PRINCETON, IN (WFIE) -
It's been under construction for the past 18 months, but Saturday night, we're getting our first look inside Princeton's new high school.
Princeton Principal Jon Abbey says between planning and construction, the new building has been in the works for four and a half years, and he says the new school is something the entire community can be proud of.
"It's like not even our school. It seems like we're going to a way nicer school than Princeton," said junior Sabrina Dycus.
Teachers, students, and area residents turned out to see the new Princeton Community High School building Saturday afternoon. One that many agree is a radical improvement, from the former facility.
"The auditorium is just awesome. It seats 840 people, state-of-the-art auditorium facility. The gym seats 4,800 for sporting events and large events. Every classroom is equipped with a short-throw projector that's white board enabled for student use and facility use. And we're just really proud to be able to offer that type of opportunity for kids," Principal Abbey told 14 News.
Principal Abbey also says a new fitness training room will be available to students when school starts, August 10th.
Stacey Hurt teaches Consumer Science and Theater. She says she will be using the new training room, along with a new kitchen area, to better teach healthy living.
"I teach nutrition, and part of that will be wellness," noted Hurt. "We'll be doing some fitness components where the students will actually be doing workouts on circuit training and then also planning and preparing healthy meals, and then tracking all of that."
Students here say they're excited to use this new facility both for academics and athletics. And some say, they may never want to leave.
"The auditorium is insane," said Dycus. "It's huge and everything is so nice."
"I'm upset I only get to go two years in it," said junior McKenna Heldt.
Principal Abbey says he believes the new building will attract new students. And he says that's fine with him, as they now have space for an additional 350 students.
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Princeton Principal Jon Abbey says between planning and construction, the new building has been in the works for four and a half years.
