In 2000, when we revived the old MDHS Alumni Association, Katie brought a fundraising idea to the table: one which would be three years in the making, but well worth the wait!The concept involved creating a "Walk of Fame," in which Red Devils could memorialize themselves and others in non-destructable and attractive pavers, while assisting in two of the MDHSAA's missions: campus beautification and scholarship sponsorship.We compared competing paver companies, and Michele found one which would work well with our organization. Once we began accepting paver orders, they came in droves. Most Red Devils ordered single pavers, but a couple of people ordered as many as 8 pavers for their families and friends. Our first tier includes more than 100 pavers. We encountered many obstacles in our installation process, from approval snafus, to on-campus construction, to the weather. Our intended initial installation, which was scheduled for late September, 2003, was pushed back for months, but now our long wait is finally over. Thanks to the labor and construction expertise of Michele's husband, John, and the design acumen of Burton, Ginny, Michele and Katie, the pavers have been put to bed in their new home in front of the library: the MDHS Alumni Association Walk of Fame.School spirit doesn't end in a walk across the stage to collect that diploma, fist raised in triumph. The Walk of Fame expresses an undying love for our alma mater, and it includes family legacies of loyalty to MDHS. It also acknowledges beloved teachers, immortalizes classes, and memorializes loved ones who have passed away. We honor ourselves and others by sharing these pieces of ourselves, of our shared history, with each other, and with future generations of Red Devils.
Thank you so much for all the time and hard work that you and the others put forth for the Walk of Fame. Although it was emotional seeing my mother's memorial paver in the photo, it also made me happy to have her remembered in this way at her alma mater. How appropriate that her paver is located in the Library Rose Garden, as my mom loved roses and always had a rose garden in her yard. Her paver is next to the CD Federal Credit Union where she was a member for so many years, as well as near the 50th Anniversary marker for the Class of 1951, in which she served on the committee with her high school classmates and was able to attend the reunion, while battling melanoma cancer. I look forward to visiting the Walk of Fame soon and I will forward this information on to my family and friends.
