Since graduating, I have come to learn that Hanover Park has a very unique style for doing things. When telling stories to my friends at school now, I always get super weird looks. I'll be the first to admit that sometimes the things we did were a little strange, but they sure did make memories. There are definitely some things that you will only understand if you attended Hanover Park.
1. The Swale
Warning: This has nothing to with whales. I remember before my freshman year taking a tour of campus and seeing signs that say "Protect the Swale" with a clip art of a whale on it. I actually thought the river that ran through campus had some sort of whale in it, to my dismay it doesn't. It's just a river that runs through campus and helps prevent flooding. The mystery has been destroyed.
2. 39-1
After 39 consecutive wins, the 2014 Hanover Park football team beat the Madison Dodgers. It was a complete upset that no one was expecting. Not only did we win, we dominated the other team. This victory only fueled the rivalry between the two schools. And even if we lose to Madison in other sports, we always have that one victory as a comeback.
3. Catwalks
When I tell people my high school was an outdoor campus, they don't understand. The first question I get ism "Why? You're in New Jersey." Yes, I know exactly where I was. Every winter we were reminded of it when it was -12 degrees and there was two feet of snow, but we still had to trek outside to get to class.
4. Going down the shore (and all that comes with it)
In New Jersey, we don't "go to the beach" we "go down the shore." We use any excuse to make a trip down to Seaside. Memorial Day Weekend (MDW), prom weekend, anytime during the summer and especially Labor Day. And if you go to Seaside and don't eat a Seaside Tony, then the trip doesn't really count.
5. Everyone is Italian
Where I'm from in New Jersey there is a very large Italian-American population. Never try to argue Italian food with an Italian person because you will not get far, especially if you don't even pronounce the foods right. Over the years, I've picked up on some of the proper pronunciations and when I use them elsewhere people tend to look at me like I have seven heads.
6. Always having Bagels4U and iced coffee
Instead of focusing in class, most of the day was dedicated to figuring out how you can somehow get a bagel and an iced coffee. Being late in the morning by five minutes quickly turned into being late by 25 minutes because if you're going to late, you might as well have some breakfast too. And if you let anyone know you were stopping at Bagels you got 12 bagel orders to bring back to campus. Having a bagel and an iced coffee was essential for survival at HP.
7. Wendell Wear's Wednesday words of wisdom
One of the most beloved teachers at Hanover Park is the Physical Education Department's very own Wendell Wear. Having worked in the school system for nearly a half century, Wendell is still excited to interact with students and get them enthusiastic about gym. Students love the daily gems of positivity he gives to his students.
My four years at Hanover Park were definitely interesting. But I didn't realize while I was there just how unique of a community Hanover Park really is. I wouldn't change where I went to school for the world.
