FHS Memorial Monument completed
Sep 13, 2007 - 16:02:54 CDT
After two years of effort, the Fredericktown High School memorial sign in front of the west entrance to the high school has been completed.
While the monument cannot undue the tragic loss of three students of the graduating class of 2005, it may bring a certain amount of comfort to those who knew Ben Brewington, Josh Royer and Kevin Foster.
The family and friends thought it was important to explain the significance of the bronze plaque so those who pause at the sign will know how it came to be.
The loss of Ben Brewington in February of 2005, just three months before he graduated from high school, was devastating to literally hundreds of his classmates, friends and family.
The Class of 2005 wanted to create a memorial of some type and contributed the funds which remained in their class treasury. Family and friends made contributions. Now the question was, what type of memorial would be appropriate?
Principal Gibbs suggested a messaging sign that could be placed on school property near Highway 72. School events, notices, time/temperature and other information could keep the public informed. This location was approved by the R-1 School District.
The messaging sign was purchased with the donated funds and installed and electrified by high school personnel.
The sign stands 6 feet at the bottom of the sign, leaving approximately 5 feet below for a brick base.
Ben’s mom, Kim Pense, contacted Jim Hunter of Mineral Area Monuments and together they began designing a bronze plaque that would be mounted to the brick base beneath the sign. A modern technique called image casting, allows photographs to be scanned as 3D drawings and placed as a collage on the 2’ x 2’ plaque.
The design was nearly completed when the tragic news of Josh Royer’s passing became known. Because Josh was a member of the class of 2005, it was decided to add his picture to the design before it was cast. Josh’s family was consulted and they provided a photo. Throughout the design and re-design process, Jim Hunter provided an exceptional amount of care, understanding and skill.
The plaque was completed and the next step was the design and construction of the brick base. Jim Hunter assisted with a plan that would blend and bring dignity and remembrance to and for the Class of 2005.
Brick mason, Chad Denman and Jason Brewington of The Foundation for Historic Preservation coordinated efforts to complete the unit. Jason prepared the area for the concrete footings that were poured by Ready Mix Concrete. Chad then laid the brick base with an inset area for the two foot square bronze plaque.
Jim Hunter returned to formally install the plaque which will be lit from dusk to dawn. Flowers were planted in a remembrance planter just beneath the plaque.
The loss of Kevin Foster, a third member of the Class of 2005, brought additional grief and shock. A bronze plaque is being created in remembrance of Kevin and this will be added to the monument when completed in a few months.
It would be impossible to list every person who took part in this project. Those who are not specifically mentioned know the importance of their caring and contribution.
There are two remembrance websites you might like to make note of:
http://groups.myspace.com/benbrewingtonneverforgotten
http://benbrewington.memory-of.com
This monument has been seen by thousands already and will continue to be seen. Through this cooperative effort, Ben Brewington, Josh Royer and Kevin Foster will be remembered.
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Pulitzer Missouri Newspapers. All rights reserved.
http://www.dailyjournalonline.com/articles/2007/09/16/fredericktown/doc46e99cf6b1e30540215212.txt
While the monument cannot undue the tragic loss of three students of the graduating class of 2005, it may bring a certain amount of comfort to those who knew Ben Brewington, Josh Royer and Kevin Foster.
The family and friends thought it was important to explain the significance of the bronze plaque so those who pause at the sign will know how it came to be.
The loss of Ben Brewington in February of 2005, just three months before he graduated from high school, was devastating to literally hundreds of his classmates, friends and family.
The Class of 2005 wanted to create a memorial of some type and contributed the funds which remained in their class treasury. Family and friends made contributions. Now the question was, what type of memorial would be appropriate?
Principal Gibbs suggested a messaging sign that could be placed on school property near Highway 72. School events, notices, time/temperature and other information could keep the public informed. This location was approved by the R-1 School District.
The messaging sign was purchased with the donated funds and installed and electrified by high school personnel.
The sign stands 6 feet at the bottom of the sign, leaving approximately 5 feet below for a brick base.
Ben’s mom, Kim Pense, contacted Jim Hunter of Mineral Area Monuments and together they began designing a bronze plaque that would be mounted to the brick base beneath the sign. A modern technique called image casting, allows photographs to be scanned as 3D drawings and placed as a collage on the 2’ x 2’ plaque.
The design was nearly completed when the tragic news of Josh Royer’s passing became known. Because Josh was a member of the class of 2005, it was decided to add his picture to the design before it was cast. Josh’s family was consulted and they provided a photo. Throughout the design and re-design process, Jim Hunter provided an exceptional amount of care, understanding and skill.
The plaque was completed and the next step was the design and construction of the brick base. Jim Hunter assisted with a plan that would blend and bring dignity and remembrance to and for the Class of 2005.
Brick mason, Chad Denman and Jason Brewington of The Foundation for Historic Preservation coordinated efforts to complete the unit. Jason prepared the area for the concrete footings that were poured by Ready Mix Concrete. Chad then laid the brick base with an inset area for the two foot square bronze plaque.
Jim Hunter returned to formally install the plaque which will be lit from dusk to dawn. Flowers were planted in a remembrance planter just beneath the plaque.
The loss of Kevin Foster, a third member of the Class of 2005, brought additional grief and shock. A bronze plaque is being created in remembrance of Kevin and this will be added to the monument when completed in a few months.
It would be impossible to list every person who took part in this project. Those who are not specifically mentioned know the importance of their caring and contribution.
There are two remembrance websites you might like to make note of:
http://groups.myspace.com/benbrewingtonneverforgotten
http://benbrewington.memory-of.com
This monument has been seen by thousands already and will continue to be seen. Through this cooperative effort, Ben Brewington, Josh Royer and Kevin Foster will be remembered.