Lucinda Costello-Kumfer

Benjamin Williams and Reese Sherman, social studies teachers, explain department information a guest. “This [open house] was, for me, a great opportunity to meet family in the district that will soon be attending the high school,” Williams said.

University City High School is home to over 800 students, skilled educators and endless opportunities. This year, we got to showcase all our school has to offer. The idea of the Experiencing The U event stemmed from the want to advertise to new students and families in the area. With hard work and student volunteering, the UCHS administration put together a stellar event, according to guests. 

“The idea behind Experiencing the U was to invite our current and potential families to University City High School to experience what we offer to our students as it relates to academics, social/emotional supports, athletics, etc,” Kimberly Merrill, early college/dual credit/AP course counselor and event coordinator, said. 

This year was the first Experiencing The U event and likely not the last. While the core of Experiencing the U will stay the same, the timing of the event may change in the future.

“We are looking to move the event to the beginning of the year as a welcome to our families and community,” Merrill said.

Activities ranged from yoga, Massage, Painting, live music and sports information tables. 

“The kids were excited, and the parents were able to relax,” Marnie Claunch, the art teacher who led the painting activity, said. “Families saw our Alumni Hall of Fame and our many career outreach opportunities. Not only did this help cement UCHS as an advanced school, but the Experiencing the U event this year gave way to many more events like this in the future.” 

While activities and events made the Experiencing the U event a must-see attraction, the community still left a lasting impression on the event.

“The highlight was the sense of community and seeing all the great things about the high school being shared with families, friends and the community.  The low end of the 2nd floor consisted of the Athletic Department. To see all the sports represented with their black and gold colors was amazing,” Merrill said.

This sense of community didn’t just stem from the families at this event. Over 20 students and staff members made this event possible. Natayvia Turks, senior, volunteered her time to run the front booth welcoming guests. 

“I wanted to give back to the community,” Turks said. “I love seeing our community keep growing and changing in a good way.”

Gallery • 6 Photos

Lucinda Costello-Kumfer

Dakota Sykes and Rosemary Shawver, seniors, perform for the event. The Pieces are designed for a full orchestra but Sykes (violin) and Shawver (cello) performed as a duet. "Our presentation was good enough to attract an audience, and we received praise from people that overheard our music," Sykes said.