MacArthur High School is home to a proud community of current and former students. This inspired alumni from the class of 1987 and 1988 to join forces on a special project that’s now found its home on campus. The idea to donate a bench and plant a Monterrey Oak tree near the baseball field originated with Kelly Shawn McNeill. He hopes the gift will symbolize the bond of past, present and future graduates.
“During our years at MacArthur, we were so blessed to feel support from our peers, and we held our staff and teachers in the highest regard,” said McNeill. “Brahmas, regardless of graduation year, still stick together and I wanted a way to show my appreciation that would be permanent on campus somewhere for students to gather daily and bond just like we did. It is a ‘Brahma Nation’ and we are forever proud.”
McNeill says he couldn’t have accomplished the donation without help from MacArthur graduates Tim Cook, the late John Hayes, Chip Simmonds, Missy Day Hemphill, Heidi Woodsford and Carol Hale. The bench and Monterrey Oak were installed in their permanent place by the baseball field during a small ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 11.
