For the past two years, a major renovation and new construction project has been underway to modernize and improve the aging Fuquay-Varina High School campus. The decision to modernize was made six years ago, and the project plan included a new four-story academic wing, as well as a greenhouse, improved traffic circulation and additional parking. The new facility reopened in August and promises to meet educational needs well into the future.
When you look online for Terrance McCotter, the very first listing says, “Husband, father, proud principal of Fuquay-Varina High School.” We spent a delightful hour talking about the school and all that’s happening there. The Fuquay High alumnus and former math teacher is now at the helm of the students and faculty in a shiny new facility that is a showplace of modern methods and flexibility. I came away impressed, energized, and surprised that I had subconsciously selected my tiger print top to wear that day. I witnessed the Cinderella transformation of the campus that had served four of my own teens a quarter of a century ago. We lived in Holly Springs at the time, but all their schools were here in Fuquay-Varina.
In his third year in this post, Mr. McCotter’s focus is on the entire community, not just on our young people. He sees the school as a beacon in Fuquay-Varina. He wants the students to come back and contribute to this area, and to maintain traditions that unify individuals and generations. Beyond the educational goals of the students, his vision includes all of us enjoying school sports, band and choral concerts, drama presentations, and performances by the new dance department. Businesses will benefit from internship programs. Students will work to their capabilities in Honors, Advanced Placement, and college-level learning programs. They continue to have access to additional courses at Wake Tech through the Career and College Promise Program. There will be opportunities for service through student organizations.
The campus at 201 Bengal Boulevard has been shrouded for two years. During the first year, extensive demolition took place. Almost everything was removed, with the exception of one twenty-year-old building toward the rear of the school, and the field house, both of which were completely made over. The second year focused on new construction, including a unified front entrance. Meanwhile, students, staff, faculty, yellow buses, and families made use of the campus now to be known as Willow Springs High School, at 1704 Old Honeycutt Road. The return journey to the new Fuquay-Varina campus will welcome all four classes normally assigned to Fuquay High, while 9th and 10th graders assigned to the Willow Springs building will remain there, to grow its first graduating class over the next two years.
I inquired about the “Covid class” of 2021. That’s not a designation one really enjoys, but it will be a phase of history we will all remember. This group was celebrated in a two-session graduation event held in the basketball gym, with individual ceremonies also provided for those who wished it. There was a huge Ting Park celebration supported by staff, parents, and the community. Among other accomplishments, the class won the 4A baseball state championships held in Burlington in June. As the students return, masks are expected to be a fact of life within the school. And, in the modern manner, the unique front entrance will serve as a security feature.
All the details flow past Mr. McCotter’s executive assistant, Tiffany Walker, in the main office. She notes that “This is one of the largest high school campuses in the state.” As with so many reality shows on TV, it can be considered an extreme makeover. Her sense of excitement is palpable as she helps in so many ways. She says the renewed campus will accommodate up to 2,350 students. As school gets underway, there are 185 faculty and staff, 468 freshmen, 384 sophomores, 637 juniors, and 601 seniors. The campus opening includes the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony with dignitaries participating, and later, a Saturday community day that we’re all invited to attend. August 23 saw the first day of classes, with the previous week dedicated to student tours and orientation. It’s hard to say whether the final construction and fitting details were more hectic, or the arrival of over 2,100 students. With all the growth in our area, it doesn’t seem like it will take long to reach capacity.
Here’s what’s new in facilities for modern learning. Each classroom has a state-of-the-art monitor on the wall. No more overhead projectors or Bell and Howell movies! The media center will boast charging stations and a bistro. There’s an airy outdoor learning space in the courtyard. Collaboration facilities indoors involve linked rooms, with a glass door that drops down from above to help groups work together, see each other, and feel unified. This collaborative approach is exactly what is being taught in MBA programs at graduate schools around the world. Our students will be well versed in the concept by the time they leave home.
And as for Bengal Pride, the architect has built it right in. The entryway features the orange and black paw print that proclaims, “Home of the Bengals.” The gym has the colors on the playing floor and folded bleachers. Bengal pride can be seen throughout the building, from the black and orange in the carpet to the orange stools in the cafeteria. Most magical of all is the school auditorium, where the tiger stripes arch right across the ceiling in the beams. At the same time, care was taken to preserve original murals on the walls, or in some cases to reproduce them with digital prints. It is a makeover which preserves classic beauty and heritage.
Andrew Philips is president of the PTSA organization. He and his board work to create collaboration (there’s that concept again…) between the parents, teachers, staff, and students. He stresses the importance of the fundraising they initiate to support academic enrichment programs such as field trips and clubs, and to fund events and activities that promote family engagement at school. Their goal is to strengthen home and school relationships. Finally, the PTSA fundraising efforts create college scholarship opportunities for our local students. They accept donations through their web site:
fvhs.memberhub.com.
Mr. Philips says that everything about Bengal Boulevard gives a sense of pride. From a history of unification in the 60’s and 70’s, when the orange, black and white colors were voted on by a combined student body, to today’s beautifully landscaped grounds, top-notch fields and athletic facilities, kids are going to want to learn and engage, and staff will enjoy coming to work. “Fuquay-Varina High School is one of the true ‘community schools’ that remains in Wake County, and that community feel and Bengal pride are what sets us apart.” He knows how busy people are. “The easiest way anyone can get involved and help support our PTSA is by simply joining the PTSA.”
We have always loved our tigers. From Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, from Calvin and Hobbes, we have enjoyed their companionship. We had fun learning to “Put a tiger in your tank” from Esso, which became Exxon. Tony the Tiger sold us our breakfast flakes, reminding us, “They’re grrreat!” Shere Khan was the baddie in Kipling’s The Jungle Book, yet he served to help Mowgli learn and grow. And who could forget the 2012 film Life of Pi? A boy in a boat with a huge cat named Richard Parker, while only a story, elevates the struggle for survival.
The Bengal tiger is a symbol of power and strength. He is the largest member of the cat family, and yet a great swimmer. He can leap 20 to 30 feet with hind legs that are longer than the forelegs. His stripes are unique, rather like our own fingerprints. He lives alone and hunts to survive in dwindling numbers as poachers and other humans encroach on his territory. The Bengal is an apt symbol of the rising generation. Our young people are powerful and strong, can endure through struggles, and must keep trying. They are each unique and must make their own way to the future they desire. A new year, on a new campus, will point them to their future. Go Bengals!
