The Faith Lutheran campus is getting a facelift– a new multi-million dollar Science Technology, Engineering and Math building.
The STEM building may just seem like another building, but its contents and purposes can provide an interest to many students. Before the physical building even started, Ms. Stokes said, “The process has been long but really fun to be a part of. The dream and beginning vision was planned just before I arrived at Faith Lutheran 4 years ago after a survey sent to families and faculty asking about what is most needed on our campus. More classrooms specifically for STEM was what a majority of our community wanted. But my first year (22-23) was filled with more concrete decisions such as how many classrooms, what kinds of classrooms, what size, etc.” A great deal of work and effort was put into the creation of this building, which is what makes it different from the other buildings at our school. The group of teachers, “Dr. Buuck, Emily Blank, Gary Danning, Dan Kober, Jon Orr, the architects, builders, etc,” who worked towards bringing the smaller ideas and details together are who made the building special.
While many students are unaware of what the STEM building really is, it is hard to miss on our campus. Seeing the construction going on across from our classes really proves all of the effort that went into the building, which can be overlooked. The dedication from 2022 to now is a big commitment to something that just started as an idea. Questions many students have are what types of classes the STEM building will have, which is confirmed by Mr. Danning. He tells us that the building will hold, “Science (environmental science, genetics, biology, chemistry, physics), math classes, computer (CAD, Esports, 2 programming) specialty classes (HS & MS robotics, auto shop).” The building can start to introduce students to classes they didn’t even know our school held, helping bring them out of their comfort zone overall.
The biggest overall question many have is when the building will be in use and accessible to us. Ms. Stokes and Mr. Danning confirmed that, “Class will be held in the Hooks Center beginning August 2026 school year.” While that may seem a ways away, it will come quicker than we think. Yet since the building will be ready next year, that means that seniors won’t get to experience the building for themselves.
Ms. Stokes provides a solution to that problem, telling us that, “While the first day of school is August 6, 2026, I am sure we will have tours of the building before classes start.” For any seniors that want to see the building before their college years start, or students who can’t wait until next school year, they can come see the building on a tour. We are all excited to see the STEM building next year and keep watching the building process throughout this school year.
