cougar spirit in this year of Covid.”
The cougar statue — which stands over 6 feet tall, including its pedestal — was created by All Classics Limited out of Delaware and shipped across the country. Concrete work was donated by Dave Garber.
The high school also thanked the City of Canby, Jamie Netter, Daren Monen, Todd Roberts, Jeffery Hart, Karla Kramer of Second Nature Landscape Design, Gavin Smith from GHS Engineering, and Tony Sloan for their contributions to the project.
