Hey Hey Look at the "A"

The "A" on Mount Franklin is one of Austin High School's oldest traditions. In the fall of 1931, Gordon Gunn and John Clary outlined and painted the "A" on the mountain. The painting of the "A" was not sponsored by the school but was welcomed by the student body.

The members of the Panther Association were the original keepers of the "A." These industrious boys were responsible for maintaining the "A" on the mountain. They were also responsible for lighting the "A" during all home football games. When the Panther Association was dissolved, the "A" Club continued the tradition of lighting and maintaining the "A." In 1963, Phi Chi under the sponsorship of Mr. Donald Hutchings took over the responsibilities of maintaining the "A."

There is currently no student group nor organization responsible for carrying on this tradition. A small group of exes led by Randy Gschwind, class of '76 are working hard to revive the tradition. Randy has organized groups of students and exes to climb the mountain to clean up the area around the "A." They have whitewashed the "A" and the goal is to have the "A" lit for every home football game.

This tradition is difficult to keep alive because the school cannot sponsor the activity. Randy has gotten permission from the owner of the land and from the El Paso Fire Department to light the "A." The greatest hindrances to this endeavor are cost and manpower. At today's prices, even with donations of the cans and sawdust needed, the expenses total more than $300 each time the "A" is lit.

This May 2009, Randy and a group of students from the Sandra Day O'Connor Criminal Justice/Public Service Academy climbed the mountain and gave it a shining, white face lift. Thanks to Randy and students for your hard work!

Please contact Randy Gschwind if you are interested in helping with a donation for the lighting of the "A" or if you would like to climb the mountain and help clean and/or light the "A."