On my first day of freshman year, I walked into the doors of Washington Township High School and found myself wondering where to go first. Not only was I walking into an unusually large high school with lots of people, but also everywhere I went or anything I looked at was an opportunity to feel part of this community that is “TWP." Hundreds of colorful flyers and posters were hung up on the walls and billboards containing dates for club meetings and sports tryouts. I had lots of people telling me to “get involved” and “put yourself out there." Despite all the craziness going on around me, all I could seem to think about was how to get to homeroom. Four years definitely flew by really fast, and they are overflowing with experiences and memories. This past June, I officially joined the large sea of alumni belonging to Washington Township High School. Being in college has brought me into a whole new world of experiences and has given me a whole new lifestyle, but there are always going to be traditions I hold dear from my Alma Mater.
No field will ever feel like the Tom Brown Field.
Whether it was the Friday Night Lights, powderpuff games, those awesome gym classes where you got to go outside for the period, or filling up the stadium for homecoming, the Tom Brown Field will always hold some of the best memories. Being a cheerleader, it was where I walked out with the marching band and danced to “Yankee Doodle” as the players ran out. It was where I stood on the sidelines and had the time of my life cheering on the Minutemen. As a four-year-attendee of the homecoming games, it was where I got to watch, and be in, the famous homecoming parade. It was where I got to watch a beautiful girl be crowned to represent TWP every year. As a one-time-a-year football player, it was where I got to spray paint some sweatpants, throw some stripes on my face, and participate in a game on the field. No matter what you were doing or where you were on the field, you had some great times there.
Sal’s will forever be my favorite pizza shop.
Let’s get real; nothing was better than ordering Sal’s on a Friday night, or any night for that matter.
I will always have my favorite texts from Mr. B saved.
Nothing was better than getting a Mr. B. text! Whether it was a sweet one like this, a “NO SCHOOL TWP!” snow-day text or, of course, the famous “Stay thirsty, my friends."
I will never attend a game without wondering when the bleacher creatures are gonna do the rollercoaster.
You had to love those bleacher creatures, especially when they whipped out the rollercoaster. It was always one of my favorite parts of the game to watch—and even better to be a part of.
I’ll always crave those Franks fries.
If you went to TWP, you’ve had Franks, and you’ve had those fries. After-school hangouts there were a must, and you’d have better luck finding a pay phone than trying to get a seat in there after a home football game.
If I ever need a manicure, I’ll certainly be making my way to Fancy Nails.
Ah, remember those days leading up to homecomings, proms, military balls, senior trip, and graduation? You’d probably see about 10 people you know no matter what time you went. No matter what the occasion, I always made a trip over there for some pampering.
I’ll always be a little hesitant walking around school without an ID around my neck.
Even as a college student, I sometimes forget that I’m not being forced to wear an ID on a lanyard anymore. Not kidding.
I’ll never be able to hear “Brown-Eyed Girl” or “Piano Man” the same ever again.
In 50 years, I think I’ll still be reminiscing about my senior trip. That week was what we looked forward to the most for four whole years, and it was way better than ever expected. Being in sunny Orlando during the cold month of March was a vacation much-needed, and being there with your whole class? Even better. By far the night that will linger in our hearts the most will be the night of the dance. Pure joy came over the building when Mr. B sang the TWP version of “Brown-Eyed Girl” to us, and many tears were shed as we joined together in a big circle to sing piano man. No matter where I am or what I’m doing, when I hear either of these, I will always be brought back to the sweet memories I shared with my classmates that night.
Always.
