Since opening its doors in August of 1995, Millard West has gained and accomplished tremendous additions and awards throughout the past 30 years. While this commemoration allows students and staff to reflect and appreciate the years before, it also allows us to acknowledge the ones who have continued to stay, and look towards the future, excited for what’s to follow.
Starting with only around 900 students, a smaller school, devoted staff, and the first former Principal Dr. Rick Kolowski, the school has grown immensely. From the addition of new wings, the EL program, and gaining a National Blue Ribbon Award, Millard West has seen multiple different faces and seen a multitude of growth. Since the beginning, back when the staff were trying to figure out new and innovative ways of teaching and learning, teachers were requested and urged to be imaginative with new ideas to better both students and staff.
“It was a very progressive way of thinking,” social studies teacher Jacque Tevis-Butler said. “Everything we did was extraordinarily intentional. Even the way you are sitting at a table, but we did that to promote collaboration amongst students, whereas if you go to other schools and they have individual desks. We were encouraged to try things that were sort of taboo back then, and what’s ironic is that the things we did have now become normalized, and not just in Millard.”
In time, the school gained additions that allowed for growth academically and athletically. Every student that walked through the halls were able to leave this school with skills and experiences that they could progress with later on. Some students even came back, but this time as teachers hoping to do the same thing for others that this school did for them.
“The biggest changes to the building have been the addition of the mezzanine, Green Mile, Lecture Hall/New Wing, and the addition of a proper choir room,” drama director Brooke Phillips said. “The unfortunate changes to school operation include the tragic loss of both the Quality Time Structure and the Four by Four Block schedule.”
Due to all these achievements, plans are being made on how to honor the school’s 30th anniversary. The theater department is putting on past plays, and celebrations during events such as pep rallies and sporting events are just some of the ideas. While it’s important to celebrate the past, it’s also important to look towards what the future will bring.
“I see an expansion of our academic programs, offering even more opportunities for students to engage in rigorous, college and career preparatory coursework and specialized pathways that align with their interests and career goals,” Principal Dr. Greg Tiemman said. “I can only imagine how the investment in technology is going to grow in our curriculum and instruction so that we can equip our students with the digital skills necessary for success in a rapidly changing world. Millard West embraces these changes and we will explore ways to strengthen our extracurricular offerings, creating more inclusive and diverse opportunities for students to develop the leaders of tomorrow.”
Throughout the years Millard West has seen it all, and will continue to see more positive changes. With celebrations in the making, and new things to come, the school will continue to strive to be the best all-around in the state.
