Circleville, Ohio – Circleville City Schools, in collaboration with the CHS Alumni Association, proudly unveiled a towering statue celebrating school spirit and Tiger pride on Sunday, October 27th. The statue, a striking addition to the school campus, is prominently located in the roundabout on Clark Drive, which has long been envisioned as a focal point for community pride.
The project, initiated by a dedicated committee from the Alumni Association, culminated in the selection of renowned sculptor Alan Cottrill of Zanesville. The 15-foot-tall monument serves as a welcoming landmark for all who travel along Clark Drive, featuring a solid six-foot black granite base inscribed with the words “Tiger” on two sides and “Country” on the other two. Atop the granite base stands a seven-foot bronze tiger, poised on a platform made of bronze books that will bear the names of top donors.
The unveiling ceremony drew community members, students, and alumni, all eager to witness the culmination of months of hard work and creativity. “This statue is more than just a piece of art; it represents the spirit and determination of our students,” said a representative from the Alumni Association during the event.
Cottrill, who meticulously designed the statue, shared his enthusiasm during the unveiling. “I wanted to create something visible from afar that would instill pride in our school community,” he said. The statue’s dynamic pose embodies the fierce spirit of the school mascot, reflecting both strength and academic achievement. Cottrill drew inspiration from books, which he viewed as gateways to education in his youth. As the first in his family to graduate high school, he went on to college and enjoyed a successful international business career. During his travels, he developed a deep appreciation for art, but it was not until 1990, when he first worked with clay, that he decided to pursue a career as an artisan. After selling his business, Cottrill dedicated himself full-time to creating figurative sculptures. His artwork can now be found not only throughout Ohio but also around the globe. In 1996, he and lifelong friend Charles Leasure established Coopermill Bronzeworks, a bronze casting foundry in Zanesville, Ohio. To date, they have cast over 500 of Cottrill’s statues, along with works by numerous other sculptors.
Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the statue’s impressive design and significance. The base, weighing 16,000 pounds, the books composed of 30 separate pieces, reflects a commitment to craftsmanship that will ensure the monument endures for generations.
Circleville City schools told Sciotopost that plans to beautify the roundabout in the spring around graduation is already planned for phase 2.
