Cranston High School West and the Cranston Area Career and Technical Center (CACTC) welcomed potential students for the 2017-18 school year at an open house earlier this month. Guests included middle school students who would be freshmen next fall as well as freshmen who are thinking of applying for one of the three-year CACTC Pathways programs.

Students and their families enjoyed musical presentations from the school's orchestra, marching band and school choir, Westernettes and Falconettes, as well a scene from the drama program's upcoming fall musical, "Hairspray," which runs at West from Dec. 9 to 11.

Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse, Principal Tom Barbieri, and CACTC Director Gerry Auth and West alumni spoke at the event.

Guests visited the dining room at West where tables showcased the school's many opportunities for extra-curricular activities, including sports and clubs, as well as the school's academic departments. Students and families were able to ask questions and sign up for activities for the next school year.

Additionally, the CACTC building was open for tours. Each of the 11 Pathways programs were open and on display, showcasing the students' achievements in many local and national associations. Students were able to sign up for the CACTC “Expo Days,” where they can shadow a student in a Pathways program.