A Mighty Mascot

The front entry of WSD has recently welcomed a new addition. An 8-foot tall 300-pound metal-fabricated wapiti (elk) now greets students, families, and visitors to our school. The impressive sculpture is the result of a fall term Middle School enrichment class taught by Ryan Lewis, owner and founder of Meta Designs in Salt Lake City. A long-time WSD parent, Ryan donated his time, metal, and some of his personnel to teach around 15 Middle School students the art of welding. After learning some welding basics and suiting up in safety gear, each student was allowed to work on the wapiti, with the eventual goal of installing it permanently at the school. Several locations were considered, including two different outside courtyards, the school auditorium and, finally, the front foyer. Our school mascot is now enjoying a high profile presence and a fresh coat of paint in the new location, where he has been warmly received by students and staff.