WARREN — The Warren G. Harding High School Class of 1968 has left a gift to the Warren City Schools with a special marker unveiled Thursday at the Harding High School facade.

The memorial marker engraving is “Warren G. Harding-Class of 1968” with a panther image.

The 30-by-10-inch marker is black granite with white lettering and features a black panther with a white and red outline. Those were formerly Harding’s colors.

More than 30 people attended the unveiling and dedication of the marker.

The marker is next to other items such as school names and architectural decorations that were part of the former Harding High School and other school buildings taken down over the years.

Ron Zelenak, a 1968 graduate committee chairman, said the dedication celebrates the legacy of the Class of 1968, which attended school during a time characterized by spirit and unwavering dedication to the school.

The Class of 1968 graduated 485 students.

He said the 1968 alumni group oversaw the design of the memorial.

In addition to Zelenak, the committee included Tim Menz, Tim Harrold, Dave Barran and Paul Yannucci.

Zelenak said the marker reflects commitment to the school and leaves an indelible mark on the community.

“This monument will stand as a testament to our shared experiences and the values we cherish. In the years to come, it will serve as a beacon of pride for generations to follow,” Zelenak said.

He said money left over from class reunions and donations covered the cost for the marker.

“We wanted to do something different for the school. It took us about six months to decide on a monument and have it engraved. We got permission to have it by the facade,” Zelenak said.

He said the classmates are all in their 70s today.

He said the class of 1968 continues to make an impact today and inspires those who will walk in our footsteps.

WHAT CLASSMATES THINK

Staff photo / Bob Coupland
Paul Yannucci of Warren, a member of the Harding High School Class of 1968, stands by a newly unveiled marker from the Class of 1968 placed near the Harding High School facade. Members of the class attended an unveiling and dedication of the marker, which was given to Warren City Schools on Thursday.

Yannucci, of Warren, said the marker was a nice addition to the facade’s landscaped area.

He said the black marker shows the red in the panther’s eyes.

“This was a culmination of many ideas of people coming together. This is panther country and will be that way forever. The panther shows strength and fierceness which is how the guys played football. This is a reminder of what the panthers were like,” Yannucci said.

He said he was upset when the former Harding High School building was taken down as well as other Warren schools, but to get a new school building the others had to go.

Yannucci said he is glad there is an image of a panther on the marker.

“I would one day like to see them go back to the Harding Panther name. The marker will let them know the Class of 1968 was here and we were Panthers,” Yannucci said.

Brenda Goswick of Southington, a 1965 Harding graduate, said she attended the event for her late sister, Dinny Goswick, who graduated in 1968.

“I donated to the marker in her memory and am here today for the dedication of the marker for her,” Brenda Goswick said.

Gloria (Vadas) Bertleff of Champion said was excited the class was able to make such a nice contribution to Harding High School.

Ben Canfield, of Poland, was at the event for his mother Valarie Vine from the class of 1968 who died last December.

The family donated over $450 in Vine’s memory for the marker which cost $1,500.

“My mom always talked about how much she loved going to school here,” Canfield said.

Tyler Canfield of Poland said his grandmother kept much memorabilia from her years at Harding, where she was a majorette.

“She always had a sparkle in her eyes when she showed us her school items and remembered old times,” he said.

John Bertleff, of Cortland, from the cCass of 1968, said he came to the Warren City Schools in fifth grade and enjoyed his time spent at Harding.

He said the marker is a nice gift from the class to celebrate the school and the Class of 1968.