Willowbrook students and alumni connect across 50 years of Warrior Pride

Willowbrook art and theatre paint crew students decorate the rock on Sept. 13 at Willowbrook to welcome members of the class of 1969 back to their alma mater. The alumni came together on Sept. 14 at the school to celebrate their 50th reunion. Photo by Willowbrook Art Department Head John Epple

Members of the Willowbrook class of 1969 pose by the rock at the school, which was decorated by Willowbrook art and theatre paint crew students. The rock was decorated on Sept. 13 to celebrate the group’s 50th reunion and welcome the alumni back to their alma mater on Sept. 14. Photo by Willowbrook Art Department Head John Epple

On Sept. 14, members of the Willowbrook class of 1969 came together at the school to visit and tour their alma mater in celebration of the group’s 50th reunion.

The alumni were greeted with a special message from current Willowbrook art and theatre students. A unique feature at Willowbrook is a large rock on the south side of the building that is often painted to commemorate successes and important events at the school. The rock has become part of Willowbrook’s history and tradition.

To welcome the graduates, seven art and theatre paint crew students transformed the rock on Sept. 13 into a classic Volkswagen Microbus with period lettering and decoration. The top was painted to become the surface of the moon, complete with an astronaut holding the American flag. The back was decorated with imagery celebrating the iconic Woodstock music festival. The students who painted the rock are senior Sandy Orizaba, freshman Kelly Franco, senior Jessica Franco, senior Dianna Ruiz, senior Jaqueline Hernandez, senior Alejandra Gallegos and senior Elizabeth McBride.