As groups of SIS students returned to school after a long summer break, a flurry of white, orange, and black-colored renovations greeted the students back on Aug. 13. After two months away from school, the usual green-tinted sun shades shifted to a combination of orange and white, and the colorless Hall of Fame into a huge gallery with orange. To begin the year with a fresh start, the Department of Athletics and the faculty office pitched the ideas for these renovations last year and commenced construction on June 7.
“The decision to renovate the Hall of Fame and the school field was thought about since last year,” Brandon Fraseur, Head of the Athletics Department, said. “In the end, the renovations uplifted the school’s identity and now the Hall of Fame can be used to represent our students—especially our student-athletes—more.”
With 10 years of the school’s rustic green sun shades and gloomy corridors, the decision to renovate the Hall of Fame and the field was unanimous in order to continue improving the school’s facilities. Past renovations concerning the HS library or the cafeteria, for example, were generally liked by the students because of the uplifted appeal of the new flooring, comfortable seats, and better lighting.
However, the recent color changes to improve the school atmosphere backfired when students were left unsatisfied.
“When I first saw the field during the summer, I was shocked by the color combination.” Lauren Lee (9), a student, said. “The white and orange colors almost make the school look a bit funny.”
(Stella Eu (11) )
By implementing more of the school’s spirit colors, the renovations incited a sudden dislike of the color schemes and the aesthetics of the school. However, some argue that the renovations were made specifically for more effective purposes rather than aesthetically pleasing.
“Although the sun shield might take some time getting used to… it also prevents the heat,” Gray Macklin, Principal of the HS Department, said. “Last summer, I remember that under the green sun shades, it was hotter to stay under them than outside.”
