Entranceway to Amherst High getting facelift
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Sculptor Larry Griffis III created clay renderings of the tigers that will be added to Amherst High School's entrance. The final statues will be stone.

Renovations to the front entranceway continue at Amherst High School with proposed sculpted tigers next to each side of the front steps.

At the Nov. 20 Amherst School Board meeting, sculptor Larry Griffis III showed the board clay renderings of the tigers. Amherst's mascot is a tiger.

"To me, this is an exciting project," said Griffis. "I really enjoy working with animals, and to sculpt a tiger is something I've always wanted to do."

Upon completion, the tigers will be 6 feet high and 3 feet long. Each tiger's head will be about 3 feet tall.

Griffis said the tigers would not be made of stone but a composite material yet to be determined. Alloys and steel would support the inside. The design for each tiger is supposed to be created by Amherst High art students.

Griffis was asked by Amherst Central Alumni Foundation recording secretary Cindy Oppenheimer to take on the project. The ACAF is paying for the entire project through fundraisers.

ACAF president Ginny Fretz Rusk said they still need $5,000 to $7,000 to reach their goal of $30,000 but hope to raise enough money to have the project completed by May. Rusk said alumni and friends who donate $1,000 will have their name placed on a bronze plaque near the tiger.

Rusk said Griffis brought the clay renderings to "Go to School" night on Oct. 4, and it was a hit.

"It was unbelievable," said Rusk. "You see pictures of it, but you can't get a feel for it until you actually see it in person. It's really tremendous. Larry has been wonderful to create a piece so that we can use it in our fundraising."

The proposed tigers project is the second project the ACAF has fundraised for the front of the high school. New oak front doors costing $30,000 were installed last year.

Griffis, a well-known sculptor who specializes in life-size sculpturing, has done work for John Carroll University, Brown University and Canisius College. He also works for many private collectors. He is also the creator of the bronze hockey player on the marquee outside HSBC Arena.

In another matter: Mark Whyle was appointed to a three-year probationary appointment as the district's new assistant superintendent - administrative services. Whyle has been with the district for 22 years. The last 11 years he has been director of administrative services in the business office.

"I'm looking forward to the new challenge," said Whyle.

Whyle, who has a valid, permanent school of business administration services certificate, said his new position will shift from business to personnel matters, like residency issues.

Whyle's previous position has already been posted.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com