Gov. Polis tours GJHS

Colorado Governor checks out new building features

Lila Mottram, Co-Managing Editor • October 29, 2024

Gov. Jared Polis (D-Boulder) and state Rep. Matt Soper (R-Delta) interact with students in the woodworking classroom at GJHS, asking about their individual projects. Polis spent 45 minutes at the new school and visited multiple programs.

Governor Jared Polis visited Grand Junction High School to see the flashy new building on Oct. 28.

Outside the school, Polis was greeted by District 51 Schools Superintendent Dr. Brian Hill, GJHS Principal Jory Sorensen, GJHS Assistant Principal Heather O’Brien, and GJHS Student Council Co-Presidents Addie Boss and Maycie Sinicki.

During his 45 minutes at the new $144.5 million school that opened in August, the Colorado governor stopped by the new Tiger Wellness Center, the culinary classroom, the woodworking class, the Tiger Boutique and Haberdashery, and the library.

In the Tiger Wellness Center, Polis asked nurses about the student-based health clinic. He was told the Tiger Wellness Center has now seen about 250 students and raised student attendance.

“In the state, we’re worried about attendance. To have something like this available for students is such an innovative resource,” said Polis.

The governor took the time to walk around the room and talk to individual students about their projects in the woodworking classroom.

Polis also spoke with GJHS math teacher Meghan Foster about GJHS’ academy model.

“Something important about the pathway design was to give kids options. Whether they’re interested in the workforce or college, we wanted to give them opportunities to work towards their goals,” said Foster.

In the Tiger Boutique and Haberdashery, GJHS teacher Jodee Cronk gave Polis a tour of the boutique’s new space. When Polis asked how often the boutique was used, Boss mentioned that she had both shopped and donated there.

“No wonder attendance is up,” said Polis. “This is amazing.”

After looking around the new library, Polis sat at a table and asked about some of the changes in the new school.

“There is a lot more student involvement and excitement in the new school,” said Sinicki. “It feels like a stronger community.”

At the end of his tour, Polis was presented with a gift from the school before being farewelled by a group of staff and administration.

Before he left, Polis said, “It’s so exciting to see students thriving at this new, exciting school.”

While Polis was in Grand Junction, he also toured a housing project downtown, visited the new Asteria Theater at Colorado Mesa University, and visited National Blue Ribbon School Mesa View Elementary. He was joined by Rep. Matt Soper (R-Delta).

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About the Contributors

Lila Mottram, Co-Managing Editor

Lila Mottram is a senior at GJHS and a co-managing editor for the Orange and Black newspaper. This is her third year on the O&B team. Besides writing, she also enjoys baking, listening to music, and hiking. Lila is excited to write more articles and be more involved with the school.

Serenity Schmidt, Co-Managing Editor

Serenity is a senior and a co-managing editor for the GJHS Orange & Black. She has been on the O&B since her sophomore year. She is passionate about music and reading, and she also enjoys being outdoors. This year she hopes to help improve the O&B overall.