A known legend with 51 albums, 12 Grammys and the recent Nobel Prize in Literature, Bob Dylan was celebrated Dec. 2 at Westlake. Fans of Dylan gathered in the library to sing songs, talk about the singer and be together.

“[Dylan Day] started in 1987 with former English teacher, Dr. Bill Martin,” English teacher Chuck Nowland said. “It started in his classroom as a day to share his favorite singer and invite students to sing Dylan songs. I came [to the celebration] with a guitar and played to help encourage students to get involved. So from there and every year it kept getting bigger and bigger and growing so that we moved to the library.”

Some students who celebrated Dylan Day this year are fans and took part in the holiday by attending the festivities in the library.

“I’m a fan because my dad is a big fan and I grew up listening to it,” sophomore Catherine Barany said. “It’s not for everyone, but the lyrics tell a story, and there’s a song for every mood you’re in.”

“Bob Dylan is an acquired taste,” sophomore William Barksdale said. “He helped bring folk music back into the spotlight, and bands like The Byrds covered several of his songs. He also was a leader of the Beat Generation and helped shape society today.”

These Dylan fans are what made this day become an annual celebration at Westlake. They help recognize the impact this literary legend has had on listeners for five decades.

“[It’s] a day for Westlake to do something totally different for students,” Nowland said. “It’s not a talent show. Dylan Day is a time to just share.”