by Taylor Bata
Many people at ASW are already aware of the Design Center. Its futuristic white walls and open concept work spaces stand out in a school made up of beige floor tiles and light yellow hallways. The Center has been hosting classes and after school clubs since August of 2016, but on January 26th, it had its Grand Opening.
Students, teachers, parents and local journalists alike lined up outside of the Center to attend a brief speech from Director Zurfluh and Adam Campbell. Both described the opening of the Design Center as a moment that will be a staple in the history of ASW. What followed was a ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by students attending various classes in the Center. Why students? The use of students in the ceremony shows that the Center is for everybody. “We wanted students to be a part of the ribbon cutting; that was key,” Director Zurfluh explained as the ribbon was cut.
What followed were multiple demonstrations of student’s projects. In the Design Tech Room, select bridges built by students were tested to see which one would hold the most weight. Ninth Grade student, Cameron Graeber was asked to comment on the durability of his bridge. “I bet my bridge will hold like a million pounds, the design I used is super good.”
In the other room, students were beginning to prepare their robots for demonstration. Jan Stebnicki, who is in a Robotics class, had made a robot that can pick things up with a claw.
When asked if the new and improved Design Center would inspire students to take design or robotics courses in the years to come, Adam Campbell, Head of Design, responded that, “Not only will the new Design Center inspire students to take more design and robotics oriented classes, but it will greatly expand the types of projects that students can work on. High-tech manufacturing, programming, electronics, robotics and traditional woodworking tools can all be easily accessed to bring student ideas to life.”
