Tomorrow marks the launch of the new student entrance at North Central, one of the most ambitious construction projects at the high school to date. Located on the northeast side of the building, this new entrance will make coming and going from NC much quicker, easier and safer. And while the clean lines and glass-forward design may have a distinctly modern look, the art installation adorning the lawn has a rich history… and a surprising Foundation connection.

In 1987, North Central art teacher Dan Howell offered his students a challenge: create a piece of artwork that symbolizes the three Washington Township Middle Schools—Westlane, Eastwood and his former teaching post Northview—coming together at North Central. NC art students got to work, developing, refining and ultimately submitting their designs. After careful review, Mr. Howell selected a design for a sculpture by Martina Nehrling.

Martina, a sophomore at the time, had also been a student of Howell’s during his tenure as the art teacher at Northview Middle School. Inspired by origami, her design featured three multi-triangular forms, twisting and folding in sharp lines and angles. Entitled “Arrows of Direction,” the piece was meant to represent “all [students] who pass through the halls and the new ‘arrows of direction’ they are shown as they interact with each other and the staff” of North Central, as well as the differing paths they may take after graduation. The design was exactly what Mr. Howell had hoped for.

Now in her senior year, Martina watched her design come to life. Fabricated in stainless steel, the sculpture was installed on the northwest side of the school, where it stood for 35 years until its recent relocation.

Martina went on to earn a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and an MFA from the University of Chicago. Her work is exhibited internationally, and is part of many public and private collections. Mr. Howell retired from North Central in 2013 after 45 years with the District. On November 8, 2024, the teacher and student reunited to help oversee the final details of the installation’s relocation. A formal rededication ceremony will take place in Spring 2025.

“Arrows of Direction” holds significance beyond its initial purpose. Yes, it achieves its goal of showcasing the coming together of middle schools into North Central. But for the Foundation, it means so much more.

It is the physical representation of what we hope to achieve, the bringing together of students, teachers and alumni for the benefit of the Washington Township Schools community. It’s a symbol of how we’ve grown these past 40 years, and how our impact endures from decade to decade. It’s a reminder of where we’ve been and where we hope to go. When we look at it, we don’t see steel or concrete. We see our journey reflected back at us.

And tomorrow, as you pass through the new doors in this new year, we hope you take a moment to appreciate your own journey… and be inspired to chart a course for the future ahead.