Gaithersburg High School is starting the new school year with a fresh, new look. The new building that everyone has been waiting for has finally been opened and its students and faculty have received it with open arms.
The school gained a new cafeteria, a new gym, new Promethean boards, a renovated performing arts center, and much more this year.
For English teacher Leigh Tinsley the new building is a drastic upgrade from the previous one. “It was hard to come to work everyday and deal with some of the things that we were dealing with [in the old building] and sort of breathe in that air,” she said. “Hopefully this year is completely different and will draw some better opportunities for everybody.”
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College Institute coordinator Shawn Hillman also feels that the new school will bring better energy from the students. “The cleanliness of it, the freshness of it, and the newness of it will definitely be a positive in the student’s education.”
Most students however found the size of the building to be the most overwhelming factor. “It’s huge,” said freshman Lexi Nocket. “I’ve gotten lost a lot, but hopefully I’ll get the hang of it.” Senior Marvin Cedillo was amazed when he first walked inside as well. “It’s like a palace,” he said.
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Even though the new school stunned Cedillo, he was afraid that the size of the building might affect the student’s social realm. “With the whole new wide school I think that students are going to be less likely to see their friends,” he said. “But with the new school I think we’re better conditioned to learn with a/c classrooms and wider hallways and cleaner facilities.”
The architecture and the lighting really add a different feel to the school. From the large archways and broad windows to the Trojan head emblem on the floor, the building adds a more spirited attitude to the school. “There was a lot of work that went into the little details that make a big difference, that make it not just a new building but a new GHS building,” said Tinsley. “It feels very welcoming and homey.”
