MINOT, ND (KMOT) – Excitement and smiling faces were evident among students on the first day of school at Minot North High School on Wednesday.

The new building is on everyone’s lips.

In the Minot Public School district, nearly 8,000 students will return to school on Wednesday.

With all the new changes, it is a historic day for everyone. The Guardians were out in full force on the new campus.

Freshman K’Shaun Taylor is vying to break records on the school’s basketball team this year.

“I’m trying to be an A student, make the junior basketball team and just be a good student overall,” K’Shaun said.

Graduates like Cambel Johnson said they were proud to be the first class to graduate from the new school in May next year.

“To get everyone involved. We were split in grades 9-10 and 11-12. I want everyone to come together and just have a great year,” Cambel said.

Student athletes like Cadey Shipman are also excited about the new sports teams.

“Have fun and start something new. It’s our time,” Cadey said.

Economics lecturer Terry Van Berkom taught at Central Campus for nine years and said this moment was very special for her.

“We are all one community, the Minot Public School District, but it’s always exciting to have a little rivalry and have more teams come and support,” Van Berkom said.

It’s only the first day, but students said they already love their new space.

“It was a big school. It’s like a college here,” said K’Shaun.

“It’s so exciting to be part of the first graduating class,” Cambel said.

“It’s super exciting, especially last year when I played sports for North,” Cadey said.

The Sentinels began their first day with assemblies and shortened classes.

Teachers and students say the first day has started well. There are now about 175 days left.

The new change applies not only to our Sentinels, but also to other schools in the district.

We will tell you more about this this week.

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