The noise in B Hall has increased with drills, hammers, and the clinking of screws that drop on the floor. Although Highland might seem like it has stood for as old as time, the Highland Pantry is being remodeled.  

The goal of this remodel is to give the students who depend on resources from the pantry more space to try on clothes in the store, a bigger pantry that can be more organized and have more food and school supplies for students.  

“I think that this remodel will be really great,” said Mindy Smith (Highland High’s Student Specialist Resource), “the space has needed to be redone and I think these changes will improve the pantry.” 

The plans for the remodel include expanding Smith’s office so that she will have more room to connect with students to find ways to help them. And give her more space to keep things in her office. As well as adding fitting rooms to the store.  

Many teenage girls love going to the mall filling their arms with expensive dresses, shirts, jeans, and skirts. They will bring their friends and pretend to be in a red carpet show as they try on all these clothes and then pick out their favorites. Trying on dresses for the Prom or a fancy date coming up. Modeling suits and trying to find the right color of ties to match your date.  

For boys and girls who do not have this opportunity, it can be hard to find the clothes they need. At the Highland Pantry there is a room full of clothes, dresses, and suits where students who are not able to shop for them can come and collect a few items.  

The only problem is how they had nowhere to try them on. But with this new remodel they are providing fitting rooms. Little room to change with privacy and a full body mirror so they can make sure their clothes fit them right.  

The old Highland pantry had gross colors on the walls, musty smells, and was crammed with people and supplies. After the remodel it will be bigger and open. A nice and welcoming color scheme. It will also be connected to the refugee room that sits next to it. This way it will connect more students as well to resources and peers.  

“It will be better for our students, and better for our community,” Smith said.  

Many students depend on the Highland Pantry, and it is important to continue to support those students. Highland is taking a step in the right direction as they begin to remodel part of our school. Expanding Smith’s office, adding fitting rooms to the store, and reorganizing the pantry so that it will be easier to navigate and will add so much to this section of our school.