Even as Saratoga celebrates Thanksgiving, many in the community are thankful that the high school finally has a performing arts center of its own.

It has been a long time coming. Cathie Thermond, former president of the Saratoga High School Foundation, says the process took nearly six years. "It's an exhilarating feeling. The students are excited and so am I," she said.

The wait officially ends on Nov. 25 when Principal Jeff Anderson declares the 580-seat center open.

"The drama department has been practicing their musical in the facility. The center is a wonderful end-product," Thermond said. She said the students had gone from practicing in a small gymnasium with no heat to an awesome facility. "I think the students feel that they are professionals when they practice at the facility," she said.

Bob Peterson, the chief building officer for the Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District, said members of the community should feel good that a first-rate arts and lecture center is opening up in their community.

"We had a lot of challenges on the way. Money was always a concern. The center could not have opened without the help of the McAfee family and other generous members of the community," Peterson said.

The PAL Center is 90 percent complete, according to Peterson.

"There are some additional enhancements that need to be made. We still have to buy some furniture. But the rigging and the acoustical shell are complete," he said.

The very noticeable edifice at the corner of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and Herriman Avenue is already attracting attention from the community.

"We have started to get requests from the community for the rental of the facility," Peterson said. The PAL center will be used by students only for the next six months. After that, members of the community can start renting it. "We will have to devise a plan so that there is maximum utilization of the facility," he said.

Anderson said that the grand opening has been planned in such a way that members of the community can attend the hour-long opening and then proceed to the tree lighting ceremony in downtown Saratoga.

"We've invited all the donors and many members of the community. Some members of the high school foundation will be speaking on the occasion. So will the mayor," Anderson said. Some student performances are also included in the opening day's events. "There will be some music. Students will also perform part of a play," said Anderson.

The principal said that the interior of the hall was looking very good. "The acoustical tiles are in place. A band shell has been installed to maximize the acoustical effect," Anderson said. He said that all the kinks in the system will be ironed out over the next six months.

"The students are excited that they will be able to perform at this theater. They will be able to do productions on-site instead of renting places everywhere."

Anderson said that he shares the excitement of his students. "It is a well-appointed theater. It is as good a performing center as I have ever been in. Anything can be performed here," he said.

The PAL center opening takes place at 4 p.m. on Nov. 25 at Saratoga High School, 20300 Herriman Ave.