Tech-savvy SMERT Building opens doors to smart Panthers

Though often confused for “Technology” or even “Twiet,” the “T” in “T Building” stands for neither. Instead, the newest building on campus is named after the mascot of Peninsula’s predecessor, the Rolling Hills High Titans. May 2012 saw the beginning of construction for a new set of buildings at school. The buildings accommodate a weight room as well as classrooms that focus on SMERT (Science, Math, Engineering, Robotics and Technology). The new Titan Building, also called the SMERT Building, officially opened on Oct. 1 and focuses on scientific jobs of the future.

“We have a brand new building, six classes [with] working air conditioning and brand new floors— everything is great,” Computer Science and Engineering teacher Hassan Twiet said.

Twiet worked all summer with colleagues to ensure that the new building would be ready for students for the 2015-2016 school year. Students are excited to see what the building will bring to their classes and activities.

“It’s amazing. Compared to the old building and room that we had, it’s great. The other one was dingy and dark and the computers weren’t as good as they are in the new SMERT building,” Cyber Patriots member and junior Amy Ross said. The SMERT building is now the home of many of Peninsula’s award-winning teams such as Cyber Patriots, Solar Power Club, Robotics Club, Science Olympiad and Technology Student Association (TSA). With upgraded computers, new facilities and a new setting, students and faculty are excited about the building.

“I still want to pinch myself sometimes when I realize that we actually have an engineering building here at Peninsula High School,” Mitzi Cress said at the opening ceremony of the Titan Building. “This was a dream, and now we have it right here and it is an absolutely incredible facility.”