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Whale.

Whale of a School

Field review by the editors.

Naperville, Illinois

In 1983, a student won a contest to coin a new slogan for Highlands Elementary School, calling it "A Whale of a School." The slogan became so popular that in 1997 sculptor Joe LaMantia carved a big wooden whale that sat outside the school -- but it eventually succumbed to rot and termites.

Unwilling to sink the whale, the school raised $20,000 and used resident artist Victoria Fuller to create a new, long-lasting concrete whale. It was unveiled on Oct. 20, 2011. Ten feet high, the smiling, bright blue whale is breaching out of a far-too-small puddle of water, and is covered by colorful sea plants and creatures suggested by the school's fifth graders.

Whale of a School

Highlands Elementary School

Address:
525 S Brainard St, Naperville, IL
Directions:
E Hillside Rd and S Brainard St. School grounds.
Hours:
Visible from parking lot. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
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Nearby Offbeat Places

Fairy Shops and EateriesFairy Shops and Eateries, Naperville, IL - < 1 mi.
Laughing LincolnLaughing Lincoln, Naperville, IL - < 1 mi.
Dick Tracy StatueDick Tracy Statue, Naperville, IL - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Big Teeth, Toothbrush, Tooth Fairy, Chicago, IL - 25 mi.

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