I can't explain how thankful I am for growing up in Middlesboro, Kentucky. There isn't anything sweeter than growing up in a small southeastern Kentucky town. We grew up with a certain pride in our veins that overflows the bleachers on Friday nights. Of course, your family probably has a specific seat on one of the two sets of bleachers in Bradner Stadium, and if anyone ever tries to occupy them other than your family, your crazy uncle will ensure they never want to sit there again. If you are lucky to get there early enough, you might get a parking spot in the parking lot, but most of us park on the side streets so we can beat the crowd to Taco Bell after every home game. There are so many reasons we love the place that made us into the individuals we will forever be, but I am especially thankful that God made me a Yellow Jacket.
1. We went to the best school in Bell Co.
Did we have the best football team? Probably not (at least not when I was in school), but we did have the best time pretending we had any shot against the Bobcats.
2. We definitely had the most fun.
It didn't take much to entertain us, but if I wanted to race Mr. Leathers to the parking lot after fifth period. You better believe the entire class was in tears by the end of it.
3. Our teachers believed in us.
I truly believe we had the best faculty. Our teachers put in the extra effort to make us feel not only college ready but they made us feel loved. Whether they were attempting to tell jokes, giving us encouragement, coming to our sporting events, or helping us fill out college applications, they wanted the best for us.
4. Each class had a bond that couldn't be broken.
Shout out to the class of 2012 for being the best class to ever cross that graduation stage. Every class believed that they were the best. We had our ups and downs, but if any upper or lower classmen tried to take on one of our own, they had an entire army to face.
5. We had more school spirit than any school in the tri-state area.
At times, our school spirit turned into fights in the middle of a basketball game, but for the most part we were loud and proud. It didn't matter the sport or opponent, we were there to win (if not win, at least annoy the other team).
6. We have a pride that runs much deeper than the Atlantic Ocean.
If you still live in town, you probably still go to Friday night football games, and you will probably argue with any person who thinks the Bobcats, Redhounds, Mountain Lions, or Green Dragons have a chance against your team. It's just in our nature to believe that Jacket Nation is unbeatable.
Once
a Jacket, always a Jacket. A lot of us moved away for college, we
gained new friends, and a new mascot, but we eventually realize our love
for the Yellow Jackets will never be replaced. We have a bond with
Jacket Nation, and the people who made Middlesboro High School into a
home. I will forever support the Jacket's from afar, reminisce on the
memories made in those four short years that I had the opportunity to
wear yellow and black.
