For the past 60 years, almost every senior class has spray-painted the Graffiti Bridge. The hundreds of layers of chipped paint along the cement bridge hold memories of thousands of Oakmont alumni. Hearing about the official banning of spray painting the Graffiti Bridge was a shock to many. After digging deeper into students’ thoughts and opinions, the truth about how the seniors feel has been revealed. While the students’ stance is clear, the administration and public safety provide their reasons for the ban.
Every student, teacher, or citizen of Ashburnham and Westminster knows about the tradition that dates back decades: The spray painting of the graffiti bridge. This is much more than having a good time with a bottle of spray paint. Leaving your mark on the bridge is a right of passage and graduation from Oakmont Regional High School.
70% of all senior students asked whether or not they were planning on painting the bridge answered yes, that they were “planning and looking forward to leaving their mark on the graffiti bridge.”
When asked her thoughts about the banning of spray painting the graffiti bridge, a senior at Oakmont Regional High School, Molly Horgan, responds, “This is some bull crap! It wasn’t our fault the previous classes were reckless. We should be given a chance to respectfully carry on the tradition.”
Oakmont students feel very similar to Horgan. They are frustrated and disappointed that an event every senior class looks forward to is discontinued.
According to many sources, this tradition dates back to the 1960s. Over the years, many Oakmont staff have been involved in ‘graffiting’ the bridge. It is a right of passage, a privilege to paint the bridge. Unfortunately, it is true that previous classes have taken advantage of their freedom and disrespected the property of Westminster.
Another Oakmont Regional High School senior says, “This 60-year tradition can’t be banned. This is one of the last events our class will get to do together. Activities like this bring all of Oakmont’s Class of 25 out and together one last time.”
The student’s views and opinions on the subject of the graffiti bridge ceremony have been cracked open. The administration and police department have also spoken on their side of the dilemma.
Officer Max Rameau, a police officer in Westminster, MA, as well as an SRO at Oakmont Regional High School, speaks on the issue of the bridge banning. When asked if the banning of the bridge has ever been considered in previous years Rameau says, “The police have never granted permission to paint the bridge. Due to issues in the last two years, I have decided to take it upon myself to remind everyone that it is illegal.”
This statement clarifies the town has never “okayed” this tradition. Instead, seniors have taken it upon themselves to continue without permission.
Another question asked to Officer Rameau is what caused the push for this banning in the first place. Rameau says, “It’s because of safety issues more than anything.” He goes on to explain, that students will go up on the train tracks or bring ladders to reach up high. This can be very dangerous, especially on a busy road where people don’t tend to slow down.
The controversial topic of the graffiti bridge has been debated for years. In the end, the Westminster Police along with the Oakmont administration, feel for the safety of students it is the best decision to become more strict with the long-lived tradition.
While there can be a danger to traditions, will our town lose part of its uniqueness if we erase the tangible markers of its identity?
