By Grahm Reynolds and Sushant Kunwar
Branford High has several new additions in the student center: multiple big screens that now seem to gaze over the commons. Broadcasting the weather, announcements, or just a background scene such as a beach or a fireplace, every student and faculty member in the school has a clear view of these massive screens throughout the day.
But why are they here?
“The screens are part of a two phased project in the student center to increase the functionality of the student center,” said principal Lee Panagoulias. The screens were installed last month.
Panagoulias also hopes that these screens will be useful in the long term: “There’s potential for student organizations to use them for support of the missions of their clubs, advertising, class fundraisers, if we want to have movie nights or if the gaming club wants a competition, we can have a wide array of things,” said Panagoulias.
Since the screens first appeared, several students have noticed and wondered what they were.
“The screens are pretty cool and aesthetic,” said freshman Kasim Mehmedovic, echoing the sentiments expressed by Panagoulias. Not all students, however, share this opinion.
“We have yet to see their value,” said senior Peyton Giordano. “I think they could possibly be somewhat convenient for the school. There are lots of possibilities like movies or videos, but it doesn’t seem like they’re useful right now.”
Senior Veronica Smith agreed.
“I honestly don’t know the true purpose of the screens, and I’d rather see the money to go to senior scholarships,” she said. “However, I’m sure the administration will figure out a way to make good use of these screens.”
Panagoulias hopes that this addition will give way to celebrate the various aspects of the school, such as student achievements or events. The long term vision for this project is to improve the functionality of the student center and make it more accessible as an area for the school community to gather.
