Thumbs up to the transformation of the old Southside Elementary School into the new Trinity Bible Church. The church purchased the facility last summer, and we’re pleased to see it take on new life and a new look. For more than 50 years, thousands of Powell residents attended school in the building or worked there.

We’re glad that learning and teaching will still occur in its classrooms and are impressed with the modern renovations to transform four classrooms into a new sanctuary.

The roughly 3-acre lot was subdivided to allow for up to six new homes in the neighborhood. At a time when available property is hard to come by within the city limits, we’re glad to see new development occur in an older neighborhood.

Unlike several other school structures that were demolished in recent years, the 58-year-old Southside building still stands. Its character and presence will be preserved in the neighborhood and our community for years to come, and that’s a reason to rejoice.

Thumbs up to the Northwest College photography program, which was ranked No. 8 in the nation by Campus Explorer.com.

The ranking proves what we already knew: NWC’s photography program is one of the best, thanks to top-notch instructors, small classes that provide individual instruction and the program’s multi-faceted focus on preparing students to get good jobs in different segments of the industry.

NWC photography students have gone on to own their own photography studios, work in advertising, product and fashion photography and photojournalism.

AAron Ontiveroz, who studied with the program and now is employed as a photojournalist with the Denver Post, credited his success to his experience at Northwest College. In a story in the Tribune Tuesday about his work covering the 2014 Winter Olympics, Ontiveroz said professors in the photography program and other classes “saw my potential” and helped him achieve his dreams.

Thumbs up to the Powell High School students who built a replica of the stagecoach from the classic 1939 Western “Stagecoach.”

The movie came out 75 years ago, but these resourceful PHS students made the Concord Coach a reality today with their smarts and ingenuity. The coach is now on display at the high school library and if you get a chance, drop in and take a look.

The stagecoach played a crucial role in settling the Old West. While our students can read all about it, or view the movie, as these builders did, they can also take a look at what the vehicle actually looked like.

Thumbs up to a Northwest College wrestler and coach who were honored at the Western District Championship in Rock Springs on Saturday.

Jeff McCormick, who wrestles at 149 pounds, received the Outstanding Wrestler award and Jim Zeigler was named the West District Coach of the Year. The awards were voted on by coaches who watched the mat meet.

The Trappers claimed five individual titles and finished second as a team. They have an excellent chance at a national title at the NJCAA National Championship, which will be held in Spokane, Wash., Feb. 27-March 1.

Thumbs down to venture capitalist Tom Perkins.

Perkins, a very successful California businessman who has made billions during his career, now seems intent on irritating people. In January, he sent an ill-considered letter to the Wall Street Journal comparing sharp criticism of the very wealthy to Nazi attacks on Jews in the 1930s.

On Feb. 13, Perkins was at it again, saying only people who pay taxes should be allowed to vote. But there was more in his purposely provocative statement he made about voting rights during a speaking engagement at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco.

“But what I really think is, it should be like a corporation. You pay a million dollars in taxes, you get a million votes. How’s that?”

Later, he made it clear what he was up to: “I intended to be outrageous, and it was.”

During a time of tremendous economic disparity in this nation, Perkins is poking an angry bear with these comments. It’s not funny, nor is it smart.