Wilmington: A Town of Patriotism

By: Sam Pitzi and Julia Gake

Flyer for Ipods for Wounded Veterans

Wilmington is a small town with a lot of patriotism. Wilmington High School and the Wilmington community as a whole always shows support for the United States and the armed forces that protect them. In Wilmington, it is clear that living in our country is something to be proud of. With over the top Fourth of July celebrations planned in a building dedicated solely to the Fourth of July and supply drives for veterans being run in Wilmington High School itself, every citizen of Wilmington and every member of Wilmington High School feels involved and connected to their community and the country as a whole.

Sign for Private Cullen Maroney

Wilmington is full of patriotism and is always sure to support those from the community in the military. Whenever a citizen of Wilmington who is serving their company comes home, there is a “Welcome Home” sign put up on the town common with the service member’s name. This can be seen by anyone who happens to be driving through town and is appreciated by both the service members and their families. The town common also features two memorials, one to all those from Wilmington who have served in any war and one to those from Wilmington who served in the Battle of Lexington and Concord during the Revolutionary War.

Monument to the Battle of Lexington
and Concord

These monuments are something that the people hold near and dear to their hearts, and are always well maintained.

Wilmington Monument

9/11 Memorial

A unique feature of Wilmington High School is the 9/11 Memorial in the courtyard. The memorial was a student driven project intended to make sure the students of Wilmington High School never forget the tragic events that occurred or the lives lost on September 11, 2001. After over four years of designing, fundraising, and drawing blue prints for the memorial it finally became a success when it was placed in our town’s new high school in 2015. This project was not only a project of Wilmington High School students, but was also supported by other members of the Wilmington community as they were willing to attend fundraisers to help support its creation. In some communities, people may not have wanted to support a memorial, but in Wilmington, people were happy to help to make sure 9/11 was remembered. The building of this memorial shows how Wilmington supports not only its own community but all people in the United States.

Wilmington Through It's People

Sean Collier Dedication Playground

  One thing I love about Wilmington, Massachusetts is how well the community comes together to help improve the town. The residents here work with each other through every high and low. They often turn sorrowful events into a sincere memory. Sean Collier, a member of the Wilmington community, was in the process of becoming a police officer. On the days following the Boston Marathon bombing, Sean Collier was working at MIT, when the bombers came and attacked, resulting in his death. Instead of leaving the event as a tragedy, a playground at Silver Lake was built by the people and dedicated to him in his memory. The children in the area now have a new place to play, and Sean Collier will never be forgotten.

Bernie's 50th Birthday party

   Another well known resident of Wilmington community contributes a great example of town pride. Bernie McNally has been a huge part of Wilmington for 20 years. Dedicating his time to service the town by running the Playground Program, run through the Wilmington Rec Department. A great man with a big heart, the town was incredibly sad to hear that he's been battling a brain tumor, and told there was nothing more that can be done. At a town meeting, Bernie officially received the title of "Mr. Wilmington" in April during a board of selectman meeting. The people of Wilmington also put together a big birthday party for him. The party was well attended by Bernie's friends and family. The town agreed Bernie deserves all of it, and much more. (picture

Veteran Memorial located in the common

from Wicked Local Staff Photo/ Sam Goresh)

   Wilmington is very committed to all of their soldiers and veterans. Every year they have a parade on Memorial day. The high school band participates in this, along with the Shriner's circus, girl scouts and boy scouts, and many other groups and organizations. The town common also has a memorial next to the flag where there is a ceremony every veterans day. Alongside the memorial, Wilmington continuously welcomes resident troops returning from war with personal signs.

The Wilmington Community and its Pride of its Soldiers

The Wilmington Community and its Pride of its Soldiers 

By Jocelyn Ferraro 

     Wilmington is a small town that is about 20 minutes north of Boston. It has a plaza and many Dunkin Donuts and pizza places. There are quite a few churches in town and two train stations to get the commuters to and from their jobs in Boston. The newest building in town happens to be the High School. The old one was about 66 years old as it was built in 1950. But even before then, Wilmington had a strong connection to and appreciation for soldiers who fought for the country. All around town and even in the High school, there are monuments dedicated  to the veterans who served and the Prisoners of War (POW's) and the Missing in Action (MIA's).   

Veterans Monument at Town Common

     In the cemetery, there are gravestones in the shape of a cross with a red, white, and blue flower wreath on it to distinguish those who served the country in the Vietnam War, World War I and II, and other wars who lived in Wilmington. And every Memorial Day, there is a parade and those who died are publicly recognized at the end. It's a whole production. The whole town comes out, the cannons are fired, the Marching Band plays, and people speak. It lasts about an hour. I am in the Colorguard, so I am required to be there, but over the years, I have come to appreciate this event and I have seen it bring awareness to others and also bring people together. 

Far shot of the Revolutionary War (Minutemen)  Headstone

Close shot of  the Revolutionary War (Minutemen) Headstone

     I am also a part of the Local Heroes Club, and we do a lot for the veterans. We make them snowflakes, send them holiday cards, ribbons, and teddy bears, write them letters, and send the soldiers necessary supplies and fun goodies. Being a part of this club is enjoyable because I know that I am helping those men and women who sacrificed everything for us, and that makes me feel good. But we also try to get the school and community involved and there has always been overwhelming support. That just shows how grateful the town of Wilmington is towards its soldiers who are serving or who have served. We take pride in them and are grateful for them, and we show that with our many memorials, traditions, and actions.

   

Wilmington's Community

The new Wilmington high school which we moved into last February.

Wilmington, Massachusetts is a small town just 20 minutes north of the city of Boston, which was established in 1730 with 22,325 people living in the town. With all the monuments, memorials and community events the essence of a close knit community is captured. Wilmington has been known for its patriotism and supporting people when they need it. In 2015, we made a transition into a brand new high school which was much needed change. The new school provides more opportunities for students and a safe learning environment.

Located in the common, is one of the few veterans memorials. 

In Wilmington, we celebrate our veterans returning and getting donations to help them not only while they’re serving our country, but after. With the Local Heroes club, they do a lot to help to raise money and supplies for the soldiers. In the common across from the high school, there are memorials such as the Prisoners of War monument and Missing in Action, remembering those who fought for our country.

Growing up in Wilmington, sports are a major part of the community. In the town newspaper, they congratulate athletes and teams that should be recognized for their accomplishments. During sporting events, there is usually a strong fan section especially during the hockey season. It just shows how the students of Wilmington High support and represent their town.

In the main office the town crier for some of the sports teams are hung up congratulating them.

Makenna Munro

Kelly McConologue

Wilmington MA: Always Growing Always Changing

20 minutes outside Boston sits Wilmington MA, settled in 1665. Since then it has evolved into a modern day, suburban community complete with a mix of residential, commercial and industrial districts. It serves as a home to roughly 21,000 people and has been rank #9 on the list of 'Happiest Places in Massachusetts.' But the town is much more than some buildings and stats. Wilmington is a close knit community that constantly changing and growing. The people who live here have a
strong sense of pride to their town and a strong bond. Like my family, many families have lived in Wilmington over multiple generations. My grandfather moved here in 1966 and raised my dad and two aunts. My dad stayed in Wilmington to raise me. Both my dad and I have gone through the Wilmington Public School system as well as a few of my cousins on my mom's side of the family. Even though I can't wait to finish school and move to New York City, I know I'll miss my town and I will never be able to resist a visit home every once in a while.

You can witness the ever changing aspect of Wilmington in small things like a new store at the plaza, some new houses getting built down the street or a new kid at school. A bigger change that has been evident for the past few years is the new high school. In 2013 we got permission to construct a new high school. As a student who experienced both the new and old school, I can say it was greatly needed and appreciated. The old school was old when my dad attended high school and it went through many renovations during his high school career. During my freshman and sophomore years we didn't have a gym because it was torn down to make room for the new high school. The new school building was built alongside the old one. We got to watch the whole building being built right outside or classroom windows. On demolition day the whole school got a front row seat to the action. 

"The essence of Wilmington is captured
in the spirit of its people"
- Michael A. Caira

When it was finally time to move into the new and say good-bye to the old almost everyone took a little piece of the old building with them. The drama club pulled a seat from our theater to put into the new auditorium. Teachers took the number plaques from their room doors. I was fortunate enough to get a brick from the old building that now sits on my book shelf amid other Wilmington memorabilia.

Although we were all a little sad to leave the school we had started our high school experience in (and close the courtyard for the final time,) we couldn't wait to get into the new building. After spending two years in the heat-less, wifi-less, smelly old building with chipping paint and major water damage the shiny new school with freshly painted walls, heated and air-conditioned rooms and full wifi coverage was greatly appreciated. The tiles lacked cracks, the seats lacked gum stuck to the bottoms and the cafeteria had yet to contract that special smell that all school lunch rooms get. 

Indoor track above the gym

The new building also had a much more modern look that fit with the new student population that had moved into it. Brightly colored walls and large windows that looked into the hallway opened up the building and filled it with light. Larger classrooms and better equipment provided a more interesting and comfortable place to learn. The new building has a more open and cheery feel that the old building just couldn't have managed. Inspirational and cheery quotes covers the hallway walls and colorful club posters litter the white boards hung around the building. we enjoyed the first few days that we were given to explore the new building. Things like the new indoor track above the gym and the courtyard off the lunch room we much more impressive in person. New things that we had never had like 'break out room' were exciting to use. Having our own space to break off from class and go to and do independent work is greatly appreciated. 

Walking through the courtyard 

Another example of our towns constant change, the annual Fourth of July celebration. Because the new football field outside the school is a turf field (fake grass) instead of actual grass, we can no longer shoot off the annual 'Fun on the Fourth' Fourth of July fireworks that accompany the carnival. Every since I can remember I've gone to the carnival held outside the school and watched the fireworks from the common (or the actual field they shoot them off from, if your dad knows a guy.) The carnival was downsized and moved to the Shriner's Auditorium to accommodate construction but now that everything is finished and settled, the town wants it patriotic celebration back.

From a large metal frame, to walls of brick and tiled floors, we got to watch our future academic home grow with us.  As a soon to be senior in the new building, I am much different than the freshman I entered the old building as. As I've grown and changed, so has the school.

Community Revealed

   Wilmington is a town built on pride and swank. We like to show off what have in town because that is just how people are around here. Its a community based on sports, townies (people have lived here there whole lives) , and traditions. On the sports side of the town you have team activities like banquets and team dinners. Everyone gets to know each other so that is why every team respects one another. I use to be a former member of the varsity track team and will always remember being on the team. I liked that we had the team breakfast after vacation practices ( not always ) and the meets like the state relays or the winter festival. Although we lost our idol and coach Frank Kelley we still finished the season 3rd in the division and the girls won league champions. My favorite part about being on the team was that you never felt alone. You are always running together and pushing each other to beat times and personal bests. Even if you felt like you should give up or couldn't make it someone was there to push forward. I give credits to all captains ( over all past 4 years ) because they definitely fit the description of a leader. I am truly going miss being on time and the chants on the bus after a win.

In regards to the town its nice to live here because of the location and whats around it. Although some think they are better then others most us know we are equal. For the locations there is a lot of cool spots you can go that are in or near Wilmington. The resivor is on the Wilmington and Woburn line which is very relaxing walk ( or what ever you want to do). Other spots near by are views like skyline park, Catamount rd in the town over.

My grandmother lived here before the 1950's and my dad grew up in the same house as i did which he now owns. I now understand why it means a lot to me and why I call it Home.

Meghan's Marvelous Community

Welcome to the heart of Wilmington, Massachusetts: the town common.

War Memorial

As you walk through the town common, you will notice the various memorials. Wilmington honors veterans every day with this display. The Veteran's Day ceremony occurs every year right here in front of this memorial. On Memorial Day, the parade also honors veterans. There is a ceremony on Memorial Day at the cemetery to honor the lives lost in wars. Wilmington takes pride in honoring its veterans and remembering what these people do for our town and our country. Wilmington lives by the idea that Memorial Day and Veteran's Day aren't the only times to remember and honor veterans; veterans should be honored every single day. 

Across the street, you see the brand new high school.

Wilmington High School

You are not impressed with the brick exterior, but at least it isn't falling apart like the old high school. In this school, technology is the big hype. Students are constantly typing on Chromebooks and playing review games on their phones. Teachers are incorporating more and more technology, and starting next year, students will have to own their own Chromebook. Times have changed, and students and teachers are all adapting to the changes. The new Wilmington High School will be able to keep up with the constantly changing world. 

Town Gazebo

You turn around on the common, and you see the gazebo. Many town concerts have been held there, and plenty of fourth of July celebrations take place right where you're standing. People come together around the gazebo to listen to music and enjoy each other's company. Wilmington is not just a place; it is a community where people celebrate together and offer each other a helping hand. 

Although it may not be the most extravagant town you've ever seen, you feel a sense of belonging in Wilmington, and you appreciate the many different aspects of this community that make it great. 

Music in Wilmington

There are always reasons to be bored in our lives these days, but in Wilmington, there's no chance of being bored! Whatever the season, there are always events to look forward to. Whether it's a sports game, music concert, ceremony, parade, or any type of celebration, you will find something fun to enjoy with your whole family. One of the things that's most important in Wilmington is music, specifically the band. The Wildcat Band is one of the most well-known bands in the state. Being a part of it, we travel with pride, and we have pride for our town.

WHS Band Marching at Memorial Day Parade 

Wildcat Band at Disney World, Florida marching at Magic Kingdom

Parades are one of our largest performances, because we're able to have hundreds of people watching us for miles around the town. This parade is one of the highlights of the year. The fact that we are able to have such an opportunity to support our town and its veterans is an honor.

Another parade that I will always remember is the one in Florida. The whole entire band took a trip to Disney back in 2014. We had the ability to march in the parade at Magic Kingdom down Main Street USA! Who else can say that they've done that? It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire life. I have never felt so overwhelmed with emotions before in my life, and I know I'm not the only one who thinks that either. It was definitely something that we will all remember for the rest of our lives.

Another example of the band being awesome is at football games. We put in hours and hours of practicing and learning the charts for our formations on the field. In the beginning of the season, it's muggy, mosquito-filled, and tiring. At the games however, all of those hours seem worth it. Every single minute spent running our songs, marching to the glow of the football field lights and corralling the younger band students all seem worth it. Shown above is one of our football games from this past season. Our band was smaller this year than it has been in the past, so we had to do a lot of extra teaching to the younger ones, a ton of extra patience, and the biggest cup of iced coffee you could imagine. Once we step onto the field, it's showtime. It's not a dance recital, or a singing concert, but it's our thing. It's our show the second we step onto that field led by our snare drum. 

Music in Wilmington will always  be around. The "best band in the land" isn't going anywhere anytime soon. And the best part is, is that there are more music groups in Wilmington, including the Strings orchestra and Choral groups as well. The music department helps this town thrive and become alive and well when it comes to supporting the town. It's always going to be present and have a large impact on every resident no matter what the event. As long as music is in this town, there will always be a sense of unity and peace in Wilmington.

Patriotism on the Common

Revolutionary War Memorial and "Welcome
Home" sign. 

Wilmington, Massachusetts, with a current population of 22,325, was established in 1730. With easy access to major highways, close proximity to Boston, good schools, a full range of municipal services and beautiful historic and natural areas, Wilmington is an attractive place to live, shop, and work.  Wilmington’s essence of a tight-knit community is captured within the buildings, monuments, and memorials of the town’s common.

The town common displays values that are important to the people of Wilmington, such as patriotism. Located north of the common is a building solely dedicated to the town’s Fourth of July event planning committee. The Fourth of July serves as Wilmington’s most notable holiday. During the first week of July, the common is covered in red, white, and blue decorations -- even the trash cans are painted. As you drive around town, you will notice the constant pattern of family cookouts, jam packed streets with the cars of those at the festivities, and streets lined with American flags. 

Veterans Memorial

Although the Fourth of July marks a time that Wilmington gets together to celebrate our nation, it’s not the only time of the year that we appreciate the our country and the people who have sacrificed for it. Located on the common, there are multiple memorials and monuments dedicated to war veterans. Wilmington’s residents make it a priority to maintain the memorials by placing wreaths and flowers on them, especially on holidays such as memorial day and veteran's day. Whenever a soldier from Wilmington returns home from their assignment, a home-made wooden welcome home sign is placed on the common as a tribute to them and their service. Wilmington’s appreciation for our nation is displayed through the celebrations, monuments, and memorials found among the common.

Sign of Wilmington High School Outside of Gym

Wildcats Sport Blog

Melissa, Kylie, Morgan

Being a student at Wilmington High School is definitely very different as opposed to other towns. Wilmington as a whole is a small town type of deal, everyone knows each other. Wilmington residents are heavily involved with athletics. The well known people in school are usually the athletic students. At our high school, when there are big events such as playoffs there are announcements to cheer on our teams at the end of the day. The expectation is to wear school colors and to go to support. Each year, there is always a spirit week when students dress up and show their spirit for the school. In the school gym, there are banners showing the championships from the sports teams. There are also plaques of the championships in the main hallway of the school. Throughout Wilmington it is really well known about the accomplishments the sports team achieved. For example, the ninety nines has pictures of all sports teams around the whole restaurant.

Alumni Baseball Field

In Wilmington High School, we have had two college signings. One of them being a D1 athlete for baseball, and the other is for D2 girls lacrosse. Wilmington takes pride in our athletics, we have recently added a turf development, baseball field, softball field, tennis courts, and a track. Each field having a significant meaning behind them, they are all named after alumni of Wilmington High School. Wilmington is a welcoming community, especially in athletics. Wilmington encourages people to be active and social. We do many fundraisers and events involving sports. For example, TOPS is a program where people volunteer their time to play soccer with the special ed students. Wilmington takes care of their community and everyone usually is involved with some type of sport. Wilmington is a happy welcoming community that is high in athletic ability.  

Town Pride

Wilmington, MA is located about 20 minutes north of Boston, MA.  It is a small, very patriotic town.  Sports are a big part of the town and with that follows a lot of town pride.  Soccer is the biggest sport in Wilmington and pretty much every kid in Wilmington played soccer when they were little.  High School football is also very popular and the home games are on Friday nights and many town residents go and so does the high school band.  The town common also has a memorial dedicated to the men and women who have served in wars.

 

The biggest event in the town is on the 4th of July.  Every year there is a 4th of July festival on the town common with live music, food and fireworks.  There is also a carnival every year and it used to be next to the high school, but since a new high school was recently built they moved it to the shriners a couple miles away from the high school.

Another big event in town is the memorial day parade which takes place every year.  Many people participate including veterans, Wilmington sports, shriners, police and fire department, and many other groups and organizations. 

Wilmington's Finest

Wilmington Hockey team wins state title in 2012

With an 18 year career beginning here in Wilmington, sports have always been a part our lives.  Beginning with youth soccer, little league, and learning how to skate, Wilmington had a plethora of athletic activities to choose from.  Some sports were dropped along the way, leaving only the truly dedicated to play their respective sports.  It’s not just the ability of the players that makes Wilmington sports teams so special: It’s the sense of community that it brings.  It’s the baseball field full of people watching Wilmington’s rare Division 1 pitcher throwing 94 miles per hour.  It’s the headline that the Town Crier gave to the tennis team for making states for the first time in 30 years.  Wilmington sports are more than just an after school activity.  They bring the town together.  They make us feel honored to be a part of a community that desperately wants us to succeed.

School spirit is everywhere

New gym built in brand new school

Wilmington senior commits to Division 1 baseball program

The best part about Wilmington sports aren’t the individual teams, but rather the collective student-athlete coalition. On a nice night in March, hundreds of people filed into the new gymnasium to watch the students play the teachers in basketball Despite not having enough seniors to fully participate, the student vs. faculty basketball game was a smashing success.  Allowing the younger students to play was actually better because the entire school was included.  Although the teachers won the game, the entire town got their money’s worth. The teachers did not need to be there: your average teacher would not want to huff it down a basketball court for hours and hours against a bunch of highschoolers. The teachers in Wilmington, though, are something else. They care about the students and they want everyone to have fun. Taking time out of their schedule and time away from their own families, the teachers sacrificed to spend time with our community. It wasn’t just athletes that participated in the event to. It was a volleyball player, a tennis player, a baseball player, a Math League student, an average everyday student, all mixed in to come together to take on the faculty. For how competitive it was, it didn’t matter who won or lost: it was still a lot of fun. That’s what makes Wilmington so great. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do on your own time; we all come together and make memories that will last for a long time.








Sources:
http://www.wilmingtonwildcatsgirlssoccer.com/img/s1/v47/u701127535-o316935721-54.jpg
http://cdn.patch.com/users/12838/2015/02/T800x600/20150254de35cce0ff9.jpg
https://wilmingtonmaapple.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/jacksongillistovandy.jpg
http://archive.boston.com/news/local/articles/2012/03/22/malden_catholic_burlington_and_wilmington_cap_title_runs_at_the_garden/

All about Wilmington High

Our school is located in the center of town. Right across the street from Wilmington High School is our town common.

 In the common we have a gazebo and a memorial commemorating the men and women who served in war. When a local citizen returns from boot camp/serving overseas the town sets out signs welcoming them home for the whole community to celebrate and thank them for their service. Our High School has been standing now for only a year after the town decided to build a new one and knock down the old. It was decided by the town that Wilmington needed a new school for the students to create a better learning and teaching environment. Inside the new school there are a lot of differences from what there was before, however one thing has remained, Munchie Mania.

Munchie Mania offers a wide variety of different snack options to the students and faculty of WHS. Some options are apples, cookies, rice krispy treats and also water. This is the most popular concession for everyone who comes to the High School. As much as we love Munchie everything at the new school isn’t great. For instance there are now cameras around every corner. Now that may not sound like anything out of the ordinary but they are used for reasons that may not always benefit the students. Coffee has been banned from the school this year, and for that reason the cameras have become a way to catch and punish students that violate that rule. It’s a sneaky system.

One of our favorite classes offered is a sign language course which helps expand our understanding and culture beyond that of a spoken language. Currently there are two ASL classes that

can be taken, a sign language one where you learn the basics of sign and then a sign language two where the student goes more in depth into the culture. As of right now, next years classes are in jeopardy. Instead of our teacher gaining another class like she was supposed to, she will be losing half of them, in turn, losing the benefits they give her. A lot of the students are upset and are doing everything in their power to spread the word and help her keep the classes that interests so many people. It’s a new way of language that you don’t get exposed to every day, and it would be a shame to see future students lose that opportunity.

Our community at Wilmington High School is one that has helped to shape us into the people we are as we are about to graduate. Some things aren’t perfect but it’s an easy learning environment and the teachers do their best to provide us with the knowledge to make our way into the world.  

By: Vanessa and Taylor

An Extracurricular Empire

By: Justine Surette and Erin O'Connor 

This is a poster made by a WHS
graphic design student to promote
our drama guild's upcoming
musical.

This sign outside our baseball
field is to recognize a very prominent
WHS teacher and three season
coach who has now retired but
will always be remembered.

Wilmington, MA is a suburb 20 minutes north of Boston. On a map, our little town is shaped like a mitten. Wilmington has a good mixture of forestation and businesses, with roughly eight Dunkin Donuts. We have a few main roads of one lane two way traffic that go through the whole town, with a ton of other back roads that connect to one another to beat rush hour traffic. In Wilmington, we have a lot of houses with nice big yards for almost every family. The town is filled with playgrounds, dog parks, basketball and tennis courts, and fields open to the public. In the center of town is the town common, with the high school right across the street.

These paw-prints outside the school's
main office are to congratulate
the girls track team on their win
this past winter season.

Right behind our high school is our newly created
turf field, equipped with track and field amenities, and a wildcat right in
the middle of the field.

Placed in the school's courtyard,
this memorial, funded and created
by our 9/11 memorial club, is to remember the
lives lost in the pentagon, twin towers,
and Pennsylvania field on
September 11th, 2001.

One of the most popular classes
at WHS is our American
Sign Language Class, so
much so that they now have created
an ASL Club! 

There is a large sense of community in Wilmington, and that value has trickled down to the high school as well. Wilmington High School, also known as WHS, is filled with a ton of extracurricular  activities, from sports to clubs and honor societies. A unique quality of WHS is that our students and teachers support all the extracurriculars even if they are not a part of them. There is always a large number of students and faculty present at sports games, theater productions, and club fundraisers at our beloved 99s. Some of the most popular clubs at WHS are Drama Club, DECA, Rotary, and SADD. A majority of the student body is involved in at least one club, and often maybe more than one. The large number of extracurriculars expose students to different interests and passions of our school community. This creates a strong camaraderie and support system amongst the students. The entire town of Wilmington, Massachusetts is also one big support system. A person of any age, with any interest, can find support from their neighbors, school, and town community.

Wilmington- A Tribute to its Soldiers- By Evan Sperlinga and Brad Aldrich

Wilmington showing its pride for its soldiers
with a "Welcome Home" Sign

Wilmington MA takes pride in its soldiers, and the United States Military. I believe this to be one of the most patriotic towns in all of Massachusetts. One step outside of the High School and you are greeted with a parade of American flags that line each telephone pole a mile down the street. These flags that face the town common point to a beautiful town memorial that showcases the veterans and men that fought in previous wars. The small circular memorial is spread with flowers that surrounds a large American flag pole in the center. The flag lies in the center of town displaying our patriotism toward our country and its people. Directly across this monument lies a red white and blue sign. Upon closer inspection you are able to see that the sign is a “Welcome Home” sign to soldiers who are coming home from battle and soldiers who have just started out on their journey in the military.

Behind this sign lies a small but important monument. The monument is a short mulch patch with a stone headstone in the middle. In front of the headstone is a red, white, and blue wreath that draws the eye to the words on the stone. The words read   “Dedicated to the townsmen who answered the call to arms and marched to Meriam’s Corner, Concord, and engaged the redcoats on 19 April, 1775.” This one quote on the center of town shows how devoted our townspeople are to our country and our nation's military.

Wilmington 4th of July Building

Monument in the center of
the common honoring soldiers

The town of Wilmington is also home to many programs that help veterans that many other towns aren't a part of. I remember writing letters to soldiers in need, starting in elementary school all the way through high school. There's also another program that's called ipods for wounded veterans where you are able to donate money to give wounded veterans ipods 

and or gift cards.

Wilmington's 4th of July celebration is always special as well. We even have a 4th of July building set up next to our town common. Wilmington always plans this holiday in advance to provide the town with a great celebration. Our town revolves around this holiday and never fails to make the day memorable. Wilmington provides these events in order to show the true importance of the 4th of July. Our town shows the importance of the independence of America and the importance of those who serve in an exciting way. Wilmington provides towns of all over with an annual carnival, fireworks and celebrations on the common.

Wilmington takes pride in its soldiers and its town. With examples of its patriotism around every corner, Wilmington is truly a place of memory and respect for our military.

The Wilmington Family

Julia, Morgan, Tristyn

"The essence of Wilmington is captured in the spirit of its
people." -Michael A. Caira

Walking through the halls of Wilmington High School, you’re likely going to see students hurriedly trying to get to class, inspirational quotes above lockers, and--more abundantly than both of those things--fliers and announcements for clubs hanging on the walls, or written on the whiteboards.

Students hung this flier to bring attention to the annual
Relay for Life fundraiser, in support of cancer patients.

At WHS there is a club for almost every interest, such as
the Engineering Club!
 Of all the things the Wilmington High School community has to be proud of, student involvement and the number of extra curricular activities that its students proudly participate in has to be its most exemplary feature. There is an organization for almost every interest, and a community for anyone wishing to get involved and be surrounded by likeminded, equally invested people. A distinction Wilmington can boast of above other towns is our supportive, tight-knit sense of family, and this is easily reflected in the young people that so often come together to represent Wilmington and its values through community service, sportsmanship, and involvement.

Wilmington is a very close knit, and supportive community,
it is even written on the High School walls.
As an incoming Freshman, I personally remember feeling lost and without a tangible identity that is essential to finding one’s niche, and people that I could relate to. But it was after I joined the drama club that I easily found my path, and the people and interests I knew I wanted to further be a part of. There are so many great organizations to be included in at WHS, but the drama club  in my experience has been one of the best instances of how welcoming and dedicated our students can be. I remember talented, outgoing seniors--who at the time I think any freshman would be intimidated by--coming up to me to me to joke around and offer encouragement, for the pure sake of making sure I was having a good time and getting a positive experience out of being a part of the school play. Putting on a production is hard work in itself, but everyone’s willingness to put in the time after school and on weekends, and the sheer enthusiasm for theater alone made it one of the most positive and influential experiences I’ve had in my high school career.

Although I am not directly involved, I’ve also heard from other students that the sports teams available to students at WHS are another opportunity to really invest yourself in Wilmington’s community, and just enjoy your time in High School. Wilmington puts great value in its sports teams, offering a lot of support to the young athletes in our town. From cancer supporting games, to fundraisers, team dinners, banquets…there are all kinds of opportunities to make friends and develop an understanding for how supportive and close knit Wilmington really is.

I am so lucky to be able to call a town as great as Wilmington; my home. Wilmington High School has made me feel closer to my community by providing numerous clubs and extracurricular activities which allow me to further my interests and make close friendships along the way.  WHS resembles one big family and I am glad that I am able to be a part of it.