By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
Poised to lift the white shroud from the object set in front of Bowling Green High School, Bill York paused to note that he’d been promised “this is not just another class of ’78 prank.”
The class, known in the years since they graduated as the worst class ever, has set about turning over a new leaf. “We’re trying to establish a new reputation as the most giving class,” York said.
That spirit was represented when the object, a large bronze statue of a bobcat, was unveiled.
For Principal Jeff Dever, it will be “a tremendous thing for kids to come to school and see that.”
And yes, he heard, the stories about the class as “the worst class that came through these doors.” What he knows is that the class has been “very generous.”
“They handled this from start to finish,” he said.
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Bill York and Mike Hammer unveil bronze bobcat.
The project was spearheaded by Bill York. Classmate Mike Hammer, the city superintendent of public works, enlisted help from city workers to get the base of brick and concrete constructed.
York said that after the class held its 35th reunion, some of the organizers talked about creating a more permanent structure. In 2014, the Bowling Green High School Class of 1978 was created. In 2015, the foundation awarded its first scholarship for $1,000 and donated a couple benches that sit outside the school. This year a $2,500 scholarship was awarded, and the bobcat was purchased and placed.
The idea for the bronze mascot came from members of the class, York said. They wanted something “unique” and enduring. It should be made as it is of bronze, stone and brick. “It’ll be long lasting,” he said. “Hopefully it’ll outlast us all.”
The budget for the project was $8,500. The class raised almost $12,000. York said that may mean benches or other elements could be added to the project.
The bronze bobcat was purchased from the Large Art Company, from Baltimore, Maryland.
York said that when they first approached the administration about how they could help the school, all the administrators knew of the class was its reputation.
“We were rambunctious,” Hammer admitted.
In a humorous poem penned for the occasion, class member David Kinney noted that the faculty “pushed us out the doors with cheers.”
Those teachers, though, also “motivated us to give back with all our might. Now we know the kids of ’78 are all right.”
At least one teacher thought so at the time. Frances Brent, who taught sixth grade, said the class, which included her late daughter Liz, was “wonderful.”
“I adored them. I like ornery kids,” she said.
The class is continuing its efforts. After the unveiling of the statue, some members were heading off to a golf outing to raise more scholarship money.
