KFDM COOP Posted July 25, 2008 Report Posted July 25, 2008 Big day coming for Baytown’s Patriots By Tara Sullivan The Baytown Sun Published July 26, 2008 - Updated 51 minutes ago The new Goose Creek Memorial High School is near complete and excitement is drumming up for the Patriots as the August 25 start date approaches. Price Jacobs, 15, has opted to leave Ross S. Sterling and head for Goose Creek Memorial like so many of his peers. Coming from a home where both parents teach at Sterling, the Jacobs were surprised when their son announced his plans. “Having waited all these years for him to get to Sterling, we were pretty surprised,†said Price’s mother Nancy who has taught at Sterling for the last 15 years. “The Rangers are what he’s known all his life.†But her son’s eagerness to be a part of this new chapter in Goose Creek’s history spread like wildfire in the Jacobs household. Nancy even decided to go on to GCM herself, where she will be teaching and coaching the cheerleading squad. “I guess the buzz became contagious,†she said. Though the Jacobs home will be split (Price’s father Andy will remain a teacher at Sterling), the family is very excited for the new school year to begin. “I’ll get to be one of the first ones there to start new traditions,†said Price. “Some of my friends are going too and some are staying at Sterling, but I think for the most part we’re excited to be part of something brand new.†Getting ready to be a GCM sophomore, Price said he’s already been a part of summer league baseball and is eager to get started with the new school year. Walking through the grandiose building that will soon be the alma mater of about 1,200 students, it becomes clear that the Patriots have much to look forward too. As planned, the 365,000 square-foot facility boasts two gymnasiums, a commons area with a ceiling lifted 40-feet and plenty of wide, breezy hallways. To the excitement of all involved, the school’s mascot and colors were actually selected by parents and students of the future school. They chose red, black and silver to adorn their uniforms, which boast the patriot mascot. The symbolic selection aligned perfectly with the school name, which the school board chose to pay homage to those who had given their lives for our country. GCM principal Al Richard said everything for GCM’s first day is going as planned, with the district getting new student transfers to the school daily. “We’ve continued to be excited,†he said. “Construction is moving along and making great strides.†While the exteriors of the building and out door athletic structures are complete, the finishing touches for the interior are still underway by Gilbane Building Company. Gilbane’s Facilities Planning and Construction Manager David Fluker said his crew has managed to make up for past weather delays, keeping everything right on schedule. Six days (and sometimes nights) a week, Fluker has between 75 and 250 men on-site, busily measuring, installing and finishing. “It’s going to be done on time,†said Fluker confidently. He also reported that there have been no unusual setbacks for his crew. The new school will be a melting pot for students from Sterling and Lee high schools, and Highlands, Gentry, Cedar Bayou and Baytown junior schools. These students have already begun to show their Patriot spirit by writing and selecting their own fight song and even playing parent-organized summer sports under the GCM moniker. “I’m ready for the school to be done so we can go see it,†said future GCM student Price Jacobs. “I’m ready to go start those traditions.†With the school year set to begin on Monday August 25, there are several earlier dates for GCM students and parents to note. Monday, August 4, will be the reporting of fine arts and athletics students. Wednesday, August 13, will be the first of three orientation sessions, with Juniors in the morning and Sophomores in the afternoon. Thursday, August 14, will be the Freshmen “Fish Camp†and orientation. Goose Creek Memorial High School is located on the corner of Wallisville Road and Main Street in Baytown. The address is 6001 East Wallisville Road, though the administration’s temporary office is at Victoria Walker Elementary School, located at 4711 Seabird Road in Baytown.
Guest etbu Posted July 25, 2008 Report Posted July 25, 2008 Yea ask Atascocita about competing on a varisty level your first year. ???
Recommended Posts