New eagle statue dedicated by TAHS class of 1962
The statue was purchased entirely through donations raised by the alumni of the Tyrone High School Class of 1962
The Class of 1962 was the first class in Tyrone history to graduate from the present high school building.
To honor that distinction, some members of the class have always dreamed of donating some kind of permanent memorial to the school.
Patti Geist, member of the Class of ‘62, said that a classmate came up with the idea for the eagle statue. The dedication occurred on September 13, 2104 at 11:00. There were approximately 50 attendees at the ceremony.
The granite statue was constructed in Lamont, Pennsylvania by Mayes Memorials. The base is made of polished granite. The total cost of the project was $14,000, all of it raised through donations.
Geist was pleased with their decision to use local contractors, especially since the owner of the business is a Tyrone Area High School graduate.
The cheerleaders released balloons to celebrate the statue dedication
Rich Stever of Mayes Memorials spoke on behalf of his father and the company.
“It is a great addition to our school and shows school spirit,” said sophomore Haley Wagner.
Students at TAHS noticed the construction of the statue last school year, and now the final project as they returned to school this fall.
The ceremony was one of weekend several events for the Class of 62.
The graduates also attended the Tyrone Golden Eagles football game against Huntingdon on Friday and they celebrated their 70th birthday at the Bull Pen in Tyrone on Saturday night.
Some members the class traveled from as far away as Florida and Michigan for the event. Graduate Dottie Heichel Gough, resident of Tallahassee, Florida, and Gaynell Berkstresser Gill, who now lives in Michigan, traveled many hours to attend the events.
Jim Crawford spoke on behalf of the Tyrone Area School Board and expressed appreciation for the statue.
“The statue looks great, and I am very grateful for the Class of ‘62 and their donation to our school,” said TASD School Board member Jim Raabe.
Fellow classmates also spoke words of gratitude and reminisced on their time in school together. They also thanked Geist for all of her work in the project.
Past superintendent, Dr. William Miller; current superintendent, Ms. Cathy Harlow; TASD school board; and other administration were present at the ceremony. The TAHS cheerleaders were also at the dedication.
My name is Mary Beth Raabe. I am sixteen years old and a junior at Tyrone Area High School. I am involved in many extra-curricular activities including...
