Greater Fort Erie: A Student's Perspective

June 2017 will be the final month for Ridgeway-Crystal Beach High School.

There is going to be a new, larger school that combines RCBHS and Fort Erie Secondary School that is scheduled to open in September 2017.

The new school, called Greater Fort Erie Secondary School, will be built at 1640 Garrison Rd., which is across from the Fort Erie Leisureplex. It is estimated to hold about 750 students on 15 acres of land.

Of course, building a new school is heartbreaking to many people in the community as so many have attended RCBHS and FESS in the years they have been open.

RCBHS has been open since 1909, and has had many great memories made within those 106 years. Even though it is sad to see the two beloved schools go, it is also exciting, since the youths of today will have many more opportunities.

There is a golf course, hockey arena, town hall and a YMCA right next door, and the school plans also include an artificial turf football field and full double gym.

My younger brother, Carter, will be part of the first graduating class of Greater Fort Erie Secondary School. He is, of course, happy about the new beginning and to be part of the first graduating class of a brand new school.

I asked him how he feels about this new experience, and he said: “I think (the new school) will allow students to access better opportunities and to take classes (that aren’t currently offered at RCBHS or FESS).”

He added, “I am most excited about the sports and the new classes.”

Although two good things are going to end, it doesn’t mean something better won’t begin.

Even though both FESS and RCBHS were amazing schools, having the two amalgamate will create many opportunities for the students and the community of Fort Erie.

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Sarah Seguin is a student at Ridgeway-Crystal Beach High School