by Memee

Created on: February 20, 2011

High School, the best years of my life, at least back then.  I remember my Mom telling when I started my freshman year to enjoy every minute of it because it would all pass too quickly. When you are in high school you think life will always be just like it is, fun and carefree. You survive the break ups with what you perceive to be the true love of your life and the occassional fights with your best friends. You endure the homework and the tests, you look forward to summer vacation, and then become anxious for school to start again in September. Reliving those four years, life was never more fun or easier than going to high school in a small town in the Midwest.

No one was involved in drugs or gangs in the 60's, the "drug" of choice back then was a 6-pack of beer. This was a farming community and those farm boys liked a cold beer after returning from the fields. More times than not someone brought beer to a impromptu party, yet no one got drunk or stupid, probably because there were three times more people there than there was alcohol.  

The end of September gave way to our Homecoming celebration. Homecoming was like a rite of passage to begin the school year in small town USA. The entire town was in some way or another involved in this "kick-off of another school year.

Students spent the week of Homecoming decorating floats and the hallways inside the school with the chosen theme. Thursday night a bonfire was lit in the school parking lot while the king and queen was crowned. Then the mass of students and community members would join what was known as a "snake dance", winding it's way from the school to Main Street. The businesses located on Main Street would served hot cider and donuts to the crowd of people gathered while we sang the school song and the cheerleaders led a Pep Rally.

On Friday at 4:00 pm the parade began at the school. Floats built on hayracks pulled by tractors, led by the school's marching band, the king and queen seated atop a open convertible, cheerleaders with their pon-poms, football players all made their way through this small town. Passing hundreds of people sitting in lawn chairs lining the parade route. A tradition that began in this small town some forty years continues on.

 Friday night meant football and the bleachers were packed, spectators standing two and three deep on the sidelines to cheer on the home team. The thrill, the sights, the smell of a cool September night at the football field is forever etched in my memory. My love for football was only increased by the fact I was a cheerleader, who along with five other girls led the fans into a frenzy shouting "fight songs" encouraging the team onto a victory.  Saturday night of Homecoming week meant the first dance of the school year.  The homecoming dance was held in the school cafeteria which was decorated with a fall theme. Everything was centered around the school, the students with so much community envolvement and encouragement.

Four years of high school meant four years of wonderful carefree fun with a mixture of studying and sports. Along with celebration of all the seasons, Christmas Dances, Spring Plays, Spring Dances, Prom and then the much anticipated Graduation.

High School, a time in our lives where we made memories, friendships, some which have lasted into our golden years. It was a period in time when growing up in small town USA was meant to be the best years of our lives, and for me it was. 

Learn more about this author, Memee.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.