PASCO, WA. – More than 500 community members enjoyed together speeches, ribbon ceremony and tours of 2 schools in 2 days. The Pasco School District celebrated the opening of its new high schools, Sage View and Orion High Schools, something no one has seen here in Tri-cities
Principal Seth Johnson described Orion as a smaller, innovative institution designed to serve around 600 students.
“We really are focused on that career preparation piece. And I know a lot of great work goes on in those comprehensive high schools to be able to provide career preparation as well. But we’ve really established from day one what our signature programs are with that health science focus and that engineering and advanced manufacturing focused,” Johnson said.
When students graduate from Orion, they not only receive a high school diploma, but also gain hands-on experience.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at Sageview High, where community members were given guided tours of the new facility.
Sageview High, known as the home of the Lobos, will welcome 1,200 students this fall, however, it will not have a senior class initially, serving grades nine through 11 this year, Sageview High School plans to have its first graduating class next year when it expands to include grade 12.
One of the primary goals at Sageview High is to build a positive school culture, Sageview is also focusing on establishing career pathways for students, particularly in agricultural science.
Sageview High School signature Career & Technical Education Agriculture program will provide students with hands-on learning experiences and skills for careers in agriculture and related industries.
The two new high schools, Sageview High School and Orion High School, made possible by the voter approved 2023 bond.
The two events featured remarks from school staff and public tours of the innovative learning spaces, and with outdoor lunchrooms, snack shacks, full cafeterias and large spaces for the students to enjoy..
La Voz spoke with Violeta Garcia a 9th grade student who shared with us that she watched the construction everyday as she attended Ochoa Middle School next door to Orion High School and she said,” Wow, I’m standing here amazed as the 1st ASB President of this new High School”. Garcia express her excitement telling La Voz that she wants to become an engineer in the future and said, “this is the place that will teach me and get me where I want to be for life”.
Orion High School band played at the beginning of the day’s ceremony, and the community enjoyed cookies sponsored by Edison Valerio owner of State Farm Insurance in Pasco.
Valerio spoke with La Voz and said, “this is exciting to participate in this atmosphere and to see two new High Schools in Pasco for our student’s future”
The Pasco School District extends its sincere thanks to the Pasco community for supporting the 2023 bond, which made it possible to build these new high schools- on time and under budget – along with other important projects. With the opening of Sage view and Orion, PSD can now serve students in learning environments that are not overcrowded , ensuring more opportunities for academic success, extracurricular activities, and personal growth.
Sageview High School is located at 6091 Burns Rd., in North Pasco.
Orion High School is located at 1901 E Salt Lake St., in East Pasco.
