This article is my front page story in the September issue of “The Hoof Print,” which is Alamo Heights High School’s newspaper run by Kristin Cade.
The Mules are back at school and they were welcomed by a campus undergoing a massive renovation thanks to a $135 million bond package passed in May of 2017. Some highlights of the bond include a new cafeteria that will feature culinary arts facilities, upgraded facilities for athletics and approximately 50 additional parking spaces.
“Being back at school is great,” senior Eleanor Stokes-Liss said. “ I love seeing all my friends, and I’m super excited to make my last year here memorable.”
All these changes have brought loads of excitement to the high school, but they’ve also caused some changes to students’ everyday experience at school. Construction has torn out The Oaks, an outdoor area where people could eat lunch and walk through, so students must now go through the inside of the main building to navigate their way around rather than having the option of walking outside from class to class. To ease the stress of students trying to get to class on time, passing periods were lengthened from five minutes six minutes.
“I’ve found that the hallways get really crowded with construction in The Oaks,” senior Nate Smith said. “The longer passing periods give me time to get to class on time and be ready to learn before the teacher starts.”
Another big change this school year is the parking situation on campus. In previous years, juniors had to park in the junior lot and along Castano while seniors were allowed to park on E. Fair Oaks. This year, because construction has taken up a lot of spaces, juniors and seniors can park on either street regardless of their grade. This has forced students to adapt and figure out not only where to park but also what time they need to arrive to secure a good spot.
“I live less than five minutes away from school,” senior Sarah McFarland said. “I have to get here at least 45 minutes early if I want a decent spot.”
The kickoff to the athletic year took place at the annual Mule Team Barbecue at Harry B. Orem Stadium on Aug. 29. Every sports team was introduced to the crowd, the cheerleaders and Spurs Dancers performed and blue and gold once again filled the stands to provide an energetic return to school spirit.
“It was exciting being recognized and introduced as a varsity football player,” junior Liam Franklin said. “I’ve been introduced before with a team, but there’s something about varsity that gives it a special spice.”
For the first time in a few years, all students will have to pay for tickets to school sporting events both at home and away. As a result, the school is offering a new season pass that covers events except varsity football games, tournaments and playoff games. The pass costs $75 for adults and $40 for students, and it will prevent fans from worrying about getting a ticket before each game. It should also encourage people to attend more games to get the most value for their dollars, so expect to see more fans in the stands cheering on the Mules.
“I just love the environment of sporting events at our school,” senior Ellie McGrath said. “So many students show up to make a fun night of the whole event. I’m so pumped to get into all of these games this year.”