East is Energized by New Fields
By Anna Bella D’Amico
As many of you know, the athletic facilities at East are getting completely renovated, set to open on the 22nd. We are getting brand new fields, courts, stands, and more.
In May of 2015, the town of Amherst awarded 22.4 million dollars to all three high schools to pay or brand new turf athletic fields, as well as 4.5 million for a new concession stand, bathroom, as well as new lights for East and North.
Dr. Martzloff, our superintendent, worked hard with the community and the board members to construct a plan that would allow all three of the high schools to individually benefit from complexes that are unique to the high school and their needs.
The new turf complex has the capacity to house football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey, as well as brand new tennis courts, and new baseball and softball fields. The Phys. Ed. classes will also be able to participate in using the new fields, without fear of muddy fields. These new facilities are truly state of art, with a small college athletic complex feel.
Mr. Scanzuso is ecstatic to have this new opportunity for East’s students and athletes to be able to perform to the best of their abilities. “I’m extremely excited about the upgraded facility; it really brings East’s athletic qualities up to its academic qualities.”
The fields are also aimed at making it more comfortable for the parents and spectators. The complex is getting a new permanent concession stand as well as new bathrooms, which includes girls, boys and neutral bathroom for those select individuals.
There also are berms or raised barriers being placed between the streets of Britannia and Chasewood to provide a little more privacy to the residents.
The students at East have expressed their enthusiasm for the new athletic facilities. Sophomore, Ethan K. has said, “It’s going to be awesome.” When asked in their English class, students participated in a survey asking their opinion of the new complex and most said they are “super excited,” for the new fields.
Sophomore, Celina C., and a cheerleader for our varsity cheerleading squad said, “It will be nice to have new turf, and to be the first to cheer on it.”
Students are not the only ones who are excited; coaches, and PE staff are ready for this new complex to open and to reap the benefits.
Mr. DiFillippo, our athletic director, has spoken on behalf of the athletic department, and said, “That all of our students and athlete will be proud of the fields.” He also commented on how “the fields will give a stronger sense of community and pride in our athletic department.” The fields will give East a place where we can work and play together.
It was also revealed that the next project on the way here at East, will be to completely revamp the music wing. In addition, we are also going to break ground on a new building entirely on our campus that will house a brand new music suite to support our ever-growing music program. Like the athletic complex, the suites will be unique to fit each the needs of each school.
Mr. Scanzuso has that “it [our music wing] is due to get a facelift.” It is in the preliminary stage as Dr. Martzloff is working diligently to create plans for all three high schools and gain the support of the Board of Education before presenting them to the township.
East is finally getting the upgrade that it needed, and it is something that the whole school is ready and excited to be a part of.
