Suffering through the Thomas Fire as well as the global pandemic, the Class of 2021 has faced hardships unlike any other graduating class in the history of Ojai Valley School.
So last week, in recognition of what they’ve endured, graduating seniors received a special tour of the new building construction taking place on top of the hill to replace structures that were lost in the 2017 Thomas Fire.
With only three weeks left in the school year, OVS President/CEO Michael J. Hall-Mounsey led a tour of the Aramont Science and Technology Center, the Grace Hobson Smith House girls dormitory, and the Littlefield Student Commons.
“After the fire hit the campus, we asked the previous seniors and juniors what they wanted to see in the new buildings,” said Mr. Hall-Mounsey, explaining how plans were developed for the new construction. “Even alumni from the 70s, 80s, and 90s have been involved in this project to make this the best we can.”
Per requests, for example, the girls dormitory is laid out in a courtyard style, similar to the one in the village. This gives the students a more tightly knit community and easier way to interact with each other.
The seniors were able to view one of the new dormitory rooms, which like all the new rooms provides spectacular panoramas of the Ojai Valley.
“The rooms have a million dollar view,” Mr. Hall-Mounsey told the seniors. “People come from all over the world to live here and have that view.”
The science building includes three science classrooms, a computer lab, and a seminar room. One room is purely dedicated to printing. From the science lab there is a direct pathway to the cafeteria and to the new girls dorms. There will be many outdoor seating areas for students to sit and relax.
As students marveled at the vast and open cafeteria space, Mr. Hall-Mounsey explained that there will be nine separate TV’s placed on the towering northeast wall that can show nine different things, or merge together to one big screen.
The seniors were especially excited about the new soft serve ice cream machine that will be located in the kitchen area.
The mezzanine will offer a wide space with many seating accommodations for students to work on their projects, overlooking the dining hall. Going outside, a soft breeze blew through the hall down to a spacious room that will become the new library.
The new facilities are expected to be completed during summer break and be open for the start of the 2021-2022 school year.
Even though the seniors won’t be able to experience the new buildings as students, Mr. Hall-Mounsey made it clear that they can come back anytime to see the development at the Upper Campus.
“I want you to come back and see this, not because you missed it, but because you deserve to see this in operation,” Mr. Hall-Mounsey told the members of the Class of 2021.
“Every generation brings something new to this school — your legacy will be that you were loyal, you stayed with the school, you led, and you were examples for everyone else,” he added. “We couldn’t have done this without you. The bar you guys have set is very high, and everyone will follow in your footsteps.”
