We are renovating and reinventing the classroom to create a space that is calming and engaging. Our goal is to offer a dual purpose classroom/coffee lounge for the students to relax, study, or wait; and a teachers lounge away from the cafeteria. We would love to offer up the space to businesses to rent for meetings, as well as college rep presentations,” said the students organizing the renovation.
Murray Moore in room 107 across from trojan cup teaches business. Students from his class have a plan to redo his whole room and renovate it to be more modern.
The students helping with project 107 are senior Lillian Krhoe, junior Taimane Isaia, senior Miami Holley, senior Myia Elwood, and sophomore Alexa Cobb.
They want this place to feel “homie, warm and relaxing.” The plan is for this to be a place for students to come before school, after school, for teachers, and faculty. They want the room to become a place for teachers to have meetings or for college representative to have a place other than the cafeteria or a small classroom. “It is easy to move my class into the bleachers if my room is needed,” said Moore
They have an overview cost of all the material they need that comes out to $26,368.27. They went to different businesses to ask for donations. They have people donating their labor. There are cabinets original to Topeka High from 1931 and other objects in the basement they will use for the project. There will be all new electrical work done. They asked the art class to paint a mural in the class and want students to come help paint the room.
“This is for the students. They will do this and I will probably retire. Trojan Cup does not have my name on it, it has the students name. This is all them,” said Moore.
“Our ultimate goal is to create a space that increases calm feelings and builds community. There aren’t many spots in the school that students enjoy being in because of the way that space makes them feel, so it’s crucial to us to create that place for our peers – and that extends to the teachers as well,” said the students.
“We’re asking for anything: tables, chairs, and most importantly FUNDING! We love support and money (who doesn’t?). But we want you to feel included too! We have a sponsorship tier list that will not only benefit us, but your and/or your company as well! It is important to us to have this space feel like a community, not just including the students and staff – we also want YOU to feel included,” said the students
They hope to get the project done by the end of the school year, spring of 2025.
If you wish to donate or have questions email Murray Moore at
[email protected]