Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
The journey to place a new sign at the entrance to the Warrior Field at Pocahontas County High School began in 2025 with members of the Class of 1986. It’s fitting, because the original sign was made by members of the class as a project in carpentry class.
After seeing the state of the current sign, 1986 class member Michael Beverage, who helped make the sign, decided it was time for the class to come together again to replace the sign with the help of current PCHS students.
Beverage put out a call to his classmates, and it wasn’t long before he was joined by Shelley Dean Hartmann in getting the project underway. They managed to collect enough funds for the project and got to work with the carpentry, welding and agriculture classes to design and build the sign.
The project was approved by then principal Chris Campbell, and Jonathan Taylor’s carpentry class got to work designing the new sign. The class used a CNC machine that cut out all the pieces of wood for the Warrior side profile and words that will appear on the finished wood background.
Andy Friel’s agriculture students pitched in with painting and finishing the sign as it was put together by the carpentry class.
Then, Justin Kerr’s welding class got involved with making brackets that will be secured into the ground for the sign to be attached to, making it a sturdy structure.
The project that began last year is now getting its finishing touches and plans are for the sign to be unveiled at the Homecoming game, Friday, October 30. Members of the Class of 1986 will be on hand for the dedication.
The sign will be more than a guide to the athletic field, it will also be a product of the pride that remains with PCHS students, even decades after they graduate. The “Once a Warrior, Always A Warrior” pride that drives alumni to give back to their alma mater and the students who are following in their footsteps.
