LEWISTON – School leaders and a city youth group are working to get two large, computerized signs posted at the entrances to Lewiston High School.
Officials say the message boards will help inform people about community events and will allow them to publicly recognize sports teams, graduating classes or returning military troops.
“We think that the connection to the community would be fantastic,” said John Bouchles, Lewiston High School’s assistant principal.
City and school officials came up with the idea last year. Soon after, the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council had a similar idea. They decided to work together.
Officials agreed the signs could be posted at the entrances to the high school, a high-traffic area on East Avenue, but would provide both school and city information. In January, the youth council agreed to help raise the $40,000 needed to buy the signs.
“We feel there are many events that go on in our community that are unrecognized,” said 17-year-old Katie Lauze, chairwoman of the youth council.
The council expects to send fund-raising letters to area businesses and some local residents this month.
Sold by Neocraft Signs in Lewiston, the community message boards would be 2-feet 11-inches tall by 10-feet 1-inch wide. They would sit above the current brick wall, which welcomes visitors to Lewiston High School and to the regional technical center.
Messages or pictures would be displayed in yellow against a black background. They could be changed by school officials.
Bouchles said he would like to see the electronic message boards offer high school sports scores, provide information about adult ed or summer activities, tell parents when report cards are due or recognize local troops returning from duty.
Although they will still need to raise the money, Bouchles and Lauze said they would like to see the signs in place by the end of the school year.
Just in time to congratulate the class of 2005.
“I’d like to see them go in before graduation,” Lauze said. “I’m a senior.”
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