As I prepare for spring break, I can't help but think of a vacation from school, warmer weather, being home, and of course, seeing all my friends from high school. I was lucky enough to graduate from a wonderful high school. LaSalle Academy is one of the best high schools in New England. I guess I am a little bit biased, but if you went to LSA, you know it is true. Here are some signs that you went to the Academy.

1. You have a strong dislike towards Hendricken

Let's face it. Hendricken will always be LaSalle's biggest rival and we will never get along. Mount and Bay View are not our favorites, but we will always have a special loathing for Hendricken. The Hendricken/LaSalle rivalry may be worse than the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry, and your new, college friends just don't get it.

2. You remember waiting for calls from Mr. Kavanagh

Rhode Island weather is always unpredictable, and every time there was even the slightest chance of snow day, you were waiting for that call from him. All you wanted was to hear, "This is Mr. Kavanagh calling from LaSalle Academy." Once you heard those beautiful words, you knew you were having a day off. Best phone call ever.

3. "Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!"

You said this at least seven times a day for 180 days for four years. That's over 5000 times. Sometimes, you even find yourself saying it in your sleep. If you go to a Catholic college, ending a prayer without saying "Saint John Baptist de LaSalle-pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts-forever!" just doesn't feel right.

4. You were a part of the Beehive

Without question, being at sports games with the Beehive were some of my fondest memories from high school. College sports are okay, but there's nothing quite like the Beehive. It is the most spirited fan section in the state, and I wouldn't trade those memories for the world. Doing the LaSalle rumble in the stands? Priceless.

5. You know the LaSalle fight song

Sound familiar? Of course it does. You were just a little incoming freshmen when you were sent to learn the LaSalle fight song. You thought it was kind of stupid when Mr. Finn first taught it to you, but by senior year, you couldn't stop singing it.

6. You remember the colorful socks

Before socks were banned the year after I graduated (I still don't understand this), you could always recognize a LaSalle girl from her socks. Purple, neon green, tye-dye, polka dot, you name it, we had a pair of socks in that color/pattern/design. When Details on Thayer closed, we were all crushed. Where were we supposed to get our cute socks from? We all owned countless pairs of socks, and I'm pretty sure I still have almost every single pair of mine.

7. You know your campus was like a college

LaSalle's campus may actually be nicer than some colleges. With brand new fields, a state of the art science building, and an elaborate arts center, LaSalle was on point for lack of better words. Now, with the new addition of outside seating for lunch, LaSalle is the type of high school you thought only existed in movies.

8. You spent all of your money at LaSalle Bakery, Dunkin', and/or Big Tony's

When you were waiting for your parents to pick you up when you were a tiny freshmen, when you had free last period senior year, and basically everyday after school sophomore and junior year, you were getting something from these 3 places. Whether it was an extremely greasy, but delicious, slice of pizza from Big Tony's, an iced coffee from LaSalle Bakery, or a donut from DD, you spent countless hours in these establishments and probably spent all of your life savings here, but you know it was totally worth it.

9. You know who Silas Obadiah is

If you didn't have the privilege of having this lovely man for AP English, you know exactly who he is. With his colorful packets of papers, spiffy suits with ties that matched his pens, and an adorable Nigerian accent, he is one of the most beloved teachers at LaSalle and everyone knows who he is. I have never seen someone be asked to write so many recommendation letters or receive so many prom pictures. Everyone loves Mr. O and he will always be one of my favorite teachers. Delicious.

10. You will always be a ram

Although we have moved on, LaSalle will never truly leave us. We still bleed maroon and white. No matter what, we will always be a ram. We will forever be a part of the Ramily, and that is a beautiful thing.

Choosing LaSalle was the best decision I ever made. I learned so much and met some of my best friends. I will forever treasure my high school memories, and I am so lucky to have had such a wonderful high school experience.

"LaSalle Academy, where I call home."