WHAT IS THAT THING ON THE FRONT LAWN????!!!!! 

There is a new, “old” landmark at the BurroDome! The stone figure standing by the front steps is an Inukshuk. It’s funding and construction resulted through the cooperation, hard work, and contributions of the HHS Senior Class of 2007, the HHS Alumni Association, Pam Terrell, Bob Lawson, and Sarah and Morgan Jones, owners of Jones Stone Company. Sarah (1967) and Morgan (1959) are also alumni of Hillsboro High School. Many thanks to all of those in the Burro community who were involved in making this project a success. 

Great!! So what is it??? Can we name it; put it on a t-shirt – a Burroshuk??? 

Inukshuks, stone figures built to resemble humans, were constructed by the Inuit Indians throughout the most northern shores of the Canadian Arctic to act as a compass or guide for a safe journey throughout one’s travels. Different forms of the Inukshuk symbolized different meanings: to show safe passage to travelers, to warn of impending danger, to mark a place of respect, or to point to fishing or hunting grounds. After hundreds of years, these stone monuments still stand throughout the Arctic. 

A product of Inuit cooperation, the hands and efforts of the entire group were required to build the massive stone sculptures. They are the result of a consensus of purpose and focused action of a group united in its labor. Each individual stone supports, and is supported by, the one above it and the one below it. No one piece is any more important than another. Its strength lies in its unity. The Inukshuk reminds us that as good as our individual efforts may be, together we can do even greater things.  

The Inukshuk, selected as the official logo of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, are a symbol of the human spirit. They recognize our ability to succeed with others, where alone we would fail. They remind us of our need to be something greater than ourselves, encouraging the importance of friendship and reminding us of our dependence upon one another. 

The symbolism and the spirit of the Inukshuk resonate within the walls of Hillsboro High School. This international symbol serves as a silent reminder to all that we have a choice in the direction we choose to take in our lives. Had they been able to speak they might have said… “Here is the road. It is safe. You can meet the demands that this path holds. You can reach your goals and attain your vision of where you want to be.” 

May the Inukshuk be your guide for a safe journey throughout life’s travels. Let it always guide you home! Go Burros!! 

Submitted Bob Lawson