New Thunder Ridge High School officially open
Thunder Ridge High School is officially open. The high school is the newest for Bonneville School District 93. Parents and students got a chance to explore their new school.
“I’m really excited,” said Liandra Wheeler, a senior at Thunder Ridge. “It’s a brand new school. A lot of the kids I’ve met already and they’re super nice. And the school is really nice too, it’s really big. I’ve gotten a little lost honestly, but I’m excited.”
There are just over 1,400 students enrolled at Thunder Ridge for the school year. Students at Bonneville High School and Hillcrest High School could decide whether they wanted to attend Thunder Ridge or stay at their original school. Those who switched said they are excited to make friends from the other school.
“Just the opportunity to meet new people,” said John Gorriceta, a senior at Thunder Ridge. “To be able to experience this wonderful new school in a different light. It’s just awesome for me so I wanted to switch over.”
The school district says Thunder Ridge is the newest school building in the state, and they also have the oldest, Lincoln High School, which was built in the 1800’s. District 93 administrators say its been over 25 years since they built their last high school.
“Our district is one of the fastest growing district’s not only in the state, but in the entire United States,” said Paul Jenkins, board chairman for District 93. “And this building will be a hub of activity, not just for education during the day, but it will be a center of learning day and night and on weekends. It will be a school for the people.”
Students are ready to take on the new school year at a new school with new classmates.
“Honestly just watching the two schools combine and just seeing how we all interact with each other,” Gorriceta said. “We’re gonna be like one big Titan family. I’m really pumped for that.”
“It’s going to be extra cool too because it’s a mix of the two different schools,” Wheeler said. “So not only is it the first graduating class, but it’s combining so many other students. So it’s going to be really cool. We’re going to try to make it the best senior year ever.”
The first day of school for all grades through ninth grade is next Monday, Aug. 27. Lincoln High School also starts Aug. 27. The rest of the students at the high schools will start Tuesday, Aug. 28.
