The current underclassmen cannot remember a time without the DJ Sokol Learning for Life building. The new, modern addition to the campus came with many benefits for all students. 

Everyone gets access to new computers, workspaces, and classrooms; however, this does not mean the new space cannot be improved. The Commercial Engineering class intends to find out what the students want to see in the Sokol building, as well as the Benedict building.

“The engineering students will try to incorporate new features into the current plans for the building,” engineering teacher Shanna Sedlacek said.

All students were invited to answer questions and state their opinions concerning the Sokol and Benedict buildings in a survey sent out by Calvin Benson ‘20.

“A new gym was the most popular, and air conditioning was also very popular with the responders,” Benson said.

The survey got responses from over 120 students. They all had different opinions about what to do with both buildings.

Many students instantly thought of how to solve everyday issues. The brutal heat at the start of the year lead to discussions of better air conditioning in dorms and classrooms, and others thought about the possibility of updating aging sports equipment and fields.

“We’re making plans for a new gym, auditorium, wrestling room, and possible football field,” Benson said.

Another idea was moving the cafeteria and bookstore over to the new building. However, the odds of this happening soon are unlikely

“This is only an architecture project right now, there are no school officials working with us,” Benson said.

However, just because the staff is not collaborating on this project, it does not mean they are not at work. Head of school Dr. Dave Peters and the school board are making plans.

“We are in the process of formulating a new strategic plan,” Peters said. We are asking students, staff, parents, past parents and alumni questions [through surveys and focus groups] about their ideas about potential facilities changes.” 

Peters said the school intends to hold on to its claims of academic and physical excellency, and these new projects and data aim to continue advancing the school.