"HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL" Terra Cotta Engraved Letters

Here is a little known "feel good" story following the Highlands High School fire in 1962...a  story I must share before it is lost.  The evidence, though not  touted, is on display at the school entrance every day.   

When the blaze lit up the night sky  on January 6, 1962,  the community was in shock with disbelief!  Highlands High School was on fire!!!    The community responded "l,000 percent." Principal Harold Miller and faculty proceeded with the business of  planning how to best keep the kids safe and get on with the mission of education.  The clearing of the outside debris was delegated to others.  HARRY LUKENS, Class of 1947, was volunteering there.  As the debris-filled trucks were rolling out, he watched.  He could not allow the terra cotta letters (from above the front doors of the school) to be destroyed.   Since the building's construction in 1914,  the engraved letters  had  told the name of the school, above its entrance.  Harry put them in his own truck, took them to his home, cleaned them, and stored them on his garage floor.  He  waited for an opportunity to return them  to usefulness at their  proper home. 

Those of us from the  Class of '47, knew this and were proud of him.  We saw the blocks stored in  his garage and we appreciated his thoughtfulness.