They came. They saw. They ogled.

Some even said they would like to have the chance to go back to high school.

“They” were touring the brand-new Cleveland High School, less than 48 hours before it’d be alive with freshmen through juniors, last Saturday.

(Use arrows above to view more photos)

Here’s what some of them said about the new facility:

— “It is absolutely amazing. It is a place for children to engage. It’s top-of-the-line technology. I’m talking to young people who are excited about being here.” — Myra Roosevelt, Lincoln Middle School principal.

— “Much beyond what I expected. It really is very nice.” — Terry Hibler, JCPenney manager.

— “This is one of the most beautiful buildings I have seen in my lifetime. I mean, I have been in enough schools that have graduated some wonderful people, but this is absolutely unbelievable, it really is. The architecture, the facilities, I’m sure the staff is comparable to the building — that, I’m not worried about. But this is something that this city will be extremely proud of and any citizen in this city should take the time to come here and look at it, even if it’s only the outside, because the kids of this city are in for a big treat.” — Tony Popper, former city councilor.

— “It is just an amazing school. I was on the planning committee and what’s so nice to see is the great job they did at pulling the best of what we saw all around the country and making it happen here. Just walking through, I see so many of those aspects. Like the lighting, for example. We kept talking about natural light, natural light. They did an amazing job. It’s to be envied, that’s for sure.” — Lisa Dobson, former Mid-High principal.

— “This has turned out to be a fantastic project, just like we expected from the design. I just hope that we have fantastic outcomes coming out of this and there is a healthy rivalry in the district.” — Divyesh Patel, school board member.

— “It’s massive, beautiful, and I think once you have students in it, it’ll be even more beautiful.” — Tony Anastasi, resident.

— “It’s an outstanding facility. It almost makes me wish to go back to high school … but not quite. I think if we’d had a facility like this when I was going to high school, I’d probably have been a lot smarter.” — Kathy Colley, city councilor.

— “Wow. What a wonderful addition to our community.” — Debbi Moore, executive director, Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce.

— “It is incredible, It just a beautiful school and what an asset for our community.” — Noreen Scott, executive director, Rio Rancho Economic Development Council.

— “I think it’s gorgeous. It’s state of the art, nicer than college campuses I’ve seen. It’s just beautiful.” — Karla Walker, former school board member.

— “The new campus is a good example of how we can engage our kids and try to make them proud to come to a school that they feel part of. I think what it does is talk about bringing an environment that is good for learning, as well as the curriculum and, hopefully, what you are going to see as our school continues is less dropouts and less truancy because kids are going to be proud to come here.” — Tom Swisstack, Rio Rancho mayor.

— “I’ll tell you what, this is state of the art. This is an outstanding place — I’d even like to go to school again. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a facility this fantastic. It’s got everything that you need to come out of here and get in business or go to college. I can’t wait for that first football game between V. Sue Cleveland High and the Rio Rancho Rams.” — Jack Thomas, state representative.

— “When I moved to Rio Rancho, I knew you guys were the best. This is a demonstration of it.” — Larry Naranjo, city councilor.

— “My impression is it’s exactly what it should be: a leader. Rio Rancho’s always been known for excellence in academics, and I think this sets the bar just at the right level. The way it’s been designed, the way it’s been laid out, I think the students are going to absolutely be put in the best environment possible, for them to learn, which will help them succeed as they go through life.” — Bob Gallagher, president of New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, parent of a CHS student.