The Wildcats of Wilmington

Home of the Wildcats sign found behind the baseball field and next to the track and field at Wilmington High School that serves as a reminder of our towns pride.

Fourth of July building in
Wilmington's town common.

"The essence of Wilmington is captured in the spirit of its people".
 - Michael A. Caira 
   That quote is mounted high up on the first wall that students, teachers, and visitors see when they walk into Wilmington High School.  Said first by Mr. Caira, a beloved teacher of Wilmington, is now portrayed by all who live in this small town of under 22,500 people.  I live in Wilmington and my day to day life isn't centered around worshiping the Home of the Wildcats sign behind the high school baseball field or sitting in the Fourth of July Headquarters building found next to the common.  However when I truly think about where I live, not just when I write down "Wilmington, MA" on my SAT answer sheet, the sense of community in this town is more apparent than I thought.  Because I am a junior, it only makes sense that most of my day is spent at Wilmington High School whether I like it or not.  With that being said, I get a lot of my community examples from there.

Revolutionary War Memorial in the
town common with the welcome home
sign for a soldier in the back.

   From sports to clubs to in-school fundraisers, Wilmington High School gets extremely involved in its town.

Veteran's Memorial found in the
the town common for all to see.

The sports teams in Wilmington create
a sense of community and foundation.  If you don't play soccer at one point in your life do you really live in Wilmington?  That goes for both girls and boys; soccer, hockey, and baseball teams in Wilmington, especially high school teams, bring our town a lot of pride.
  Wilmington also dedicates a lot of its spirit to honoring this world's brave troops and our country.  Major events take place on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July including parades, fireworks, and a carnival (give or take the carnival).  It's safe to say there isn't one kid in Wilmington who doesn't have a picture taken by their mother in the town common while wearing an Old Navy shirt with an American flag on it from the big 4th celebration.  In the famous town common of Wilmington that is surrounded with the high school, the library, churches, courts, a senior center, and more, two memorials, serving to remember veterans from many battles, can be found along with handmade signs made constantly for returning troops to our town that has the persons position and name. Within the town and at WHS, there is a Dear Soldier's and Local Heroes Club that dedicates their time to sending letters to soldiers, getting donations of supplies for troops, and holding fundraisers.  Fliers were recently put around the school asking for toiletries to be donated for troops in need.  The box in the office was filled instantly; I donated 20 items myself.  The support for troops in this town is overwhelming.  

White board found outside classrooms
in WHS that have fliers, reminders, and
upcoming events posted.

 

Local Heroes club flier found
in the halls of WHS.

Many of the clubs at the high school focus on helping others or helping Wilmington.  The World Language club is dedicated to helping students become more culturally advanced.  The Environmental club, with their slogan, "Go Blue, Go White, Go Green", has had many fundraisers with the intent t
o increase the recycling in the school and raise awareness of how we can reduce our carbon footprint.  There was a "Students vs. Staff" basketball game to raise money but also to create a trusting yet fun relationship between the teachers and students at Wilmington High.  Best Buddies is one of my favorite clubs.  You spend an hour with the kids in the life skills classes and seeing their smiles make my day.  With more clubs to count on both your hands and toes, WHS focuses on building relationships and connections to our society.  

Sign found outside WHS that
provides updates and reminders.

  Between the Public School System and separate organizations found in this town, Wilmington supports each other.  The library has numerous events for children and families giving everyone something to do.  The town itself will hold fairs or conferences with the intent of making life better for the people in this town.  We unite as one in so many ways whether it be a parade or a fundraiser for a loved member of the town.  The people who live in Wilmington are thought of as stereotypical "townies" for a reason; we're all dedicated to our town and how to make it better.