Hinsdale Central is hated by some but loved by even more. You can only understand the true beauty of it if you went there. Only fellow red devils will be able to relate to these memories; the good and the bad.
The pass system
Ah those beautiful yellow passes. If you got one of these you were free to leave your class. Everyone accumulated numerous blank ones that they would fill out themselves so they could leave class or be late. Or for the brave people they would have their friends who are deans aids deliver them to their teachers in the middle of class. That time when you got to roam the halls was occasionally needed.
Mrs. Hall
Have you ever met a happier human being in your entire life? Getting a pass to go see the dean didn't seem quite as scary when it was handed to you by a chipper Mrs. Hall. I'll never understand how one can be that happy at 8 a.m. on a Monday, but hey more power to her and her squirrels.
Late starts
Late start Wednesdays were a gift from the gods. Whether you spent it sleeping in or used it as a chance to go go to Egg Harbor with friends it was always needed. There was always the people who would spend it in different ways then that, and you could tell who it was too. I know you all know what I'm thinking without even saying it.
Ms. Joannes' brownies
Did the hockey team have a big game? Was it your birthday? You can expect to see a big plate of Ms. Joannes' infamous brownies at your lunch table, or in the locker room.
The goose
I'm not sure if this legendary animal is still lurking around or not, but it was terrifying. Being the first one to walk through the courtyard when the goose was waiting outside the door was a horrible feeling. You'd just be minding your own business and this evil goose would start charging at you wings open.
Games against LT
Red Devil Nation really came together during these games. You could always expect a huge turnout if it was a game at LT, even if it wasn't a home game. The rivalry will never end. It ended in a lot of fighting and some very negative chants, but how could you miss out on these?
AP test after prom
Every year without fail the AP testing week coincides with the Monday after prom. Seniors would have to wake up at the crack of dawn and drive a couple hours from the lake house to the test. You would see a wide variety of outfits: pajamas, blankets, some even brought pillows. Then everyone would be united at Saturday detention for not attending classes that day.
Naps in the nurse
Those days when you just weren't feeling it, you had a quiz you didn't study for, a major homework assignment you forgot, or you were just exhausted the nurse would be your go to spot. You have a "stomach ache," but you don't need to go home so they let you sleep it off for a little before you go back to class. It doesn't matter that the beds were uncomfortable it was a glorious time to yourself.
Senior parking lot tailgate
This is a tradition that still continues. There is lot of pressure when it comes to what the theme is going to be. Beach? Red Neck? USA? It would inevitably be settled by a vote in the senior Facebook group. The best was that Officer Keller would have to be in attendance just to make sure it was actually Apple Juice Pong and not cheap beer at 8am. This day set the tone for the rest of your senior dress up days that were to follow.
The Librarians
Everyone has had some sort of encounter with the librarians that hasn't ended well. Whether you didn't sign in during study hall, you were eating food, or you were being too loud. It was always a situation no one wanted to deal with. Sorry it's not my day to be in the library, but I desperately need this computer.
Prom Dress FaceBook Group
This one now makes me laugh. The senior girls would always have a group where everyone would post what dress they were going to wear. It's so ridiculous when you think about it now, but at the time it was a huge deal. Even if the girl wasn't in your prom group she could NOT have the same dress as you.
The Variety Show
Even when you were in middle school you would go to the variety show with your friends envious of the seniors who always got to dress up and sit in the front as a big group. The social chairs would always kill it with their videos that would have inside jokes most of the teachers and parents probably didn't understand. Don't forget about Midnight Rave ending the show and turning it into a dance party for the last minutes. No one will beat the infamous Nicolette Cascio stage diving, even if it got her a detention.
Words
People will never understand the language that comes out of Central. I forget that people don't know what a mort or a wick is. They never smeeged or smogged in high school. They wouldn't talk about a girls jass or add random letters at the beginning of any word they saw fit; pass that cradle.
Hinsdale Central is a unique place, but in a good way. The academics are top notch, sports are successful, and it's filled with some of the best people you'll ever meet. It builds a community you will always be apart of and look back on and laugh at for years to come. I still find myself missing the wraps at lunch, yoga (aka nap time) on Fridays, football games, school assemblies when we would refuse to go back to class, and of course... Voortman.
