A “fierce” symbol of 100 years of Wildcat school pride! Students, alumni, faculty, and the community gathered at Wildcat Stadium at Walt Whitman High School as the South Huntington School District proudly unveiled its new Wildcat statue on May 8, 2026.  

The 700-pound bronze monument is the centerpiece of our new Wildcat Plaza, which has been undergoing an extensive revitalization over the last five years, transforming Whitman’s sports facilities into a premiere athletic complex. Standing tall at more than 6-½ feet from plinth base to shoulder, the statue of the district’s iconic Wildcat mascot was commissioned to celebrate South Huntington’s 100th anniversary, commemorated during the 2024-2025 school year. 

“We have an amazing school culture in South Huntington, and this only adds to it,” said District Superintendent Dr. Vito D’Elia. “When students come out here—whether for a sports event or graduation—and see the statue, we hope they feel the pride and strength of who they represent: the Wildcats.”

 

Created by Randolph Rose Collection—a nationally recognized bronze sculpture studio in Yonkers—the piece was crafted using the traditional lost-wax casting method and modeled after the district’s recently updated mascot logo. “The final design was intentionally created to embody strength, pride, school spirit, and tradition, while also serving as a lasting landmark for students, alumni, athletes, and the surrounding community,” explained Austin Rose, of Randolph Rose Collection. “We’re honored to have been part of such a meaningful project for Walt Whitman High School and the South Huntington community.”

Surrounding the statue are bricks engraved with the yearbook themes for every graduating class going back to the mid-1950s, when Walt Whitman High School first opened. “Going forward, a new brick will be added for each class,” said Board of Education President and Whitman alum Nicholas Ciappetta. “In this way, we draw a direct line between the past, present, and future.”

The plaque on the base of “The Wildcat” reads, in part: “the statue is a tribute to the countless individuals who have pushed boundaries, broken records, and faced challenges laid before them. Its presence serves as a reminder that the fierce heart of a Wildcat lives on in every graduate.” 

Members of this year’s senior class helped unveil the statue, and Walt Whitman High School Principal, Dr. John Murphy, had this message for them: “You are now a part of this school's history and when you come back 20, 30 years from now–and I want you to come back–you’ll be able to tell your children and grandchildren, 'I was there when this was unveiled. I'm a part of this school. I'm a part of this culture.’" 

In addition to honoring the district’s century of academic excellence, the statue also serves as a gift to the South Huntington community to recognize their pride, unbreakable spirit, and unbending support. It was through that support that this project was made possible. The Wildcat statue was entirely funded by private donations, ensuring that this monument was built at no cost to local taxpayers.  

“The Wildcat" is expected to become the most photographed spot on campus, serving as a backdrop for many milestone memories, from commencement to championship celebrations. ”The Wildcat statue will serve as a gathering spot, a social media moment, and I am sure will be a very popular place on graduation day,” said Ciappetta.

There is already buzz from coaches and athletes about making the mascot statue part of game day tradition for the district’s dozens of varsity and junior varsity teams by touching the Wildcat’s front paw before taking the field–a similar ritual common at many universities across the country.

“Our school community is a special place,” said Murphy. “Our Whitman alumni are still coming back after more than 50 years. So, whether you’re graduating this year or an alum returning for a visit, the message of the day is clear: ‘Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.’” 

 

 

Students, staff, administrators, and community members joined together at Walt Whitman High School for the unveiling of the new statue. 

 

Walt Whitman students of this year’s senior class helped unveil the statue alongside Board of Education members and donors. 

 

 

BOE President Nicholas Ciappetta (left) and retired art teacher Mrs. Vicki Dollin (right) are two of many donors who helped bring the vision of the Wildcat statue to fruition. Thank you to the generosity of the following, without which this project would not have been possible: The WWHS Art Development Fund (Vicki Dollin), Town of Huntington (Huntington Cultural Affairs), H2M architects + engineers, Huntington Manor Fire Department and Department Alumni, Eliot Lonardo, Ingerman Smith LLP, the Class of 1973, Gail Lamberta, Two Brothers Memorial Fund, Robert Bottoni, Annie Michaelian, Nicholas Ciappetta, and Linda LaCara,