Artisans from Okamoto Custom Ice Studio carved a four-foot pelican ice sculpture Feb. 12 on the front lawn of the Town of Pelham Public Library to honor the 100th anniversary of Pelham Memorial High School.

The sculpting took place across from the school, with teachers, students and members of the community watching as the mascot was formed before them.

PMHS Principal Mark Berkowitz attended the event and spoke about the privilege of heading the school at this time. “As principal, it’s a great honor to have the opportunity to lead a school community and be a part of a school community that’s celebrating a centennial,” Berkowitz said. “It’s like a once-in-a-lifetime reality. The gift is that students who are not celebrating the centennial as students will remember when they come to the high school that they were a part of the celebration.”

Dave Katz, known as “Depot Dave,” sold a variety of foods to those on hand. His wife was born and raised in Pelham, and Katz said he was thrilled about the celebrations happening around town. “Pelham is a small-town wonder,” he said. “You have to enjoy it. Since we are so small, everyone’s so close.”

Katz is planning on opening up a storefront where Sound Chicken used to be on Fifth Avenue. “I came back to Sound Chicken, and I’m running my catering business out the back. Being back home in Pelham is fantastic. It’s where you got to be.”