A fair amount of coverage has recently been given to the decrepit state of Dulaney High School's physical facility, but, after attending Dulaney's Homecoming last weekend, I am compelled to tell the rest of the story ("Board gets look at preliminary design for renovated Dulaney High School," Aug. 19). Even as the building, fields, and physical plant of Dulaney has sunk into an unacceptable and unsafe state in the last decade, the spirit and unity of the student body has, amazingly, experienced an incredible revival.
I hear stories of the powerhouse that Dulaney used to be, scholastically, athletically, and in every way — but when my oldest arrived at Dulaney nearly a decade ago, there was very little school spirit, no sense of pride or unity, and only a pervading sense of "why bother." One athletic team had no idea what any other teams were doing, athletic kids didn't mingle with kids involved with the arts, and few bothered to show up for even the homecoming football game, let alone any other events.
Flash forward to 2016, when every single team enjoys the support of other teams during their spirit games, entire athletic teams show up en masse to support their friends performing in plays and the band, and even uninvolved community members get caught up in the pride, spirit and enthusiasm at Dulaney's homecoming parade, barbecue and game. Alumni proudly mingled with current students at the barbecue, and there was standing room only at the game.
I listened as many parents and alumni expressed amazement at the turn-around in school spirit and pride they were witnessing. This is all a credit to the incredibly dedicated, passionate and tireless teachers, administrators, coaches, parents and students who make up the Dulaney community.
Despite the inexplicable neglect Dulaney has endured from our elected and paid leaders in BCPS and local government, the Dulaney community is thriving, as our teens are served daily by Dulaney's staff, who are the best of the best. These hard-working professionals, as well as our teens, deserve to have a safe facility that reflects the excellence of the education and growth happening in that building.
Dulaney High School is a gem that BCPS should be proudly showing off — not silently stonewalling with the insultingly inadequate repairs that BCPS is slated to begin next year. Our taxes should not be squandered on Band-Aids; the Dulaney community deserves far better. It is time for BCPS, the county, and the state to cooperate on behalf of this amazing school community and commit to a new Dulaney High School.
Kara Bolonda, Timonium