Coral Glades has so much to offer. They have many clubs, sports, and volunteer opportunities. They are also now an “A” rated school with an average graduation rate of 93%. These are all great things for Coral Glades, but the one thing they are missing is the auditorium.
An auditorium is a large hall used for public gatherings, typically speeches or stage performances. Many schools in Broward County are actually listed as having auditoriums or open performance spaces that often highlight their performing arts.
After a 20-year wait, Coral Glades will soon officially have the newest auditorium in all of Broward County. They are expected to start construction before the end of 2025. The Broward County school board recently approved $36.9 million to construct a full auditorium at Coral Glades High. This will also include a black box theater. The black box theater will allow many activities to take place at the same time.
Dr. Mark Kaplan, the principal of Coral Glades High, quotes how “the auditorium is long overdue and necessary for the school’s performing arts groups and assemblies”. He also states that “We have not been able to hold major assemblies or other events on campus because we have not had an auditorium”. Furthermore, according to Kaplan, the new auditorium will include approximately 800 seats and will be similar to Monarch High School’s.
Coral Glades was originally built in 2004, without an auditorium, because of some financial issues they were having at the time. According to Kaplan, an effort was made to build one in 2008, but the economic crisis prevented it. He emphasized that the money for the auditorium comes from capital funds reserved for building projects. Meaning, that the money is only for one reason and one reason. To build their auditorium.
In my opinion, an auditorium would really help this school. Not only for school gatherings like assemblies, but also for good exposure to Coral Glades. This school is already an A-rated school and has a lot to offer. Therefore, when other people see that they also have an auditorium, students who are interested in theater, acting, or any other form of performative arts are most likely to want to enroll.
Having an auditorium could even help some students figure out what they want to do in the future. If you really think about it, some students could jokingly sign up for a play and get the role. Then, once they get up on that stage, they will soon realize that that’s what they actually want to do for their career. Or it could help some students cure their stage fright. A quote by Eric Clapton says, “Give me a guitar and I’ll play; give me a stage and I’ll perform; give me an auditorium and I’ll fill it.
As a new Coral Glades High School student, I am eagerly waiting to see this auditorium built. I know that the process will be really long, but I love the dedication Dr. Kaplan is showing to this project and the school. I am looking forward to seeing the construction start and finally getting to experience the 20-year-awaited auditorium.
