Mural will mark 50th year at Willow Glen Middle School
Proceeds from sales of names engraved on mural will help pay for project
By Michelle Alaimo
Willow Glen Middle School is marking its 50th anniversary this fall with a 12-foot by 12-foot mural recycled from the newly remodeled gym's old wood floor.
The mural, which will hang on the gym wall, will consist of names engraved on wood strips, which are approximately 10 inches long. The unique mural allows parents, alumni and community members to have names engraved on the strip for a $5 donation.
Principal Lois Allen said the money will pay for mounting the mural and any remaining money will be donated to the school.
"It's an absolutely wonderful project and will look beautiful when it's done," Allen said. "It's a good way to remember the school's history."
Parent organizers Sherry and Rob Rodriguez, who came up with the idea, are engraving the names on the strips for the fundraiser. The Rodriguez's also made a ceramic tile wall mural for Willow Glen Elementary School when the school celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Sherry said it seemed only natural to do something similar to mark the WGMS anniversary. She adds that not only do her two children attend the school, but she and her husband are both WGMS alumni, as well.
So far, Sherry has sold 100 strips and says the mural could easily accommodate up to 600 names. A ram's head will be placed in the center of the mural and will be sized according to how many strips are sold, Sherry said.
When the mural is completed, it will be installed on the wall and covered with plexiglass. Sherry said she hopes to unveil the completed mural during a big pancake breakfast that will be held sometime this fall.
Anyone interested in having a name placed on the mural can send a $5 check (payable to WGMS PTA) to 50-year mural, 1319 Foxworthy Ave., San Jose, CA 95118. For more information, email Sherry at rubertoe@pacbell.net.
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
