Charlotte Latin dedicates "Lucky 8"
“Lucky 8,” sculpted by Huntersville artist Jon Hair, official sculptor for the U.S. Olympic Committee, was dedicated Saturday, May 9, on Charlotte Latin’s campus. Given by Irwin Belk in honor of his family members who have been Trustees at Charlotte Latin, the “Lucky 8” sculpture is a copy of one made for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The number eight, according to Chinese culture, is a lucky one. The Olympics opened on August 8, 2008, and this sculpture celebrates the number eight in the date of the opening.
A plaque, which is permanently mounted on the base of the sculpture, reads: “Dedicated to The Charlotte Latin Board of Trustees: Carol Grotnes Belk, Founding Trustee, 1970-1984; Carl G. Belk, 1990-present; Anne R. Belk, 2003-2008.” Carol Belk was an early visionary of the School, and the family has given generously for buildings such as Carol Hall in the Lower School, the Belk Gymnasium, and to other projects, and is responsible for the many sculptures that help make Latin’s campus distinctive.