The Idea for the Higley Knight Statue
All four of the Day children attended Higley High School. As their youngest son, Tanner, started his senior year in 2019, he was serving as student body president. At the same time, Allison was serving as president of the school booster club, whose mission was to improve students' lives and the school's physical appearance.
The booster club asked the student council what they would like to leave as their customary lasting gift to the school that year. The students responded that they would love to create a bronze statue of the school mascot, the Higley Knight.
Dream Big!
As Allison looked into what it would take to create a statue, she found that the price was significant. It was much higher than anything the board had ever taken on before. Her first impulse was to respond that it was too much money and too difficult a project to take on.
Allison then discussed the situation with Dr. Day. They realized that telling the students the project was too big would send the message that they needed smaller dreams! As parents, they had always taught their children that they could do hard things and to dream big!
Giving Back
As the school's 20th anniversary approached, they realized it would be a good time for a big project! It was also a way for the Day family to give back to Higley in gratitude for the wonderful education and experiences the school had provided for their children.
They decided that Oasis Orthodontics would be a primary sponsor and donor to support the project. The booster club then reconsidered and, with faith in the community's support, went to work fundraising.
Starting Work on the Statue
They found a sculptor — Scott Streadbeck of Main Street Art in Alpine, Utah — and began the design process. A sketch mockup and a digital 3D rendering of the 10-foot Knight statue were finalized.
In November 2019, the booster wrote its first check to the sculptor, and the statue came closer to reality! They found the families and businesses in the community to be extremely generous and kind in their support of the students.
The fundraising and creative process continued, and the full-size statue was built in clay. Then, in the spring of 2020, an obscure virus started spreading, and the world suddenly came to a standstill.
Installing the Statue
Covid 19 posed a significant hurdle and caused a loss of momentum, but they did not give up. After all, they could do hard things!
In May of 2021, the Higley Knight Statue was installed. It was placed under several large shade sails on an elevated concrete platform at the front of an open gathering area. The gathering area had been there for many years, with nothing as its centerpiece. It is as if they had been waiting for 20 years for the knight statue to arrive!
Inspiration for the Higley Community
Today, the statue is a larger-than-life example of strength and greatness looking out to protect and defend all in the Higley community. Students can look to the knight each day for inspiration, helping them realize they are better than they think and can do hard things!
The Knight’s Code
At the base of the statue is a plaque with the Knight’s Code, created by the student council members who helped inspire the knight’s creation.
The Knight’s Code
Knights are sworn to honor.
They are brave in the face of danger.
They are steady under duress.
They are ready to defend the helpless.
They are honest, true, and just.
They are wise in judgment,
but always eager to learn.
They will fight to the final breath,
loyal to the banner they serve.
They are humble in victory,
kind in defeat,
and unified in common purpose.
Live Knight Strong.