My Old School

The lockers at my high school, Davenport West High School, photo by me

 Greetings All:

"...And I'm never going back
To my old school..."

Steely Dan, My Old School

First off, happy Passover.  I've got some ideas for a post on that, but as I'm behind schedule on posts, I need to catch up on one that's been in the works for a couple of days.

Ah high school.  It's a topic that is cemented in popular culture.  From American Graffiti to American Pie, we as a culture have both mocked and cheered this time of life.  For those of us in middle age who have had (ahem) multiple class reunions, it is enough to stop keeping track.

On Saturday, I found myself back at my high school, Davenport West High, home of the Falcons.  My daughter and a bunch of her very talented friends were performing at a music competition there and the rest of the family came along to watch.

The West High Fight Song, photo by me

 I'd be less than candid to say there was not just a bit of nostalgia.   Of course there was.  This was a place that I spent a lot of time for three years and have a bunch of good memories.  

So what is nostalgia, anyways?  Well, thanks to our friends at Webster.com, please see below:

nos·tal·gia

noun \nä-ˈstal-jə, nə- also nȯ-, nō-; nə-ˈstäl-\

: pleasure and sadness that is caused by remembering something from the past and wishing that you could experience it again

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nostalgia

I suppose there is some truth to that.  I would not mind to go back and experience a few aspects of it.  I saw this sign and it caused me to laugh:

A sign at West High, photo by me

 I'd love to say I was a rebel in high school.  I wasn't.  But like any kid, I found any number of rules to be, what's the word I'm looking for...stupid.  One such stupid rule was having to stay on the school grounds.

Well one day Mr. Vern Murdoch busted me and sent me to the office.  He seemed to take particular pleasure in sending me there.  I tried to play it cool but I had a streak at state-  zero detentions.  This was now in jepardy.

Enter Don Gano, excuse me, Officer Don Gano.  I told him that "Mr. Murdoch sent me here."  I don't know if it was that Officer Don was in a benevolent mood but he simply told me, referencing Christ, more or less, "To go forth and sin no more."  

Thanks Don.

As much as I like telling this story, upon reflection here's the deal.  Murdoch was right.  I broke a rule and he called me on it.  I just got lucky that I caught the school officer on a good day.  Sometimes it is true, it's better to be lucky than good.

And when I look back at high school, I was lucky.  I had parents who supported me.  I had teachers, especially Coach K, my debate coach, who gave me knowledge and direction.  I was lucky to have a great group of friends, many of whom I stay in touch with, even if it's via Facebook.  

So viewing it in that light, yah, I'm a bit nostaglic.  I wouldn't mind to see Vern.  Although who I really would want to see is Coach K.  We lost him in February.  I would very much like to see him again.  I'd gladly serve some detentions to make that happen.

Be well my friends,
Jeno