History made as Oakmont gets Noguchi stamp
By Nancy Bakanowsky
Journal Correspondent
Community Journal
September 24, 2004

Following the lead of American-Japanese sculptor Isamu Noguchi, who designed-among other highly acclaimed pieces of artwork- a bridge in Hiroshima's Peace Park, the Ashburnham Post office is busy "sculpting" its own bridge between the community-at-large and Oakmont Regional High School.

On Tuesday, Sept. 21, Postmaster Rich Goguen went to the high school to hold an unveiling ceremony for the recently released Noguchi commemorative stamps.  Approximately 20 Oakmont students, along with art instructors Greg and Theresa Barry and Principal William Waight were in attendance as Goguen gave a brief overview of Noguchi's life and body of work.  Goguen went on to explain that during the past couple of years, the United States Postal Service has been reaching out to various communities when it feels that a stamp may be of particular interest to that community.

"I immediately thought of the Oakmont art department when these stamps were released," said Goguen.

On behalf of the Ashburnham Post Office, Goguen then gifted Oakmont with a beautifully framed, black and white Noguchi stamp, dedicated to the art department. The Barrys happily accepted the unique plaque, noting the significance of the moment.

"You are now part of history," Greg Barry told his students.  "Nothing like this has ever happened at Oakmont."

Goguen praised the high school's exceptional art program, telling the students that his daughter-- an Oakmont graduate who went on to become an art teacher -- developed her passion for art as a result of her experiences in the school's art department.

[This article has been reproduced with the permission of Community Journal editor Kevin J. MacLean]