For Stevens Point News
By Kara Battaglia
SPASH Highlights reporter

STEVENS POINT — The senior class officers just received the senior class gift from artist Melissa Mason, a 2008 SPASH graduate and astounding scratchboard artist.

“It was a really unique idea we thought hadn’t been done before and we are very impressed with her work,” said Class officer Shea Casey. “I think we are all pretty happy with the way our gift turned out, I think it will add a little to the school!”

“I had Melissa in class and knew she was capable of doing something spectacular, so I mentioned her to the class officers.” said Class adviser Carol Colby.

The senior gift is a scratchboard piece of a black panther. The artwork was unveiled to the entire class of 2018 at the senior class meeting on April 10. Mason was grateful to everyone for making this happen, stating, “it is an honor to be part of your class gift.”

In some high schools, graduating classes traditionally make a donation to the school, with a plaque or sign, marking the gift for future generations to see. Previous class gifts have been a memorial garden, bench, and display cases.

The senior class gifts get paid for by the proceeds from their junior prom. Some proceeds are left as startup money for future class reunions, as well as startup money for incoming sophomores for their homecoming.

In the three years Colby has been the class adviser, only the class officers have decided on the gift but as Colby suggested, “…maybe they could have students submit ideas.”