El Dorado High School received a special gift from EHS Class of 1962 graduate Milo West on April 30, 2026.
West donated a 4-by-4-foot painting of a wildcat on the prowl. The artwork is meant to represent all EHS graduates — past, present and future.
"I have thought for some time that I would like to give back to my high school alma mater while honoring my classmates of 1962," Milo West, artist and EHS Class of 1962 alumnus, said.
The painting is displayed in a locked case in the EHS commons. A plaque with a short synopsis will accompany the artwork.
Student leaders and school administrators accepted the painting on behalf of the high school following the Board of Education’s approval of the donation. Representatives included Student Body President Addison Hull, Senior Class President Carly Carter, Junior Class President Kardyn Nielsen, Sophomore Class President Gage Walden and Freshman Class President Elise Peffly.
Also present were Principal Richard Gilson, Assistant Principal/Athletics Director Lance Barkley, and Board of Education President Bill Rinkenbaugh.
West was joined by family members at the placement: his daughter, Marla Gowen, an EHS graduate, and his grandson, Christopher Thompson, a current EHS student.