Kingston High School is in its final stages as parents, teachers, staff and, last but not least, students prepare to grace its brand new halls with their presence. It has been years in the making and anyone who has watched residents, taxpayers and the North Kitsap School District get the ball rolling on this can attest to the fact that much of the journey was uphill.

Actually, KHS is a lot like the town of Kingston in this respect in that it, too, is on the verge of something new. And while some growth is certainly apparent in the community, the business corridor hasn’t changed drastically in the past five years. Meanwhile, Poulsbo has been a boomtown in this respect.

This second fiddle trend likely won’t continue though as the Kingston has already fully embraced the Buccaneers. It’s just another high school some from out of the area might muse. They’d be wrong in this assumption.

The advent of KHS is going to mean great things not just for the students and staff, but the entire community as well. The business community won’t be left behind either as events at the new high school bring in folks from far and near — some of whom will more than likely be entranced by the town, spend a few dollars there and make a note to visit again.

This is already happening to some degree mind you, but KHS will accelerate Kingston’s rush to greatness. No doubt it will bring about changes for the better as the town continues to improve and expand its downtown core.

KHS is already melding well into the community and one could certainly make the argument that the Buccaneers chant of “We are Kingston!” during the Fourth of July rang as true as the town’s patriotism that day.

Keep an eye on Kingston in the next few years folks. With KHS set to open, the town will more than likely be opening its arms to everything from new opportunities and businesses to new residents.