Native American

    Tonight in my English 1101 class at Georgia Highlands, I am presented with a beautiful picture. The picture is of a tall Native American statue. The statue is covered in vibrant yellow feathers and clothed with detailed beaded symbols. The Native American statue stands in front of a white rundown building. I asked myself if the statue has age on it and what is the history behind it. I believe the statue was designed with care and pride due to the detail workmanship. The figure of the statue shows strength with its arms stretched high and bold colors arranged through out it. As I look at this remarkable piece of art, I am reminded of a statue that I helped create. In 1999 I was a senior at Cherokee High School and took art as an elective. My teacher was Ms. Stone and she enjoyed having her students participate in group activities. Ms. Stone began an ongoing project my senior year and wanted all her art students to be part of it. We carved a totem pole from a log that went in length of about eight feet. Ms. Stone encouraged each of her students to get involved and "leave their mark, a piece of history behind". I was thrilled to help in the carving of the totem pole because I knew the totem pole would become school history and I was a part of it. The group I was assigned to have the task of carving an eagle and I shaped the wings. At the end of my senior year, over half of the totem pole was carved. The totem pole started at top with a Native American head which was crowned with feathers and continued down with animal symbols. I'm not sure, but I believe it took the entire following year to completely carve and paint the totem pole. After the totem pole was finished it was placed outside in front of the school, representing the pride and history of Cherokee High. In recent years, a new totem pole has been created by Cherokee High students and now stands where the old one did. The old totem pole was encased and placed inside the school so it may be preserved. I do not know if Ms. Stone is still teaching at Cherokee High and who is continuing to carry out this tradition, of history in the making, but I take pride, knowing that the totem pole stands proudly in the hallway of Cherokee High School, with the history of former art students yearning to "leave their mark, a piece of history behind".