Every day, Middle Schoolers walk past shining new Upper School buildings with big windows, modern walls, and lavish seating areas, only to return to a dark, cave-like building with outdated classrooms and no seating areas. Not only have Upper Schoolers enjoyed annual renovations, but they also got an entire building this year. If this is not clear favoritism, then I don’t know what is. 

After all, Clarkson Hall was completed in 2005, meaning that the building has not been significantly updated in over 20 years. Right now, the building feels dark, cramped, and old, but with renovations, it could feel bright, open, and modern, just like the other buildings on campus. All that Westminster would need to do is make a few changes.

First of all, the building needs more windows. Just think about it: natural light from the sun provides students with vitamin D, and can even help to improve our focus. Not to mention that spending seven hours in a dark, indoor environment can start to make us feel like we are learning in a cave. With more windows, both students and teachers could feel more comfortable and energized at school. 

Second, we need more seating in the outdoor spaces and on the patios. Right now, people at study hall, recess, or on the way to lunch only have two options for seating: sit on a small, cramped bench or sit on a hard ledge somewhere. Due to the lack of seating, teachers cannot grade papers or take their classes outside. Compared to the other buildings on campus, Clarkson Hall has practically no space to sit and do work outside, so added seating could give Middle Schoolers and teachers a chance to work outside productively. 

Next, most of the classrooms should be updated. Westminster is known for its huge campus and lavish amenities, but how can they uphold this reputation with old, plain classrooms in their Middle School? The classrooms on the third floor have already been renovated in the past—with carpets, glass doors, and bigger modern windows—but the rooms on the first floor, specifically the English and history rooms, still have hard tiles, blindingly bright lights, plain decor, and small windows. If Westminster was able to improve the classroom designs on the third floor in the past, then they should definitely be able to do the same with the other rooms as well.

Finally, at least one side of the building should have its walls changed from brick to another material. Every time students walk outside, we are blinded by red and brown and practically drowning in a sea of bricks. This issue is even more apparent now with the recent completion of the Blake Center, which has a huge brick wall looming over Zakas Patio. If one of the walls, preferably one near Zakas, was changed from brick to another material, like concrete, then the building would look more modern, and Middle School students would be spared from feeling trapped in a cave.

Overall, with all of the new renovations on other parts of the campus, it’s time for the Middle School to stop being left behind.