As written by Ainsley Hall and published in The Journal on February 14
On Friday, Wildwood Middle School hosted a sculpture dedication ceremony in honor of Jodi Brock, who served as the school’s principal until she passed away last year.
Brock first became Wildwood Middle School’s vice principal in 2014 and then became the principal in 2023. She had a passion for education and loved working with students. A sculpture of a mustang, Wildwood’s mascot, will honor her memory and her love for the school.
A couple of years before Brock passed, she and her father, Randy, were traveling through Parkersburg when they saw a school that had a statue of a horse in front. They talked about how amazing it would be to put something like that out by Wildwood Middle School to support the students and show school spirit.
Randy thought having a mustang statue would be the perfect way to honor Jodi and make sure her legacy continues.
The statue was funded through donations from family and friends, help from Wildwood staff and fundraisers.
Once they had the money, they bought it and had it delivered to the school, where Principal Jennifer Moss worked with maintenance staff to find the perfect spot. They also made a special plaque to go along with the statue with Jodi’s signature.
Moss shared that when Randy and Diane Brock reached out about the statue, the school was eager to get it done. Jodi left a lasting impression on so many people, both students and staff. They wanted to make sure her memory lasts for many years to come and were happy to find such a special way to honor her.
“The mustang is unique in its own way,” Moss said. “You can’t get close to the school without noticing it, just like Jodi. It truly is special to see it with the sun behind it each day.”
During the dedication ceremony, Assistant Principal Kristopher Ridgley read several notes written by students to give people an idea of what she meant to the school. Then, Diane came to share a few words about the statue and her daughter.
“She was so dedicated to this school,” Diane said. “She and Mr. Ridgley strived to make this school the best it could be for the staff and for the students. We are so proud of her and what she accomplished.”
From now on, the mustang will stand as a reminder of Jodi Brock’s love and passion for Wildwood Middle School. Her legacy will continue on for many years to come.