This year, the town of Walpole turns 300 years old. In honor of the town’s birthday, Walpole has put together a two hour long parade to celebrate this milestone with many floats. One included the ducks made by the Walpole High School National Art Honors Society (NAHS) members.
There are five ducks in total: Birdy, Maggie, Morgan, Lewey and Wally. Last year, the ducks were placed around town as a scavenger hunt. Birdy was placed on Washington Street. Maggie was outside of the Norfolk Agricultural High School. Morgan, who was inspired and signed by WHS graduate Joe Morgan who worked for the Boston Red Sox, stood by the athletic complex on 1A. Lewey sat next to the South Walpole sign. Lastly, Wally, who was placed in the town center. They can all now be found in the center of town.
When the ducks first made their appearance across town, many people were confused why the town chose ducks as statues to be spread around.
“Walpole is abundant with ponds and waterways and has a rich history of factories and mills which resided along the Neponset River and other water spaces. And, well, because they are just so cute!” the 300 Anniversary Committee said.
The ducks were made by the following WHS students who are part of the National Art Honors Society, Mia Destito, Sienna Ddungu, Nikol Kamenova, Deidra Ceesay, Amanda Brennan, Gabrielle Villeneuve, Rachel Hickey, Sofia Baroletti, Briella Clinton, Sakeena Abbasi, Shivani Mandulapalli and Eve Brousaides. These students spent hours painting the ducks.
“It was a long process but rewarding to see the final product!” Destito said.
The ducks were taken to Assured Collision and given a final coat. Then the ducks were distributed around town and featured in the Walpole 300th Anniversary Parade to celebrate!
