Westmont High School Has New Drama House

was abuzz with local dignitaries, district administrators, student videographers, photographers and a large crowd of drama and music students.

After nearly a year, Westmont's Performing Arts Building was officially opened Tuesday.

"All the students out here are both drama and band students," Westmont Principal Michael Posey told the crowd. "This is the kind of building they deserve. It's going to make them shine even more."

The building is one of five that will open officially later this week, with scheduled Thursday and Branham High School scheduled Feb. 16, both at 3 p.m.

The new buildings are part of Measure G, a $90 million bond approved in 2006 by voters to upgrade school facilities.

"I just want to reiterate the support from the community," Posey said. "Over there, you see a new science building, beyond that, a new cafeteria. You could see the generosity of the community."

New performing arts buildings were at the top of the district's wish list, said Shawn Rafoth, director of maintenance, operations and transportation.

"It was the first project we broke ground on and the first ribbon cutting," Rafoth said. "This is a huge milestone for us. Our drama and music departments have gotten so large that we can't accommodate them within the classroom."

The project as a whole took a little longer than anticipated, Rafoth said, and there were minor setbacks.

"The biggest challenges were moving through the DSA (Division of the State Architect) and dancing around the weather," he said.

Although there will be the expected upgrades to the building's interior in 20-30 years, Rafoth is confident in what the community has built.

"A structure like this will be around for eternity."

The next drama at Westmont High School is Curtains on March 25 at 7:30 p.m.