Funds left over from last year’s Northern Lehigh High School graduation class will be used to buy a statue in honor of the district’s mascot.

The statue will be placed somewhere on the premises of Bulldog Community Stadium, it was announced at Monday’s school board meeting.

Connie Check spoke on behalf of the parents of the class about the Class of 2020 funds, and asked if there was any resolution as to the suggestions and/or votes needed to use the funds for the 2020 purchase items for the school.

Superintendent Matthew J. Link addressed the situation.

“We have received a number of recommendations from the previous class, one of which is Mr. Jason Check, and then through consultation with our attorney (board solicitor Avery) Smith, as well as guidance and feedback from our auditors, I’m happy to say I think we’ve reached a consensus,” Link said.

High school Principal Robert Vlasaty noted that the Class officers of 2020 had a “very good discussion.”

“Their Number One suggestion was to purchase a giant bulldog statue in honor of our mascot, the bulldog,” Vlasaty said. “The suggestion was to have it placed in Bulldog Community Stadium somewhere.”

Vlasaty noted they did research on the estimated cost, but still need to look at the possibility of what a base would be.

“I’m happy to hear that our attorneys and our auditors felt that was appropriate,” Vlasaty said. “So I did talk to Mr. (senior high class adviser Nick) Sander and our student council officers, and they unanimously approved that idea enthusiastically, as a matter of fact. So I think that we’re on the right track as far as that goes.”

Vlasaty said he wasn’t sure if it would use all the funds, so they still have to research how much a base would cost, and how much installation would cost.

Link recommended to continue the conversation and research, “and if there are funds left over I would look for a recommendation from this year’s student council representatives for the expenditure of those funds.”

Connie Check said she believes the Bulldog statue will be a wonderful addition.

“I think the Bulldog is going to be a big asset to the field house, and I look forward to seeing it installed,” she said.

Jason Check, of Slatington, who served as class vice president, also expressed his gratitude.

“I just want to thank you all for basically hearing us out last month at the meeting, and now basically approving the idea,” Jason said. “I know Mr. Vlasaty was very excited about it when we talked about it, and he was definitely a good asset to have in this situation because he was definitely behind us fully.

“I’m excited; I can’t wait to come back every year and see this awesome bulldog. I think it’s going to make the stadium just even better than it is today.”

Fedorcha noted that the board will follow up with the matter as soon as they get the figures and a better understanding, if not by the July meeting, then for August.

The decision comes after the Class of 2020 asked the district last month to make an exception for class funds that expired due to the pandemic.

Jason Check said at that time the class had about $10,500 in leftover funds, and that class advisers said the money could be used after the pandemic ended.

Smith noted at that time the student activity funds had to be used for the students currently in school, and must be closed by June 30 of the graduation year.