Students, Teachers Get First Glimpse At Performing Arts Center in Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA, Calif. – “It’s breathtaking, it’s stunning, it’s more than I imagined.”
That’s what Pioneer Valley High School students say about their new Performing Arts Center.
For the very first time on Friday, they got a glimpse of what the new center on campus will look like.
“When I first stepped into the building I was at a loss for words, it was breathtaking to see,” says Joseph Madrigal, a senior at Pioneer Valley High School.
“This is a huge deal, it’s a huge deal,” says Jack Garvin, from the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Board of Trustees.
“When they got together and they first stepped on the stage that’s a magical moment,” says Shawnah Van Gronigen, the Drama Teacher at the school.
The nearly 11 million dollar project has been in the works for years. Students say they have been waiting patiently to get a chance to be on the main stage.
“I’ve been waiting for this since my freshmen year, it’s so exciting,” says senior Tiara Lewis.
Builders say it is about 65% complete.
When it’s done visitors will find a fully done lobby, a box office, a huge stage and 298 seats for people to enjoy the show.
“I’m looking forward to being on the stage with an audience, it’s going to be really exciting,” says Lewis.
School administrators say students from all across the district will be able to make use of the space.
“It’s also a huge asset to have in the community everyone will get access,” says Amy Lopez, a School Board Member.
Teachers say they hope to have their kids performing on this stage by the end of May.
That’s when students say they are excited and schedule to perform the School of Rock Musical.
“That’s how I am going to end my high school career is on the stage,” says Madrigal.
