Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian StarStudents and faculty applaud after “Valor” a multicolored, five-foot-tall equine statue was unveiled in front of West Lauderdale High School.

COLLINSVILLE — School spirit isn’t always measured in state championships or high test scores — sometimes it comes in the form of a carousel horse.

That was the case Thursday when “Valor” a multicolored, 5-foot-tall equine statue was unveiled in front of West Lauderdale High School.

The horse is the latest addition to Around Town Carousels Abound, a local exhibit featuring more than 60 statues, each with its own sponsor, theme and design.

The display of horses – which dot the landscape around Meridian and Lauderdale County, was started 17 years ago, with proceeds benefitting Hope Village, an agency that helps neglected and abused children.

The horse at West Lauderdale is the result of a year-long effort by the school’s Student Council, according to Allison Shelly, a senior and president of the club.

Students created and sold Christmas-themed t-shirts, with the proceeds going to Hope Village, she said.

“We were really excited to be involved in the tradition of the horses around Meridian,” Shelly said. “It taught us that our community was really willing to pitch in to get this together.”

Emily Clay, the school’s Student Council sponsor, said the horse isn’t just a statue – it symbolizes the school’s values.

“Webster’s Dictionary defines valor as ‘having strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness and personal bravery’,” she said. “Our students use valor every day – in the classroom, on the athletic field, and on the court. They persevere and push through…they represent our school and community so well. It’s a good word to describe West Lauderdale.”

Ainsley Ash, who was president of the Student Council last year and returned for the unveiling of the horse, agreed.

“There’s a lot of service at this school,” said Ash, who is studying psychology at the University of Mississippi. “And I love that – this horse is a physical representation of how much people here love to give to others.”

Art teacher Rhea Mabry was tasked with painting the horse, covering the black statue with bright yellow, red and orange designs.

For Mabry, it wasn’t just another art project – she graduated from West Lauderdale in 1995 and has taught there for 15 years.

“I always wanted to do one,” she said. “So, when I got asked to do this, not just being a Knight, but being a local artist, I was really excited…it was on my bucket list. I’m glad that a little piece of me will always be remembered.”