Cracks, scribbles on the walls, and stains on the stairwell. That’s what most people choose to focus on. However, McNeil is more than the small things people tend to look at. The school’s charm is made of more than its appearance; its beauty comes from the work students pour into the school.

Often overlooked is the work that makes this school aesthetically pleasing. For instance, student art displayed on shelves or on the walls capture the intricate minds of our classmates. Being able to admire the time and dedication spent on an art piece allows students at McNeil to realize that classmates’ creativity bring life to this school. There’s music resonating in the hallway that students spend hours practicing during class and at home.

Our classmates form clubs to beautify the campus. For example, the Memorial Garden is filled with flowers and plants that were planted and are kept up by Green Club members. Places around the school display the change that students bring. These mentioned classmates who pour their work into our school are the reason that McNeil is different.  

Our school isn’t just made up of materials, the people make the school. Kids are sitting outside on benches or playing a game of chess at the library, and it’s all in good fun. You can hear the laughter that each person brings to one another while they bring each other happiness. The hallways are crowded with students talking to people they find comfort in. The beauty of McNeil is how open everyone is to reach out to others. The atmosphere at McNeil is different.

Displayed all throughout McNeil, we get to see the potential every person has walking past us in the hallway. As a student body, we need to focus on things that make our school great. I’m not saying not to focus on progress, but our perspective needs to be positive in order to cause positive change.