I’m absolutely hurt and disgusted with some responses to Gibbs as an F school. Those who simply applaud our campus for the architecture are ignorant. Did they know one of our arts teachers Siobhan Archard, the chair of our Technical Theatre department for the arts center, drew up plans for our school during re-construction? Behind those gleaming new walls, are students that shine 10 times brighter.

Gibbs is recognized in two lights. A sad facade seen by the county. We either are recognized for P.C.C.A.,  the Pinellas County Center for the Arts, a school for extremely talented students known for remarkable works or as the high the school “in the hood.”

WAKE UP PEOPLE! Gibbs High is a melting pot of diversity. We represent society in itself. We have dancers writers, musicians, rappers, artists, designers, future business persons, a dedicated and award-winning R.O.T.C. department, and a school for business and technology. We may not have that shimmering”A” above our doors, but when you step off of 34th street and step foot on our grounds at Gibbs high you’re in a new setting.

Our Gladiator represents the strength and passion that is Gibbs High School. As a student, I can say Gibbs has what no other school in the county does, we’re truly united. North County schools buzz with cliques, students are alienated by their own peers. But Gibbs is a body of one; we divide into our departments and meld with student of various interests. We are unique.

The local color of St. Petersburg gives character to our student body and our campus. If you plant a seed and fail to put it in sunlight, it won’t flourish. You can water it all you like, sometimes it absorbs, and sometimes it ruins all the potential that single seed holds. Gibbs has absorbed the principles needed to build a better foundation as a school. I hope our new principal will let us shine, and grow as a unified body. Gibbs needs to be reminded of how great we are. More pep rallies, and spirit to motivate us to be better, in combination with increased educational tools, we're sure to be golden...and blue of course. 

Our staff motivates us to shoot for the moon; even if we miss we shall land among the stars. Recent graduates have been accepted to top of the nation's schools. From theater alliances to air force academies. It’s funny, if we’re an “F” school, then how are we producing such amazing noted students? Wait until we're a “B” school...B, as in BIG-TEN.

At the end of the year, I have faith we can meet the new standards and rise. Here’s to 12 months, lets get to work!

I haven’t spent the last 3 years reporting to the bus stop from my home in Tarpon Springs at 4:45 a.m.  if I didn’t think it was worth it. I may be a student for the Pinellas County Center for the Arts, but I also am a Gladiator as well.

Amanda Kiener, Tarpon Springs