Midland, Pennsylvania was once famous for being a busy, steel mill and industrious town. This once prosperous town needed something to boost up it’s reputation and economy after the Crucible Steel company closed down in the 80’s. Midland is one of your typical small towns where everyone knows everyone, but, along with the close nit community Midland also was a very prosperous town before the Crucible closed it’s doors. Midland was known has having some of the best sports teams in the Sate, known as a town where jobs were readily available, and a town where community activities were constantly evolving. Unfortunately, after the steel mills closed down, it seemed as if the whole town closed down as well.
What once was a busy main street, where vacant buildings were unheard of, became something that resembled a “ghost town”. Maybe I am exaggerating a bit, however, the once prospering town was now full of vacancies. What once was Midland high school no longer existed, and those great 4th of July Carnivals eventually were replaced with a few food booths and awful musicians. Thanks to the new School (The Performing Arts School) which was Grant funded, Midland now has the opportunity to prosper, again.
With Midland students going to high schools (of there choice) between 3 different communities, it was only a matter of time before the community had to find a way and a school which would re-unite the students and the town. Since this is a charter school, students are able to enroll, based on their own interests. The school focuses on arts, but also covers the basic academics in your normal high school settings. The enrollment is open to all districts, and focuses on, Dance, Music, drawing and more. Within the Pennsylvania area, this has proved to be a school that has drawn alot of press and attention, nationally. With only being open for a couple of years, enrollment is off the charts and the previous ghost town of Midland, is now a prosperous community again.
Not only does this school served as a safe haven for students who feel they did not belong in the normal school setting, but it also has been an economy booster for the surrounding residents. Hundreds of teaching positions became available, and continue to open up for employment, and the culture of the town has exceeded anyone’s expectations. With performances held monthly or more, there is always an event taking place, whether it be dance recitals, plays, music shows or more. From speaking with a few faculty members who are also close friends, it seems that test scores are on the rise. Students who once had no interest in high school, now have found a way or place to express themselves, which makes the curriculum interesting to them. This has encouraged students to want to participate and has given many students hope of pursuing their dreams in future endeavors.
All in all, the reputation of sports is back, there is traffic swaying through town on a constant basis, and those vacant signs are slowly coming down and being replaced with fast food chains, and new local agencies. The laughter of children that once was seen before the towns previous downfalls, is now much louder with twice as many high school students. Midland is now not that tiny dot on the map anymore, instead it has become reputable with a big bright star for having a great opportunity and alternative for high school students.
