Mercury Commons in Armstrong has been revamped late last year and is now in full working order at NHS.

This area provides a quiet and rather comfortable environment for students to study, do homework, or work on group projects.

This whole project was lead and designed by senior Matt Kemper along with the helping hand of Travis McDonough, welding and manufacturing teacher. Kemper came to McDonough with the concept of remodeling the commons last January. They took a trip to Menasha High School where they have a coffee corner. They wanted to make it like the coffee corner without the coffee.

With time and effort, the Mercury Commons turned into a whole new work environment. A seven month process that started in January and ended in July was a success. A class of about 20 students worked on this for one class period a day for almost seven months.

“You can only get so much done in one class period,” McDonough said with a voice of experience.

To remodel this large space, technical work was required. Such as designing 3d models, reversing engineering, transferring the models to a 2d plasma cutter and much more. They even had to contact people outside of school to lay flooring and sent all of the table tops and metal work to a powder coating service.

Clearly, more students using these commons than the Apollo Commons this year. McDonough shared his observation also. “Not only is there more students, but they are using it wisely.”

The Mercury Commons is now a new and improved work area for students to spend their release and down time. It consists of well- constructed tables and chairs because of  two greatly appreciated leaders and a hard working student body.

In response to Kemper’s vision, students looking for a quiet place to relax and get some work done head to the Mercury Commons.