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SALT LAKE CITY — It's the talk of the campus and the Millcreek community - rumors of a possible merge of arch rivals Skyline and Olympus high schools.
"There's no justification to that rumor whatsoever," said Granite School District spokesman Ben Horsley. "We're committed to the Skyline community, to the Millcreek community, for generations to come."
That should ease any fears parents and students have about a possible merger. Yet, still, it is top of mind for many.
Darcy DeHart, a junior at Skyline, said, "I've heard it basically from my parents. I haven't really heard it from the school district very much. But I've basically heard it from my neighbors and my parents and stuff."
Related:
Seasoned high school rivalry plays for 'The Rock'
In a tradition between two high school football teams, dating back to 1962, one school receives a coveted reward that goes beyond the final score: The Rock.Wherever the rumors are coming from, the idea seems to be that when the new Olympus High School opens, Skyline will close or become an extension of the University of Utah. Skyline students will have to play on the same team as their arch rivals.
Another Skyline junior, Brooke Horton, said, "They say that they're going to tear this one down and have everyone transfer there because it's a big enough school."
The notion has gotten enough traction that the Granite School District felt the need to address the subject on its Facebook page. And a district spokesman backed up their commitment to Skyline by discussing the on-going improvement projects at the school, such as:
- A new, million-dollar air conditioning system being installed right now
- New flooring, which was added to high-traffic areas this past summer
- A new courtyard area
- Upcoming improvements to athletic facilities
We're committed to the Skyline community to the Millcreek community, for generations to come.
–Ben Horsley
"We don't know where it's coming from," Horsley said. "We just get questions on occasion. We just want to make sure the community does know that we are committed to them and ensure that the students have a great experience right there in their own community."
It's meant to be reassurance to students and Eagles everywhere in the area, even if rumor has it there's a move to Olympus in the future.
"I hope it doesn't because I love Skyline," Horton said.
Continuing capital improvement projects are in the works at Skyline for the future. School district officials say that should signal their commitment to keeping the doors open at Skyline as a high school.
