“1914” is displayed in roman numberals atop the entrance to the Blackbox Theatre, in honor of when the former High School originally opened.
The Athletics Wing is also home to the Black Box Theater, which will support the performing arts department.
The theater offers a space for plays and other productions. And, the newly opened space features a mural painted by senior Miles Weiner.
The gym itself has a distinct sense of newness, with fresh flooring, recently painted walls, and a subtle but familiar gym scent of polished wood. Unlike the old red gym, the space is noticeably quieter—free from the constant creaks of aging bleachers. In the morning, sunlight floods through the gym’s windows, illuminating the mural’s vibrant colors.
The artwork captures the spirit of the AHS students, and it changes in meaning depending on where someone looks. A large red clock tower stands at the center, and it is surrounded by imagery of sports, academics, and creativity. A football is frozen in mid-air, and a track athlete is depicted in the middle of a leap. Academic elements are also present with math equations, books, and students collaborating on a “Unity” project.
Lunch time will be brightly lit thanks to the new large light fixture hanging above the cafeteria.AHS junior Gael Willems, who is involved with the athletics department on the track team, commends the school’s decision to retire the previous Native American mascot, pointing out the importance of cultural sensitivity. In addition, Willems describes the new fitness room as “10 times better than the old one.” The student also notes some concerns regarding the placement of the gyms and locker rooms adjacent to the main entrance and cafeterias, describing it as “a bit odd.”
Willems added: “These new gyms look really good already, and I’m sure they’ll be even better once the equipment in each one has been properly set up. The aesthetic touches in the biggest gym, I’m also glad to see that we’ve retired the old and very much problematic Native American mascot in our new athletic facilities, even if it was replaced with a simple ‘A.’ I’m personally excited about the new fitness room because it looks ten times better than the old one, and it means that I can work out there instead of paying for a gym membership at a local gym.” 
AHS Senior Miles Weiner painted a bright mural featuring graduating students and the school logo.
Willems seemed to speak for many about the disruption of this final phase of construction. “The one thing I’m aggravated about is the closing of the entire back of the school during the next phase of construction. Many kids, including me, come and go to and from school that way, and it’s an annoying inconvenience to have to make our way to the front. I don’t even think the back is accessible via walking, which is a real pain. I wish they would have made some sort of path or shortcut in preparation for this so that kids can get to the other side of Mass. Ave. more easily from school.”
Feb 17 2025: AHS project completes Phase 3; students will start in new facilities after the break
This news feature written by YourArlington intern Yujia Wang was published Thursday, March 6, 2025.
