Figuring out where I was going to go to high school was nerve wracking. I knew I didn't really want to go to any of the regular school where I live because their track records are less than stellar. But I knew other options like private school or home school were not an option. So, what I settled on was going to one of the three magnet schools here in Montgomery. If you don't know what a magnet school is, it's kind of like an accelerated, advanced school either in academics, performing/fine arts, or STEM. Lucky for Montgomery, we have one for each of these! BTW is the performing arts school of the triplets and each discipline is put into a "magnet". I chose to audition for the Choral magnet and see what happened. I made it and it was seriously the best four years of my life. I enjoyed my time at BTW and I'm sure at least some of my fellow graduates feel the same. Here are 14 things you know if you graduated from BTW!
1. You often get tired of explaining what a magnet school like BTW is.
People that aren't from around here often don't know what a magnet school, that magnet school even existed, or that you could go to a magnet and performing arts school. You wouldn't believe some of the questions I've gotten when explaining where I went to high school and the weird looks I got when I answered questions. People often assume that BTW would be easy because it's a performing arts school. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
2. There were teachers NO ONE liked.
The only department that wasn't affected by this would probably be history. I mean, who didn't love Mr. Gravatt, Mrs. Ritzus or Mr. Coleman (before he left us)? Mrs. Wones and Mrs. Jones sure left a mark. I never had Mrs. Wones but she seems like a nice person when she's not teaching. The same is true for Mrs. Jones unless she doesn't like you. She disliked probably 90% of our class anyway.
3. The beloved block schedule.
Until I got to BTW, I didn't know what a block schedule was. But all I kept hearing was that it was going to help us be prepared for what our schedules would look like in college. As far as I am concerned, the only thing they did was make procrastination that much easier to do.
4. Officer Ousley.
He was literally everywhere. He was always checking on every little thing. Standing in the student parking lot watching was probably his favorite thing to do. Telling people where to park at school functions was something he was really good at. Though annoying sometimes, he was always decent to me. He retired at the end of the last school year. I may or may not wish he would have done that before we graduated. No further comments.
5. You avoid talking to Mrs. Osemwota.
This lady could talk for ages about herself, her family, you and how awesome the French language was and what it could do for you (can you tell what she teaches?). She likes to ask people to do stuff for her too like be her honor society president. That's one I got suckered in to but it was a good experience. For me, I actually enjoyed her classes (most of the time) and enjoyed talking to her. Sometimes, she would get off topic long enough that we couldn't finish the day's lesson.
6. Mrs. Cowles was crazy.
But she was cool at the same time. She was always making noises and saying odd phrases that, when you first had her, made you question whether or not she was a legitimate lunatic, much less qualified to teach class. She couldn't wait until we were finished with a problem or an assignment. "Are you done yet?"
7. The stairs to the library.
The library was in building C which is one of the tallest, if not the tallest, building on campus. The stairs into the building plus the stairs to the second floor where the library is a work out. You will definitely be out of breath after going up both of those sets of stairs.
8. The lunch ladies care a little too much.
Every day at lunch time, there were always at least three ladies standing behind the food line and sometimes there was one where the two lines would go out to the registers. They wee always watching to see how much each of us put on our plates. I guess they were trying to make sure there was enough for all three waves of the lunch crowd. It was still annoying. I had first wave most of the time so I didn't have to worry about much.
9. Mr. Gravatt.
Though his classes were hard, he was the best teacher in the whole history department. He expected a lot of each student but it's only because he cares. He chides you about every little thing but that's what makes him fun. I would never want to end up on his bad side. You can't really come back from that.
10. The drama.
If something happens between any group of two or more people or entire magnets, usually everyone knows about it and all the details by the end of third period. It's one of our biggest flaws. Don't tell anyone anything you wouldn't mind the whole school knowing, tbh. Rumors spread like wildfire too. But I know for a fact we weren't the only school with that problem.
11. Showcase Week was the best and worst week of the year.
Showcase is BTW's biggest production of the year. Most, if not all, magnets are involved in some form or fashion. Everyone is running around like chickens with their heads cut off trying to remember choreography, lyrics, pitches, wardrobe, etc. BTW slightly shuts down during Showcase Week. The rehearsals are long and tedious but the end result is a show for the books!
12. Choral was and probably always will be the best magnet at BTW!
I may or may not be a little biased on this. Oh well. My time with the choral magnet was so much fun and I would do anything to be able to relive the great experiences I had with such a great group of people!
13. You wouldn't trade going to BTW for anywhere else.
I know this is true for me and I'm sure it's true for some other fellow graduates. I wouldn't go anywhere else, given the choice. I would go through my four years there again. People that see this article may think I am crazy but I had genuinely had a great time while at BTW! The friends I made, the experiences I had, the memories made and the inside jokes practiced will forever be on my heart.
If you graduated from BTW, you probably know most of these to be true. If you still go there, enjoy it! Make the most of your time there because it really is the greatest school in Montgomery! One day you'll blink and be ready to graduate. Don't waste your opportunities!
