HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The new Grissom High School campus has been in operation since 2017, but an iconic piece of the school's history did not make the move to its new location. However, in time for the new school year to begin, students, faculty and alumni welcomed a new version of the 'GHS' letter sculpture which now sits in front of the main building.
The monolithic sculpture holds importance to many who have graced the halls of the old Grissom High. That love and adoration is evident when you see the memory wall, a mural in the foyer of the new building. Several images on the timeline feature the sculpture prominently.
As GHS principal David Coker explained, the concrete display was not moved from the old Bailey Cove campus over concerns that the material would not be strong enough to survive the extraction and move to the new site.
He said a push from the Class of 1971 and former principal Jeannie Greer helped a new version to be created.
"The Class of '71 got together for the 50th anniversary of their graduating class and were able to raise $8,000 to go toward the cost of the sign," Coker said.
It ultimately took two years to get the new lettering created and planted at the new campus. This version of the monogram is painted in a brilliant shade of the school's orange team color.
It's a sign of the times, Coker said, that will continue a legacy of pride for everyone at Grissom High.
"These are memories that last forever and we want to carry that with us."