With new clothes, new jobs, and heavier traffic, the Highlands Shopping Center at Exit 7 has affected John Battle High School students in multiple ways.

Stores such as Old Navy, Target, and TJ Maxx have opened employment opportunities for many students at JSB.

“I really like my job at Target,” said Senior Lindsey M., who has worked at the retail chain for a few months. “My favorite part about working there is the pay and the fact that they worked around my schedule.”



With the new shopping center being located right across from JSB, it has also greatly impacted the traffic flow coming and going to John Battle.

Two new traffic lights on Lee Highway have caused adjustments in driving times for many students, faculty and staff in going to and from school.

“Sometimes it is hard to get to school on time in the mornings,” Senior Katie N. stated. “The red lights make traffic tough to get through, especially after school.”

Even though the new traffic lights are somewhat of a nuisance, Katie likes the shopping center’s closeness to school. “I can pretty much get to cross the street and get everything I need instead of driving all the way to Wal-Mart.”

One J.S.B. student enjoys the center not only for the stores, but for a unique reason, as well. “It has a really good parking lot for me to practice cross country in,” commented Senior Adam H.

With more uses than one, the Highlands Shopping Center has brought many new opportunities not only for John Battle students, but to the community as a whole.