The upper center shows a scroll indicating the first School diplomas (this was the first Form to graduate from S.P.S.).”įorm plaques can be viewed throughout the hallways and dining areas of Coit, as well as in the Friedman Community Center. This year the Olympians, the forerunners of the Old Hundreds, beat the Isthmians. The corners of the shield show cricketers playing the game most popular in those days. In both these panels the pines are shown bending before the wind, which prevailed very strong through the spring of this year. The upper right-hand corner shows a mountain top, as the entire School climbed Kearsarge this year. In the upper left-hand corner the Old Chapel tower is indicated, as during the Sixth Form year of this class the Old Chapel was consecrated. Both races were for pair-oars with a coxswain. “The lower section shows the first recorded boat-race on the School pond, when the “Emily” was defeated by the “Magnolia”, and the “Undine” by the “Sintram”. Here is what Wiggins had to say about it: One of the earliest is for the Form of 1859. Each carver provided (with only a few exceptions) descriptions and explanations behind the symbols on the plaques they carved. Chase ’26 (1954-1969), John Weidman (1970-1978), David Nugent (1979-1990), and Lisa Laughy (1990-present).Įach plaque is unique to the form year, They capture major world events, school milestones, buildings and grounds, retirements and deaths, athletic accomplishments, and more. His work has been carried on over the years by other talented carvers – Charles G. Wiggins went on to carve 145 plaques for the school between 1921-1953. Drury wanted the plaques to document school history and world events that occurred in the graduating years of each form. The form plaque is a long-standing tradition at SPS, an idea that originated in the early 1920’s between John Gregory Wiggins, a former SPS faculty member and accomplished wood carver, and Fourth Rector Dr. Paul’s School – deciding on their form plaque. After the ceremony, these Sixth Formers officially become Alumni/ae, with one important job remaining to commemorate their time at St. The Ohrstrom librarians would like to extend our congratulations to the Form of 2022! These last few weeks, the students have been partaking in the usual traditions: Exams, Senior Skip Day, Prom, and Day of Service – all leading up to this weekend’s graduation festivities.

Jana brown editor of alumni horae