There comes a time when we all must say goodbye to our small town friends who we grew up with and became very close with. After graduation from high school, many of us go our separate ways and this requires us to try even harder to keep in touch. No matter how far we may drift away from one another we will always have memories and things in common that not many others can say that they have. These few things are just some of the many memories of Saranac Lake High School.
1. You Have a Red & White Duffle bag
We all did it, not in high school, but in middle school, with Mrs. Henry. She helped hundreds of students make a duffle bag and most of us chose to go with the school colors.
2. You went to Duso’s after School
Sometimes even during school. We went down to the Duso’s Marina to jump off the rock into Saranac Lake to cool down in the spring, which was hopefully hot.
3. Snow Days were a Miracle
-30 degrees or six inches or more of snow and the alarm clock would still go off. We would all make our way to school and complain all day.
4. Football was a Big Deal
Every Saturday much of the town (and Mr. Morph) would be at Ken Wilson field, no matter what the weather was to cheer on the boys of fall. State title runs would often bring the crowds elsewhere to Kingston or even to the Dome in Syracuse.
5. You Despised Tupper Lake
The jokes could make a long list for the town of Tupper Lake even though very few were true. However, I do believe The Red Storm has won more Mayor’s Cups than the Lumberjacks. My class was 3 for 3 at least. Tupper’s for Supper, Jacks are for snacks.
6. Senior Picnic was Fun, yet Rough
Due to the previous night’s activities, many students used Senior Picnic as a way to recover and reflect on not just last night, but the last twelve years. The food was crucial for the hangover you may or may not have had and it was just a mellow day of relaxing with your friends.
7. The Best Week of the Year was in February
Only in Saranac Lake did we celebrate what many of us hated the most: Winter. Winter Carnival was one of the best times of year and the whole town shut down some days to celebrate!
8. We Think We Have the Best Ice Cream Place
Nobody else makes it like Donnelly’s Ice Cream does. The creamiest and smoothest ice cream I have ever had. People from Saranac Lake rave about it and tell everyone they know about it. Don’t forget Mountain Mist, Teddy’s and Stewart’s!
9. A Carousel and a Skatepark
We heard about how much we needed and wanted a carousel and a skate park for dozens of years. The fundraising efforts were constant and now we have both! However the Carousel often looks empty but I believe the skate park is put to good use!
10. “Let’s go Bowling”
In our small town, we occasionally find ourselves with not a whole lot to do. So, when all else fails we head to Romano’s to bowl a few games to take up some time of day, and it is always fun.
11. You Know Frank
No last name needed for this one. Frank, the lunch monitor, has been around Saranac Lake High School for years and is always happy to be the first to strike up a conversation. No one could enjoy their job more than he does and he always had a smile on his face. I believe he is still there!
12. You Always Come Back
Although many of us leave the town after graduating, we will always make our way back whether it is over the summer from college, or decades later for a vacation. Saranac Lake is a place that we will always have in our hearts.
