The remodeling of the new and improved senior courtyard all started with 2013 graduate Devin Shoemaker.

Last year, Shoemaker was involved in career tech and was in need of an internship during the second semester of school. He didn’t have an internship in the business world, therefore he was hoping to get one that would revolve around landscaping, according to Principal Steve Swaggerty.

Shoemaker was a big fan of landscaping. He had a previous background with the job and even owned a landscaping business of his own. He truly had a passion for designing and remodeling landscapes. Therefore the idea of him remodeling landscapes at Northview seemed like a perfect idea, according to Mr. Swaggerty.

Shortly after, Shoemaker was offered an internship at NV to fix up the areas that needed the most assistance. The first thing that came to mind was the senior courtyard, according to Mr. Swaggerty.

Once Shoemaker was given the job, the problem of expenses needed to be tackled. NV rose to the challenge; the Class of 2013 graciously donated $3700 to the fund and their parents have contributed $3000.

In addition, the school itself donated $2000 from extra funds.

So far, a new concrete patio has been added along with new benches and tables. National Honors Society intends to buy and donate picnic table umbrellas that will come to good use during sunny days.

In addition, the Class of 2013 will pay for the grass seeds and plants that will eventually be planted by Shoemaker, according to Mr. Swaggerty.

“The senior courtyard is more inviting to the senior class because there is more space to hang out in,” senior Mitch Kahn said.

The goal of this project is to allow the seniors to enjoy and relax in the courtyard without the limitation of space. Therefore, they should all take pride and be thankful for all the donations the Class of 2013 and the parents have contributed toward the courtyard, according to Mr. Swaggerty.

“I just want to pass along a big thank you to the Class of 2013, their parents, NHS, Mrs. Briddell, and Devin Shoemaker for providing a beautiful space for a generation of NV seniors,” Mr. Swaggerty said.

Claire Weber, Staff Writer