The Murals of Norwood High

We are all one. Our opinions may differ, but if you look deeply into the paintings you will see the influences and echoes of all the greats who have gone before. -Leonard Niles

Thousands of people will descend on the high school tomorrow to say their final goodbyes to the school on the hill. Two-hundred and fifty-one students were part of Norwood history last week, receiving their diplomas as part of last class to ever graduate from what is already being referred to as the “old” high school.

The new school is ready; in some ways I feel the new school is too ready.

The new school stands taller and prouder, practically looming over a building full of memories, years of knowledge and history, daring the old building to cave before it is ready. In many ways the buildings remind me of two students on the first day of school - the already popular freshman silencing a seasoned, though perhaps quiet, senior.

Don’t get me wrong, the new high school will provide many gifts to our children, and our children’s children. Teachers will not only have larger classrooms but brand new technology to work with. I am sure the school is gorgeous and will significantly surpass the historic building it stands behind, no doubt doing our town proud.

But, it is all a little sad.

As we move forward with excitement and “hurrahs” we must not forget that while, yes, many items will move to the new school - such as awards, historic memorabilia and personal belongings - many items will remain in the original building at 245 Nichols Street when the wrecking balls move in later this month.

I'm talking about pieces that simply can’t be removed, as they are engrained and etched (maybe scribbled on bathroom walls) in the school itself. These seemingly small parts of the school are the essence of Norwood High and years of high school memories woven together through generations, and impossible to take to the new school. Many of these items are just as important as the awards and trophies that have already been transferred to the new school - if not more so as they are irreplaceable. Trophies and awards can be recreated, history cannot.

Beautiful murals adorn the hallways and corners of the high school. To some the murals may look like “just another painting” and may even go unnoticed. But trust me when I tell you, these murals were created over the years with painstaking care by Norwood High seniors intending to leave an impression and a message.

Some were painted by groups of friends, showcasing the importance of working together, leaving a lasting imprint of high school friendships, memories and laughter. Some of the murals were created independently and some anonymously. Regardless, the message was constant and spoke to the dynamics of social life in high school. The murals sent the message that while friendship and working together is important it is OK to step aside and being yourself, and it is important to not always be the center of attention.

Some of the murals sent understated messages, either through the choice of the image or the location of the painting in the building, while others were bolder in their approach. Some were meant to simply make people smile and some brought back the feeling of magic and wonder of childhood.

There were murals in honor of heroes, and murals reminding students they are never alone.

There were murals speaking to the future, and murals depicting the pressure and darkness only a high school student understands.

Sadly none of the murals will be part of the new high school.

I attended Norwood High for two years and saw many of these murals numerous times. I'll admit I saw the murals so often I probably stopped noticing them. How often do we take for granted the little things in life, always expecting they will be there? Or often things just blend into the landscape.

It was not until I walked through the hallways of the school last week, and again this week, that I truly appreciated their meaning and history. There was a moment when I actually stopped and said out loud, “Wait, these are going to be gone, forever!” I felt a sadness I can’t put into words.

I thought of the hours the students spent creating these beautiful images probably never expecting their hard work, their legacy to their high school, would end up in a pile of rubble.

I saw many murals for the first time, as I have not been back to the high school since I graduated in 1992. All of the pieces were brilliant and evoked emotion. I wanted to save them all, but if I had to chose and save only one, it was the piece created by four friends from the class of 1993.

I was surprised when I saw the names listed next to a bright, vibrant aquarium of fish. I could picture these seniors laughing, creating and painting together, having the time of their lives as they left their mark on Norwood High. I have known two of these girls since they were six years old, going back to our days at St. Catherine’s and the mere thought of their high school memory crumbling to the ground later this month nearly brought me to tears. If I could save one mural, I would save the aquarium of fish.  

My sincere gratitude and thanks to Jack Tolman for making this piece possible. Thank you for taking me on a wonderful walk down memory lane and through all the nooks and crannies of an irreplaceable, unforgettable school.