Why is there a big ‘H’ in the hills above Glendale?

It’s been there since at the least the Nineteen Thirties.

And yearly a gaggle of individuals hike as much as re-chalk it, to ensure it’s nonetheless seen to Glendale residents and guests alike.

The massive H within the hills above Glendale represents Herbert Hoover Excessive College Twister delight.

Edgar Stepanyan, a historical past instructor at Hoover, has led the group down a fireplace route, steep hill and tough terrain to the enormous H since 2012, when he took over because the Related Pupil Physique advisor at the highschool.

The one who beforehand maintained the H instructed Stepanyan the letter had been there for the reason that 30s (the varsity opened in 1929).

Stepanyan, a Glendale native, seen the massive letter within the hills whereas rising up.

He later attended Hoover and shortly came upon the that means behind the H.

Flash ahead a number of years, levels from Cal State Northridge and a stint on the native center faculty, and Stepanyan now ensures that the H shines vivid over town.

“I take the senior class annually, together with 25 baggage of chalk,” Stepanyan stated. Different workers and alumni take part on the enjoyable typically, and Stepanyan’s 4-year-old son just lately joined the workforce, too.

Stepanyan, often known as Dr. Step to his college students, stated the group often visits the H proper earlier than commencement, as soon as wet season is over and the H begins to fade.

He indicated that each he and the scholars are happy with making the H brighter.

“When the H is pale, it doesn’t make our faculty look good,” Stepanyan stated. “ I do know the scholars are proud after we chalk it. It’s a way of delight taking a look at that H and seeing how good it appears and that we work exhausting to take care of it.”

Rival Glendale Excessive College has a bush formed like a G close to the Broadway campus, and Burbank Excessive College has a concrete B.

And whereas it’s been prompt that they make the H a extra everlasting fixture encased in concrete, Stepanyan stated there’s one thing particular about their chalky letter.

“It’s such a practice and it’s such a bonding expertise for the seniors, too. It’s candy for them to benefit from the expertise, and it’s a enjoyable hike and an important exercise.”

So how does the H get chalked?

As soon as the workforce reaches the fireplace route, which has gotten a bit extra difficult the previous few years — town wants to present them entry— there’s a 5 minute hike earlier than they make their method down the mountain holding on to a rope.

“It’s a tad bit harmful, and youngsters are terrified once they rise up there, however then they’ve time,” Stepanyan stated.

For Jessica Voskanian, a senior at Hoover and the ASB president, chalking the H has represented conquering her fears.

The 18-year-old first went on the journey throughout her freshman yr. Voskanian is fearful of heights, and when she made it to the H, she was terrified.

“However if you’re up there you’re up there, there’s no going again,” Voskanian stated. “You recover from your preliminary worry and simply slide down the mountain.”

Voskanian added that she simply needed to cease enthusiastic about it and remembered she was surrounded by assured individuals.

Voskanian additionally grew up in Glendale and stated she came upon what the H stood for when she was in center faculty.

“I all the time puzzled what it was, and now I’m the one chalking the H and being part of one thing that I do know different youngsters will probably be trying up and and questioning about,” she stated.

She stated that feeling of exhilaration had her going again yearly, that plus the FOMO (worry of lacking out).

“I didn’t need to miss out, or cease the custom,” Voskanian stated.

Voskanian stated she desires to proceed to be part of the custom if she stays native for school, however going up throughout her senior yr will probably be a “bittersweet feeling.”

“One thing as simple as chalking a letter on a mountain means a lot not only for the individuals who go there, however for the group that surrounds it,” she stated.