The Astronomy Tower: A Symbol of Despair in a State of Disrepair

It has come to this editor's attention that an utter travesty is taking place on our hallowed campus grounds brought about by our administrators' indifference. 

The Astronomy Tower, the scene of Dogwood’s greatest tragedy, Bloody Sunday, has fallen into disrepair. 

But it gets even worse.

What could be worse than the continual decay of the tower demolished by Dogwood’s darkest day, you might ask? 

It's that no one in our administration seems to care.

I first noticed the Towers' deterioration during my morning run from SnowCap Castle to Shipwreck Harbor. Upon passing the newly renovated Pickett & Loft fields, the temperature dropped 10 degrees and an unnatural fog rolled off the Wandola’s north bank. As any self-respecting journalist would, I followed the mist until I stumbled upon a snaggle of vines climbing up the rotted walls of the once grand building. A series of crumbling stairs led to the top of the tower which was also covered in black scorch marks and more hideous vines. 

I finished my run but resolved to return that afternoon to collect photographic evidence. Included below are said photos, taken by The Daily’s student photographer Buddy Smiles, who required much convincing due to the fact that his Portstout Lancers were competing in their season opener against division rivals, the Multiplicity Monsters. I wanted to climb the tower’s burned staircase for close ups but Buddy refused to step foot inside, believing it was filled with the ghosts of Bloody Sunday’s victims. He dragged me away after only three shots and made me swear not to return at night.

Evidence in hand I first met with Dean Arav. I explained to him the situation and showed him the photos but he also seemed distracted by the Rudder Racing season opener, which he was streaming from his school issued portable. I finally captured his full attention after mentioning Bloody Sunday at which point he turned pale and threw me out of his office.

Next, I tried scheduling an appointment with our University President, Ms. Rhodora Graves, but her assistant, Mrs. Gobbs, refused to grant me entry. Mrs. Gobbs claimed that the President had already met with me to discuss the water Familiar’s take-over of the girls toilets, Alpha Mu Nu’s excessive use of shaving cream at the Welcome Wake Up, and the rust build-up on the Ring of Honor. She then stated that I was banned from scheduling any more appointments with the President for at least a month.

After this clear attempt to escape the media’s scrutiny, I took the matter to Hollowmere’s Sheriff, Captain Brandon Winters, known for his crucial role in the defeat of Dogwood's most notorious blood weaver on Bloody Sunday. The Sheriff, however, was also no help. Likely warned by President Graves, he locked his office doors and drew his blinds as soon as he saw me coming.

Now fellow students, faculty, and esteemed alumni, I publish this article in hopes that the Dogwood community will unite to restore the tower to its former glory so that this University, and this country, can remember the lives lost on that dark Sunday many years ago.

Don’t let their sacrifices be in vain.

Your Editor,

Leigh Leadfoot