story by Ashley McGee|

Some people are scared of change. They are scared of the unknown and the unexpected, the events they cannot foresee. However, change may not be such a bad thing. This year is attempting to offer up a dish full of proof and a plate loaded with options, and a side of school spirit of course.

For starters, breakfast and lunch at the high school will not quite be the same. This year students will be presented with more variety and relaxation than they have ever had before.

The first of many changes has come in the form of the 2009-2010 senior class gift: an outdoor eating area to help all subsequent Liberty students spice up their old, boring lunch routines. This area will feature seven tables and give enough space to fit approximately fifty to sixty students. In the coming years, it may even feature an awning to protect from the weather as well.  Maybe one day, it really will be a great place for students to escape from the crowded hallways and stressful classes, if only for a lunch shift.

“I think it’s a good idea. It’s always so crowded in the cafeteria and it’ll be nice to eat outside when the weather is nice,” senior Jessica Crowley said.

As if this addition will not make the dining experience innovative enough, the lunchroom will soon be complete with a café as well. What once was the à la carte area has already been transformed with a fresh layer of brown paint to complement the smell of warm coffee that will soon fill the air.

“It’s a coffee café that we’re hoping to unveil in January. We’re working with the rotisserie now, but the special need students have spearheaded it,” principal Dr. Adams said.

The special needs students have been given a $7500 grant to help their dream become a reality. Not only will this provide more beverage choices at lunch, coffee will also be served in the morning as a way for students to pull away from a restless night of sleep and start the day with their best foot forward.

“It’s just about giving kids more options, mixing it up a little. And North has one, so it’s kind of evening the odds, so to speak,” junior Joey Wheelhouse said.

The final renovation is all about school spirit and easy access to Blue Jay gear. That is right: a school store. However, the store is still in its planning stages.

“Right now, we’re just working with the marketing class and some other classes to see what we can get to happen,” Adams said.

If everything works out, students will have everything they need to cheer on their school right within their reach.

“I’m all about school spirit. I love the idea of supporting the school. Go Blue Jays and all, you know? I think it’ll bring in some more support for the Blue Jays, too,” Wheelhouse said.

In such a changing year, these new renovations are helping students cope with the idea of divided high schools.

“I think it’ll be fun. It’ll give us the chance to feel like we aren’t stuck in high school like it’s some kind of jail with nothing ‘hip’ [for us to do],” sophomore Kathrine Kuhlman said.