Dirt Patch Blossoms Into Grassy Quad

Mercifully, the rain stopped.

And the entire student body of Anacapa Middle School, the school jazz band, mayor, school superintendent, a state lawmaker and community members gathered Wednesday to commemorate the completion of the new school quad.

What was once a patch of dirt that administrators called “ugly” and “filthy” was transformed into a grassy area bordered by benches. In the center, the jazz band performed on the new, concrete brick-lined stage.

Once spring arrives, the Chinese flame tree and the evergreen elms that a local nursery owner donated will provide shade for the students in the quad.

Principal Mike Johnson, who conceived the project, looked out at all the people who gave a helping hand and thanked them.

“It proves when people work together for the betterment of the community and really make a difference and pull together as a city and school district, we can do it,” Johnson said.

Johnson thought of turning the school’s central quad into a park 1 1/2 years ago when he became principal. “There was so much dirt and no place for the children so I talked to one of the school parents,” Johnson said.

Private businesses, the Parent Teacher Organization, community members and students turned his conversation into a reality by raising $105,000 for the quad. Private businesses donated about $60,000 and students and community members came up with $35,000.

“Whenever a community is involved, it is wonderful for the schools,” said Assemblyman Brooks Firestone (R-Los Olivos), who attended the ceremony.