As Westminster students make the switch to the new campus, many are nostalgic, reminiscing on the countless memories that this building holds, from past spirit weeks, to the anticipation of walking through the commons for the first time. The Ladue campus is bursting with stories of years past.
Even before enrolling in the school, Katie Boesch, sophomore, can remember spending time in these hallways.
“I would always want to have skipping contests with my dad, but he never did it,” said Boesch.
While the nostalgia is general for most, certain students can remember specific moments that they associate with this campus.
“My first kiss was down by the football fields,” said Anthony Pritchett, junior.
Others remember watching siblings grow up and leave this campus.
“My brother graduated from here, so that was something I’ll always remember,” said Sarah Levenhagen, sophomore.
Girls from the swim team remembered finding a mouse in the drains of the pool, capturing it and making it the team mascot.
“I’ll never forget that mouse in the pool drain,” said Andrea Bradley, junior.
Some upperclassmen look fondly back on middle school years when they were first discovering the campus.
“Playing wall-ball all the time in 7th grade was awesome,” said Drew Hillenmeyer, junior.
“The cool thing in Middle School was to stay late and hang out in the commons, get snacks at the book store. I was always jealous because I couldn’t stay late,” said Maggie Duffy, junior.
The campus has been modified before. Years ago, instead of the commons there was an outdoor area called the breezeway. After that change, many were emotional but it yielded new experiences.
“I’m going to miss the commons as much as I missed the former breezeway, but I’ll make new memories,” said Betty Richardson.
Seniors leaving this year will not have the opportunity to learn in the new campus, and many are disappointed. However, most are happy for their underclassmen friends.
“I’m not too disappointed that I won’t be able to be at the new campus, but I would have liked to have one year there,” said Chelsea McConkey, senior.
Many students are worried how classic Westminster events will play out in the new campus, such as Spirit Week or Carnival.
“Carnival will definitely feel different. It was set up perfectly in the back,” said Caleb Hicks, freshman.
Others are concerned with the general atmosphere of change.
“It won’t be the same. It’s like you’re switching schools but you’re not,” said Sarah Levenhagen.
“I’ve been here for five years and I’m going to miss walking to school. It’s going to be like we’re freshmen again,” said Rachel Gantner, junior.
The number one worry is that Westminster’s sense of community and togetherness will be harmed due to the growth in size.
“It’s so small and so community-oriented. I’m worried that everything might become disconnected. I love the closeness,” said Taylor Deves, sophomore.
“I’m going to miss how close-knit we are. Everybody is really close because we’re all located close together,” said Allie Calhoon, junior.
Despite some reservations, most students are very excited about the new prospects. They are confident that this new campus will become natural.
“I’m not nostalgic about the sports; that’s definitely an upgrade,” said Alex Rideout, sophomore.
“I’m very excited about the new campus. It’s going to be incredible,” said Jonathon “Jeans” Roth, junior.
