For 52 years, the cupola served as a symbol of the future of education in the Waynesboro area and was associated with Waynesboro High School from 1937 to 1954, Waynesboro Area Senior High School from 1954 to 1962, and East Junior High School from 1962 to 1989. During those years, Superintendent D.J. Keeler and Principals Huber D. Strine, Paul E. Schull, Louis M. Barlup, Jr., Richard E. Mathias, William Hartman, Robert A. Mesaros, and Larry D. Bricker were part of its history, and over the 52 years 17,000 students and educators retained fond memories of their alma mater. A memorial honoring it was built from a state grant, the labor of senior citizens, and the generosity of Waynesboro citizens.