Taking Patriots’ legacy to Crown

In anticipation of the school’s relocation to the Crown Farm site in Gaithersburg, teachers have begun packing classroom materials in preparation for the move.

In Room 183, AP Psychology and Student Government teacher Amy Buckingham has large cardboard boxes in the back of her classroom filled with items she plans to transport to the new building. Apart from smaller classroom items teachers are transporting, there is a larger question of what will happen to the banners, awards and plaques displayed around the school.

The memorabilia around the school are symbols of history and school spirit. By displaying students’ achievements in science, art, math, English, social studies and athletics, National Honor Society and Patriot Ambassadors sponsor Anne-Marie Steppling said, “It’s a reminder of the great things that our community has achieved.”

Beyond awards, other elements of school spirit are displayed throughout the building. Red, white and blue decorations line the walls while banners hang in the Commons to showcase the school’s traditions and accomplishments. These displays help establish the school’s identity and serve as reminders of its history. That is why the transportable items will be accompanying students and staff on the move to Crown.

In an effort to maintain school spirit and familiar traditions, administration is planning to transport the school’s memorabilia to the new building. The county will provide guidance throughout the different phases of the move, including decisions about larger items. Teachers have also been given instructions to discard items that are unnecessary to bring to the new building. Buckingham said, “I will be purging a lot of things, and things that I do need to take with me will be regulated by the county.”

For students, the memorabilia represents more than past accomplishments. Field hockey player and junior Arya Subramanian said seeing the awards and plaques around the school makes her feel inspired and proud of the school’s history. She said, “It reminds me that our team has had a lot of victories, so it inspires me to carry on that legacy.”

Displaying the memorabilia at Crown will allow future students to learn about the school’s past achievements. By preserving these awards, banners and plaques, students will be able to learn about the school’s history and build upon its traditions in a new building.

Beyond physical objects, the Student Government Association (SGA) is working with administration to plan activities and connect events at Crown. Additionally, SGA is working on a events for this school year designed to build school spirit among the existing school population prior to the move. “We’re in the process of trying to figure out what types of activities and events can help us to feel more connected as a school population,” Buckingham said.

Even with SGA’s efforts to build connectivity, there is still apprehension that comes with adjusting to a new building. Navigating through a new building and new routines may contribute to a shaky beginning of the next school year for both students and staff. Junior class treasurer Ted Jeong said he believes the community can stay connected by maintaining previous traditions and displaying memorabilia throughout the new building.

While decorations around the school can help to preserve history, maintaining school spirit depends on more than items displayed around the building. As the students transition to a new location next fall, the school’s culture will ultimately depend on the students who shape it. “Student life and culture will look like what the students want it to look like,” Steppling said. “So if they create a community of joy and support, the community will be one of joy and support.”

Taking Patriots’ legacy to Crown

Comments