DANVILLE — It can be done in a small community, and Danville residents saw the proof of that Thursday evening during the open house and dedication of the renovated Danville High School science labs. Thanks to the generous donations of individuals, organizations and area businesses, more than $67,000 was raised and used to equip the rebuilt science labs. Up-to-date science equipment such as computer-based laboratory apparatuses, autoclaves and hot plates and technology upgrades such as a mobile computer lab and interactive white boards made possible by the donations means the renovated space is a richer learning environment for the students.
Junior Miranda Bender is looking forward to her first classes in the renovated lab. “I really like the new lab,” she said. “It’s really advanced. It’s more of a hands-on learning experience.”
Former Danville student Brian Ackert is starting his 13th year as a science instructor at Danville. He is very excited about the renovated lab and new technology. What he likes most about it are the increased safety features and facilities. “If I do a lab,” he said, “I can do it safely. For instance, we have a fume hood, we have showers, we have running sinks.”
“I was really blown away by the support that the community gave,” Ackert continued. “We didn’t really have a goal when we started the fund drive. We would have been happy with anything we received. When we received the final amount of almost $68,000, that was amazing. That was used almost entirely for technology and educational materials.”
Curt Gleason is Danville’s new chemistry, environmental science and physical science teacher. He said he is really impressed with the lab. “It’s part of what brought me here,” he said. “And it’s not just the facilities, but the fact that there’s community support to provide that. I think that’s just terrific.”
