Sweat drops from the heart-rushing students eagerly complete their cardio workouts. They freeze in awe of the alluring and captivating changes applied to the gym.
The gymnasium naturally is a common place where individuals gather and work out, however Coach Mary Pat Bailey felt that the gym needed to be refurbished.
“[The gym] needed it desperately,” Bailey said. “It was very old and much outdated. The gym needed more equipment and needed a better look.”
Bailey slowly grew tired of the gym’s appearance ever since she began her job and two years ago she began applying changes to it. She began replacing several pieces of workout equipment, had a new doorway constructed, adding new televisions and appliances. To pay for the gym’s improvements Bailey used profits from selling t-shirts, hoodies, and several snacks.
“I needed a project, quite positively. I was so upset at the snack bar getting shut down [last fall], that I had to throw my energy into something, and that was my therapy that helped me move forward,” Bailey said.
After the healthy snack bar fundraiser that paid for many of the changes was closed for a time last year,Bailey decided to push forward and try to make the best of the situation. Through the countless days of continual painting and designing, she felt motivated for the renovation of the gym.
“It (reconstructing the gym) has inspired me to continue painting and to regularly make changes,” Bailey said. “I am now redoing the teacher’s lounge. It’s motivated me to move past the gym but the entire building.”
Change has certainly made an impact on Bailey as she has ultimately broadened her focus from centering around the gym, to help other parts of the school. Junior Andy Luu appreciates the work that has been done.
“Seeing that Bailey has given so effort into making the gym a better place, I enjoy taking P.E. now,” Luu said. “Her painting has really made the gym look better, I really appreciate that.”
Many changes have been made, but Bailey isn’t quite finished yet.
“We plan on having new heart rate monitor, mirrors, and gym equipment [medicine balls and straight bar bells],” Bailey said. “I also plan on cleaning up the locker rooms, through supplying towels, and shower curtains” Bailey said.
Bailey’s change is has affected people. Students and staff members like sophomore Danny Nguyen are beginning to notice the change.
“I feel that Coach Bailey is certainly not finished just yet.”
