Olympic’s marquee had seen better days. Originally able to display informative messages to the school and community, the sign’s tracks no longer held the letters, and the sign had fallen into disrepair. A community group tried to raise money for a replacement, but their effort fell short. They asked the Olympic High School Foundation (OHSF) to hold the few thousand dollars collected. Years later, OHSF board member Hunt Werner noticed the earmarked funds and declared, “Let’s get it done!”

That directive began a school and community-wide effort that culminated over the summer in the installation of a beautiful new digital sign along Sandy Porter Road. OHSF’s primary mission is supporting teachers through annual stipends, classroom project grants, continuing education and National Board Certification funding. Yet, from time to time, the Foundation funds projects that benefit Olympic as a whole.

Hunt took point to reach out to Olympic-connected companies to donate time and material. So many different OHS factions came together to support the project that the Foundation’s contribution was only $20,000, less than half the total cost. ALL the companies Hunt approached said yes, donating $30,000+ in time and material.

Olympic students played a significant role in the project: the conceptual design was done in Mr. Wykoff’s Advanced Engineering Class. The lead student, Vinh Vo, oversaw the actual construction design files while working closely with OHS graduate Sam Winget’s company, Southeastern Architectural Systems & Cardinal Fabrication. OHS students Chris Knox, Elias Cabera led the student masonry team that designed and installed the base for the sign in May, OHS alumnus Charlie Warnke helped with sign fabrication and installation, and Alexseil Parker, Wanda O’Shea and Matthew Wykoff provided invaluable advisory and instructional support for the project.

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” the saying goes. This collaboration among the community, school and Foundation is a great success story for the Olympic family and the Steele Creek community, resulting in a sign that is informative as well as reflective of the excellence and pride of Olympic High School.