Samo commends the new Exploration Building andGold Gym with a ribbon-cutting ceremony

On Dec. 12, Samo hosted a historical ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorating the construction of the recently added Exploration Building and Gold Gym. Elected school officials and student speakers were featured in the event, sharing their thoughts on the new space and recognizing  the impact and importance that a more open layout provides for both student and teacher. 

Speakers included AP Art student Sadie Sills (’25), AP Photography student Joel Koyeforquet (’25), volleyball captain Jane Robinson (’25), Mock Trial representative Shenandoah Markos (’26), Project Lead the Way JPL Captain Noah Fraser-MacDuff (’25) and Samo student Lucia Valle (’25). 

Imani Toler / The Samohi

SMMUSD Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton cuts a ribbon in the Exploration Building alongside Samo Principal Marae Cruce.

After a performance by the Samo pep squad, principal Marae Cruce spoke on the benefits that the Exploration Building will provide students in the upcoming years.

“The spaces in the Exploration Building will allow for teachers to bring learning outside of the typical classroom to incorporate more collaboration, problem solving and communication and presentation skills,” Cruce said.

The Exploration Building has specialized classroom facilities, such as 48 pottery wheels for the ceramics classes, a darkroom for photography, an outdoor patio equipped with easels for art students and more. 

Both buildings would not be possible without the Santa Monica community voting on moving forward with Measure SMS in 2018, a measure intended to allocate funds to the Santa Monica school district for school improvement. Looking towards the future, the recent passage of Measure QS on the Nov. ballot will fund similar projects.