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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- In this weeks A+ News, FOX21 featured Wasson High School and its turning 50.

Founded in 1959, the school was named after Roy J. Wasson, longtime superintendent of Colorado Springs School District 11.

"I was afraid to come here my first day of school, and then I came and I loved it. This is my favorite school I have ever been to," senior Alana Nason said.

Nason has been at Wasson High for nearly two years. She said a lot of people have the wrong idea about the school. This year Nason and Wasson are celebrating 50 years of Thunderbird Pride.

"Being here 50 years means you are doing the right things. Buildings do not last if staff members are not doing the right things," Principal Sean Dorsey said.

Dorsey said a school can not be successful without a strong core made up of students and staff members. He added solid classes and programs also make them special. For example, their performing and visual arts magnet program.

"We have around 175 students in that program at this time. They are able to get some specialized education in the arts, and their day can look a little different as they focus on the arts," Dorsey said.

Other programs include Teen Court, Mesa Club and Gear Up to name a few -- all clubs that are designed to help students succeed on the path to graduation.

Nason said Wasson is a special place -- you just have to take the time to look.

"You really have to come inside the school to get a perspective of how it is to come here, because it is completely different than the reputation we have," Nason said.

Wasson High will celebrate its 50th anniversary Wednesday, January 21, at Mr. Biggs Family Fun Center starting at 5:30 p.m. Students, staff, alumni and community members are all welcome to attend.

Mr. Biggs has created a 50th Anniversary T-Bird Special, $10 for an all you can eat pizza buffet and a one-hour play pass. This special is available to anyone as long as they mention Wasson. Wasson will receive 15 percent of the sales during those two hours.

Alumni are invited to come and speak during the two-hour celebration. Wasson encourages alumni with business ties to showcase their companies. Tables and booths will be available.

For more information, contact Kimberly Wellen at 321-8668 or www.welleka@d11.org

Click on the camera icon to view the story as it aired on FOX21 News.