More than 100 community volunteers have dedicated time and energy to restoring the “M” at Miami High School’s Ragus Stadium – a local landmark that dates back to the stadium’s construction in the late 1960s. 

Significant progress on the project was made on Sept. 2, when numerous volunteers – including members of the Miami High School football team – braved the afternoon heat to place gravel and rock in the M-shaped frame located at the east end of the stadium.

By the end of the day, the project was about 90% complete. This week, Miami High School staff will put the finishing touches on the M, after which it will be unveiled to the public. 

The “Marvelous M” project, as it has been dubbed, is sponsored by the Cathy Sanchez-Cañez Memorial Foundation, a Love Where You Live Initiative. Love Where You Live is one of Globe’s newest non-profits with a focus on creating lovable spaces in rural communities.

Regina Ortega-Leonardi, a representative from the Cathy Sanchez-Cañez Memorial Foundation, told Arizona Silver Belt on Sept. 2 that the concept of revitalizing the M started in early August.  

“Cathy Sanchez-Cañez was a teacher at Miami High School. Her family reached out to the high school to find out what initiatives they could take on in regards to helping the school,” Ortega-Leonardi said. “Cathy’s foundation agreed that they wanted to invest in a makeover on the M, so it’s led us to this day.” 

She said a large coalition of community members and businesses from Globe and Miami partnered to make the realization of the project possible. Contributing businesses include Rock Pros USA, First Choice Lumber, 5D Construction and Iron Dynamics. Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church also provided volunteer time, homemade baked goods and cookies, and water.

“These different organizations provided for us materials for free, transportation and time,” Ortega-Leonardi said.   

The Cathy Sanchez-Cañez Foundation also extended its gratitude to Richard Ramos and Norene Prater, both of whom played crucial roles in the project.