Saxony Lutheran High School dedicates new classrooms

When Saxony Lutheran High School dedicated its Fruitland campus in the fall of 2004, administrators had no idea they'd be repeating the process just five years later.

"We always planned on expanding our facilities, but we've definitely grown ahead of our projections," said principal Craig Ernstmeyer. That unexpected growth prompted a building project that began last spring and officially concluded Monday night at the school's Christmas concert, which included a special building dedication ceremony.

"This is the time of year we celebrate the gift of Christ coming to us, and so we wanted to celebrate other gifts as well," commented Ernstmeyer. "Our students have many musical gifts, as our Choir and Band certainly demonstrated. Our building expansion is also an incredible gift, as are our many supporters who have continued to make Saxony possible."

Students have been in some of the new classrooms since school began in August, and work on the rest of the rooms was completed in late fall. The addition adds nine classrooms, including a new science lab, an expanded media center, expanded office space, and storage areas. The extra space has allowed the school to reduce class sizes, offer new courses, and return a weight room to the campus. Senior Ben Buescher of Jackson speaks for many students when he expresses his appreciation for the improvements.

"The expansion was needed -- the hallways had gotten really crowded. Now it's very easy to get between classes. I also glad we have the weight room back so that all Saxony athletes -- boys and girls -- can stay competitive with other teams in the area."

This expansion will increase Saxony's capacity to 320 students, up from 200 in the original building. Saxony continues to enroll students of many different denominations in addition to Lutheran students. An open house is scheduled for any interested families January 31st from 2-4 pm and more information is available through their website at www.saxonylutheranhigh.org.