Holding around 375 million book copies, grossing around 214.5 million in the box office in North America alone, and holding a lasting popularity from the movie to social media, The Lorax is one of the most successful movie adaptations of a Dr. Seuss story. However, The Lorax doesn’t just follow an ambitious teen and grumpy orange creature – it holds an important message. The fictional forest guardian holds a symbol against environmental destruction and industrial greed. As the Onclers obsession with selling thneeds grows, it causes the home to fish and swans to be destroyed – however, its ending reveals hope for an improved future and emphasizes the responsibility of communities to care for their environments. Recently, the high school has cut a mulberry tree down near the point entrance. An unknown spectator has placed a 3D printed version of the Lorax outside the tree in response to the missing tree. However, conversations regarding why the tree was cut down remain lingering.
“I’ve heard several theories on why the tree got cut down, but theories aren’t actual things. I don’t know why it was cut down. Should I be disappointed? Is there a good reason? Was there a disease there that we didn’t see or know of? Nobody knows,” Scott Glass, robotics head coach, said.
As the robotics coach, Glass is knowledgeable in the school’s access to resources and the process to making the Lorax, However he is unsure as to who set out to make it.
“I know how it could be printed, the school has access to a 3D printer, plus a lot of extra orange filament. A design online of the Lorax costs about a dollar to purchase. The printing would take about 40 hours, plus the painting done and rocks set out by other people,” Glass said.
The environmental statement piece has had multiple groups involved, but nobody can quite pinpoint who exactly printed the Lorax in the first place. Alberto Hernandez-Martinez, Arts & Comm. teacher, gave the Lorax a new look by painting him to replicate his true self. Hernandez chose to participate in the decorative statement because of his passion for the tree and agreement to the creative expression.
“I think it should be seen as a warning. A warning to avoid any unnecessary alterations to our beautiful nature. I think whoever did it is very brave for doing something so outspoken. It was a great way to show that everyone has a voice, and if you’re smart about it you can get your message across in ways people will listen. It shows that we have a lot of talented people here, and when they use their talents for good, people listen and talk,” Hernandez said.
Because so many different groups have participated in the piece, it is hard to say who exactly could have printed the Lorax originally. The sculpture provides for a more eye-catching and unique statement of grievance to the tree.
“It was made between a bunch of groups, so not one group can be blamed for it. It’s growing, people are participating. I think this is a great chance to show how clubs are able to take advantage of the cool stuff we can do here at the high school to get their points across. The Lorax is much more interesting than just putting a poster on a wall,” Hernandez said.
Other than the Lorax’s expressive intent, the center piece has also brought groups together and started conversations. Many outside spectators, high school students and visitors have noticed the sassy statue sitting where the tree once sat. Abigail Wise, Arts & Comm. junior noticed the Lorax with her class and gave the finishing touches by placing pebbles around the tree, similar to the movie.
“It has brought people together I think. More stones have been arriving around the little box throughout the week. I think the main thing he’s really done is unify people. It brings a moment of light. The high school is so big, and everyone is in their own world doing things, so this has people come together. I think it also shows people in the outside community that we’re not just a giant school, and they see the creativity of the students here,” Wise said.
To emphasize the meaning and message behind the Lorax, his print shows his stance in a very intentional way, similar to his character in the movie.
“I like his sass. The way he’s placed, he looks angry with the school. With the tree being cut down, I think it really embodies the Lorax attitude and character. His placement of the sassy hands on hips stare with his frown and angry eyeballs really embodies his character,” Wise said.
For an update on the Lorax, visit:
https://sugarbeetnews.com/1048/news/mysterious-lorax-mystery/
