Every town has traits that makes it different. Whether it be the sports teams, awesome community or quirky landmarks, each town has a story to tell and something that distinguishes it from the rest.

My hometown is no different. There are several things that anyone hailing from the northwest Iowa town of Emmetsburg would recognize.

The whole town looks forward to Friday nights on Duane Twait Field.

Making the tunnel on the hill for the team to run down, all the younger girls decked out in any combination of black and gold possible (whether it looked good or not), and Lynn Schultes yelling, "That's another E-Hawk..." and the crowd responding with, "First down!"

Never even thinking about going to Okoboji for the Fourth of July because we have Five Island Lake.

Or as it's affectionately known as, Five Gallon Lake. Sure, there's not as many stores and bars around the lake, and it's not as big, but it's definitely just as fun. Also, having a friend who lives on the lake is always a plus.

The music program and sports programs are held to the same esteem.

Just like Coaches Twait, Dunlap, Roethler and countless others helped build the E-Hawk sports programs and fill the trophy cases that line the hallways, Mr. Fog built the vocal program to the powerhouse it is, now being carried on by Mr. Miller. There are very few students involved in music that are not in some type of sport as well. (Yes, there is even a separate trophy case for music trophies, because all the shelves in the music room filled up.)

You know Casey's donuts have nothing on McNally's.

Now renamed as Your Family Bakery, the nutty fries, twists, and other delicious favorites hold a power over the people of Emmetsburg that no other donut shop can rival, and Saturday mornings, people show up when the doors open at 6 a.m. to make sure they snag their favorites.

Being jealous of the cheerleaders during homecoming week because they get out of school to paint windows around town.

And you bet we went to Casey's or the bakery and got food, we'd be stupid not to. Also, bless whoever came up with the master list of sayings for each business, thinking of those ourselves would have been difficult and we are forever grateful.

Any entertainment event held by the high school is a full house.

For the annual pops concert, there's even a ticket pre-sale, and senior parents line up in the office during lunch hour to reserve the best spot for the 3-4 hour program.

There hasn't been a tornado touchdown within city limits in who knows how long.

Ask any local, they can tell you it's true, along with the story of why.

You had (and still don't have) any idea how Coach Dunlap came up with some of his motivational abbreviations.

NVT, GBT, KSW, FTP...

Being an "outstanding student" in Mr. Menneke's class because you thought you were wittier than him.

You weren't, by the way, because no one was funnier, or thought they were funnier, than Mr. Menn. R.I.P. 3-5-12.

Post-pops concert bonfires at Fog's house were always lit.

Literally, LOL.

Mrs. Strube's U.S. History class projects were the defining events of junior year.

Lots of procrastination, late nights, and not knowing what you were talking about half of the time, then being jealous of those who go to Washington D.C., while also being relieved you were finally done.

The Lakes Conference: some of the biggest rivalries and friendships you will ever make.

This applies not only to Emmetsburg, but all of the Lakes Conference. Competitive to no end, but somehow always making friends with people from the other schools.

Speaking of rivalries, Spencer...

Enough said.

Having college classes and alternating open campus was heavenly.

Then showing up with a cappuccino, energy drink, etc., and having to chug it because "no drinks besides water in class." Or food. Also, Main Street Kum & Go, those were the days.

But the biggest defining trait of Emmetsburg?

Always being proud of the place you call home. Go E-Hawks!