Built in 1956, Lakeview Middle School has seen a swell of improvements over the years: new athletic facilities, technological upgrades and more.
"More" is exactly what the school's new revitalization committee is after.
These updates have done wonders for student culture, said Principal Vince Phillips, but there are still a few more cosmetic touches that can be done. Landscaping, adding benches and tables in front of the school and outfitting the hallways with inspiring quote wraps would be the icing on the cake.
While the major upgrades were paid for using ESPLOST funds, the school has taken to engaging community members to raise the money for the rest of these additions through events organized by the Lakeview Leadership and Revitalization Committee.
Contributed photo by Vince Phillips / The Warrior Market held Nov. 2 boasted over 75 sponsors and vendors. The money raised will go toward cosmetic updates to Lakeview Middle School.As a community school, Phillips said it's important to "take pride in our appearance," not just within the school's walls for those who attend and their families, but also from a neighborhood perspective. The school sits in the middle of the community, he continued, so it's important to engage with the citizens of Lakeview and Fort Oglethorpe.
To help continue building this momentum, the revitalization committee tapped into the local business community for the Warrior Market held Nov. 2. The fall festival boasted over 75 sponsors and vendors, a kid's zone with inflatables, and food trucks.
This was the second event the school has planned to raise funds to continue fixing up the facility, said Phillips. The first was the Color Battle in September, which featured a color run and team-building games.
Using the money raised through that first event, the school commissioned the welding class at Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School to build the benches and picnic tables that will be installed outside the middle school.
Phillips estimates the team is looking to raise $2,000-$4,000 more to reach their goals. One of the big items that money will go toward is inspirational quote wraps for the halls and stairwells.
"These quotes are really popular. They enhance the culture," Phillips said.
Email Sabrina Bodon at sbodon@timesfreepress.com.