High School Wants Crest Returned

Parents of Montgomery Blair High School students want the school's coat of arms returned, The Gazette writes.

The red and white crest has been stuck to the side of the Silver Spring International Middle School since 1986, when the high school occupied the building. Montgomery Blair pulled up stakes in 1998 for bigger digs in Four Corners, but the crest stayed behind.

"It just needs to come home," PTA co-prez Dave Ottalini tells The Gazette. "It's a link to the past."

But moving the coat of arms won't be easy. According to The Gazette, the ceramic-tile design is set in the concrete that holds the middle school's brickwork together. Also, the tiles are in bad shape and could use help.

"I suggested they get some kind of art restoration specialist to take a look at it," says Richard Hawes, who runs facilities management for the school system.

Removing and restoring the crest also could carry a hefty price tag. Ottalini tells The Gazette that the PTA and other Montgomery Blair organizations would pick up the tab, though no dollar amounts have been estimated.

Thanks to The Gazette for the photo.

"Looking to Bring Blair's Coat Home" (The Gazette)