Dougherty Valley High School, located in San Ramon, California, is one of a kind. From the ridiculously high academic standard to the insanely strict rules, if you came out of there in one piece still sane, props to you. We struggled, we survived, and now we’re out. Here are just a few typical Dougherty Valley instances:
1. If you don’t have at least a 4.0 GPA, your grades are trash.
For some reason, at DV, the majority of the students have extremely high GPAs and are really smart. If you get a 3.0 you are just considered average, whereas at other schools you would be considered above average. Nope, not at Dougherty. If you have anything less than a 4.0, you’re not smart.
2. Safeway is a thing.
Most high school kids have a place that they hang out at after school, whether it’s a local burger joint or the fun bowling alley. Well for the kids at DVHS, this “cool” hangout is Safeway; yes, the grocery store. Kids actually sit outside of Safeway and hang out and they think they are so cool. It is ridiculous.
3. You’re not allowed to touch the opposite sex at dances.
Prom, homecoming, you name it. All these high school dances are a blast and they are fun, whether you are with your friends or your date (if you bring one). The only problem with bringing a date is that you aren’t allowed to come within like at least two feet of them. Basically at DV, if you touch your date while dancing, the teachers will shine a flashlight on your face and give you a “strike." LOL.
4. All people talk about are their SAT scores.
Basically, at DV, your SAT scores define who you are and who you will be. Pretty much anywhere you walk on campus, you’re guaranteed to hear some kid saying, “I did so bad on my SAT! I only got a 2100!” A 2100 is incredible, but no, not for these DV kids. They won’t be satisfied until they get a perfect score.
5. Twitter is the most entertaining place to be at night.
Dougherty Valley students talk a lot on Twitter but never have the courage to say what they want to say to someone in person. This is what makes going to DV fun. The Twitter Beef. There is always some beef going on and it’s so fun to just lay in your bed scrolling through all the beef. Whether you are in the beef, an instigator of the beef or just a spectator, it's a good time.
6. Dublin High School is the enemy.
One good thing about DV is that we actually have a very strong rivalry with another school: Dublin. The Dublin Gaels have been our rivals ever since the school opened, and each year the rivalry gets stronger. For football games and basketball games, the stadium is full and everyone goes all out for these games. There have been multiple fist fights because of the rivalry, and it got so bad to the point where the schools are not allowed to talk or interact with each other before, during or after games or else people will get in big trouble.
7. You’re prepared for college (academically).
Despite all the tough times and mental breakdowns, you made it. Yes, it was a hard, bumpy road, but you came out clean. Now you're ready for college. If DV has prepared me for anything at all, it is college coursework. The work that is done at colleges and universities we have been doing since freshman year at DV, so we are used to it and better prepared to succeed.
Thanks for everything, DV
Love, your alum
