Magnolia High students building fitness center

Magnolia High School students are converting an old auto shop into a fitness center to improve their morale and lift their spirits after losing three of their peers in an accident a few weeks ago. The fitness center has been an ongoing project for two years, but plans to convert the facility had remained stagnant. The project has brought people closer together. "It's (the death of students) sad, but things are now changing and getting better," said Stacy White, a junior at the school. In order to raise money for the fitness center, several students were involved in fund-raising projects, such as selling candy and a holding a golf tournament. "It wouldn't have come about if it weren't for the students' initiative," said Bob Frasco, boys' athletic director. Although the district worked on modernizing the school with Measure Z funds, converting the shop into a fitness center was more of a "want than a need," Frasco said. So the district did not fully finance the facility. Nevertheless, the district provided new carpet, paint and mirrors. Students wanted to see the change happen so they decided to clear up the old shop, which was being used as a storage room. "Students came in for 3 to 4 straight weekends to clear out the place, "said Rick Penn, a math teacher. Jeremy Rosa was one of those students. "There were several of us who came in on weekends," Rosa said. "I think the whole football team came." "But I also don't think it would have happened if the coaches didn't push the administration." The shop saw its share of body work until it was shut down two years ago. Body work can take on a new definition, once the project is complete. The new fitness center weights and cardiovascular machines. "With fitness going down the drain, students and faculty could really benefit from this," Frasco said.