Schools
Chief Black Hawk Bust Unveiled at West High
Artist Gareth Curtiss sculpted a life-sized bronzed bust of Black Hawk, a gift to the school from the Class of 1958.
It was the Class of 1937 that gave the nickname “Blackhawks” to West Aurora High School. Now surviving members of the class paid special recognition at the dedication of a new statue of Chief Black Hawk on Friday in West Aurora High School's library.
The bronze bust of Chief Black Hawk is a gift to the school from the Class of 1958 and more than a dozen alumni were in attendance from the class.
District 129 Superintendent Jim Rydland opened the ceremonies and directed everyone to the corner of the library to watch Native American dancers and drummers perform.
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Jean Alexander Goehlen then spoke on behalf of the Class of 1958, and Principal Chief George Thurman of the Sac and Fox Nation in Oklahoma, a direct descendant of Chief Black Hawk, addressed the audience on behalf of Black Hawk's descendants.
Chief Thurman was accompanied by his daughter, Socia Love, and his son, Shawn. Gareth Curtiss, who sculpted the bust, also addressed the room.
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West High Principal Ross Truemper said the statue of Black Hawk, a Native American chief, is a symbol that represents high values and spirit.
A plaque in the West High gymnasium foyer commemorates the action taken by the Class of 1937:
"Chief Blackhawk with his tribe of Sac Indians once roamed these prairies of Northern Illinois, and for him Blackhawk Street was named. He was a valiant fighter always loyal to the interests of his people. It is proper, therefore, that we, the class of 1937, bestow upon our own valiant warriors, the athletic teams of West High School, the name of the Blackhawks. May they ever maintain the highest ideals of courageous actions, loyalty, and sportsmanship."
