WestSide High School’s Community Open House was Sept. 26; the grand opening and unveiling of the new facility attracted more than 250 community members to tour the brand new addition to the Wenatchee School District.

The new building, that is now housing WestSide, is the result of an effort that began in 2001, when the idea of WestSide being transferred to another building began to take shape. In 2008, the Wenatchee School District and Wenatchee Valley College began to convert the Eagles Lodge, which was then in the college’s possession, into a suitable building for a high school to convene in.

WSD completely remodeled the building for about $3 million. However, the new building was significantly less than the cost of building an entirely new school.

WestSide Principal Kory Kalahar spoke about his school, the time and effort others put into its production, and WestSide’s gratitude for all they had been given. WestSide teachers and staff introduced themselves, and the crowd gave them a standing ovation for their perseverance in assisting their pupils.

A large, anonymous donation was given to the school to be used to build a new gym and a new wing of classrooms. Kalahar explained how these additions will assist WestSide in supporting more incoming students and increasing their health and fitness.

“We’re very lucky to live in such a supportive community,” said Kalahar.

Other high-tech features were added to WestSide , such as LED and solar lighting. The electronic security and access to the school is the first in the district and may be used in other schools. WestSide also has new technology in the classrooms, modern air conditioning and heating systems, and a wireless system that allows students and teachers to easily access their new electronic equipment.

“All these things were made possible by an $810,000 energy grant from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction,” said Kalahar. A $10,000 grant from the Chelan County PUD as an incentive for the improvements and new technologies added to the school, was also crucial.

The building is full of natural light. Skylights and skylight tubes are scattered through the building — there are more than 20.

“Natural light helps students learn and improves test scores,” said Wenatchee School District Director of Facilities and Risk Management Bryan Visscher. “We really wanted to create a feeling of space.”

Kalahar ended the Open House by thanking various groups of people for their donations. WestSide graduates Elisabeth Cuevas, Jose Perez, and Kelsey McLaughlin spoke about their past at their school. Visscher took the floor and explained the new environmentally supportive materials used in construction of the school.

Superintendent Brian Flones said, “The new building is a community asset, but it’s what goes on inside that’s important, and that’s our students growing and becoming the people they were born to be.”