Nearly 400 people came to Castaic High School Friday for the “Countdown to Castaic High School” event, and for most in attendance, it was their first glimpse at the state-of-the-art campus still under construction.

It was also the first chance many from the community, including roughly 25 current 8th graders who will be part of the first graduating class from the school in 2023, to talk with the school’s principal, Melanie Hagman.

“That was the best part for me,” Hagman said. “To talk with these families about the vision we have for this school and the impact it will have on these students. Just fantastic.”

Speakers included Hart School District Superintendent Vicki Engbrecht, Governing Board President Steve Sturgeon, Project Executive Randy Wrage, as well as Hagman. Several elected officials, including State Senator Scott Wilk and Assemblyman Dante Acosta, came to share in the excitement of the families.

Students who attended had an opportunity to sign butcher paper that will be unveiled when the high school opens to 9th graders in fall 2019. Students and families alike also got to make suggestions for the school’s mascot and colors.