A Time Capsule of Signatures by Kyle McLaren
In the Melbourne High Media Center, there were hundreds of books, fancy furniture, and a special resident who has called the Media Center home for over 30 years. The Senior Bulldog Statue stood proud in the lobby and greeted students as they entered the building. “We’re home to such a unique and cool Mel-Hi tradition. I get to watch it get signed and repainted every year,” said Mrs. Carrie Friday. The statue was created in 1959 for the homecoming dance and has partaken in many parade floats, school dances, and theater performances. “Every now and then, students ask about the history of the Bulldog,” said Mrs. Cara Hoffman. “It’s always visitors who ask. They’re always like ‘oo what is this, tell me,’” said Mrs. Friday.
In the 1980s, the Bulldog found a new home in the Media Center, and students began signing it, though it wasn’t always repainted every year. “I didn’t sign it as a senior because we didn’t have that tradition when I was here. There have been a lot of good changes since I was here,” said Ms. Allison Wiles, class of 1992. “I signed it. It’s fun because I feel like it’s my legacy in a way and it’s nice to see new students in the same positions, and I can relate to them because I was a student not too long ago,” said Ms. Melanie Anderson, class of 2016.
This year, Mrs. Tara Thomas and the Student Government were responsible for painting the Bulldog. The Bulldog stood 42 inches tall, with a bone in its mouth, pointed teeth, and bent ears, all of which made it a unique item to paint. “You prime it with one coat, let it dry, then cover it with a bright white, let it dry, then cover it with a second coat,” Ms. Thomas said. “[Seniors] all write their names, sometimes they circle their name or put a symbol next to their name,” said Ms. Thomas.
For seniors like Tyreke Mcclaney and Andrea Sanchez-Zayas, signing the bulldog was a special part of their final year. “Signing it would show that I’m pretty much in the school; that I was here,” Mcclaney said. “It would say that I’ve been here before, the sign of my legacy,” said Sanchez-Zayas.
With seniors nearly a quarter of the way through with their final year, they anticipated the traditions that marked the end of their high school journey. “I’m looking forward to Grad Bash. It’ll be my first time going to Universal. It’s going to be so much fun,” said William Wilson. “I’m looking forward to the Senior Sunrise,” Sanchez-Zayas said. Some were excited to start their careers and work. “I’m looking forward to graduating and getting a good job. I enjoyed Culinary with Mr. Haskins,” said Bob Mixson.
As the seniors continued to leave their mark, the Bulldog statue remained a unique symbol of the many memories, experiences, and traditions that defined senior year. For many, signing the Bulldog was letting future generations know that they attended the school. With the exciting events of senior year, the Class of 2026 was ready to leave their mark.
Caption:
Anticipation is in the Air: Seniors like Sammy Orellana eagerly wait to sign the Bulldog statue. On September 18, the Media Center will host a Bulldog Signing Party where seniors can officially mark their place in school history on the Bulldog. “I cannot wait to sign the Bulldog. I can’t wait for people to see my name on the Bulldog for a whole year,” says Orellana. Photo by Kyle McLaren