There’s a 30-year-old Bulldog hiding in the basement.

Have you seen him?

The Bulldog mural in the Burke basement has been sitting proudly for more than 30 years—longer than most of today’s staff have been at the school. The black-and-white image was painted by Tim Calabro and a few of his JROTC friends after they completed a mural in their classroom. They wanted to brighten the basement hallway, which they thought was too plain.

“It took us about a month to finish the project because we only had time after school, and we had to use an overhead projector,” Calabro said.

Students say the mural still carries meaning decades later.

“I think the dog represents the school and our goals while reminding us to follow and do as we’re supposed to, while showing school spirit,” junior Vincente Case said.

To learn more about the Bulldog’s history, Calabro shared his memories of the process. The design came from a single sitting image of a bulldog, projected on the wall so the team could trace it. He said one detail people may not notice right away is how the shading gives the dog an almost 3D effect.

“That Dawg is tough!!!” Calabro said when asked what personality the Bulldog would have if it came to life. “It would take no crap from people that crossed it, but would have the compassion for anyone it could help.”

While the group didn’t receive recognition or rewards at the time, Calabro said the mural left them with something more meaningful.

“We didn’t gain anything from it—just pride,” he said.

That pride has carried through generations. Students and staff continue to see the Bulldog as more than artwork—it’s a reminder of spirit, tradition and the history that makes Burke unique.

“100 percent. Bulldog pride,” Calabro said.