Lately I’ve been reminiscing on my high school years at McDevitt and feeling sentimental toward my alma mater since the great Mr. Chiara passed away. While I’d never admit it those last few months of senior year, I’m proud to be a Crusader. Here are a couple of signs you might be a McDevitt alumn just like me!
FOOTBALL SEASON WAS EVERYTHING
McDevitt’s football team was always amazing. Every year making it to at least state semi-finals ensuring a football game every Friday night the first half of the year. These games were a social function as well as the McDevitt family coming together over school spirit for the team. We always got teased that we recruited, because Catholic schools don’t really have boundaries for where the students attend. But I’ll say it for the millionth time, WE DO NOT RECRUIT!
YOU HATED EX DE TEXTES
I’m positive these pieces of hell were unique to McDevitt. When I got to college, absolutely no one had any idea what I was talking about. These dreaded papers were like a book report on crack, ending up to be about twelve pages analyzing why the author used the word “upset” instead of “sad." The books these had to be written about were usually the summer reading assignments, books nobody had any interest in. I can’t even describe the joy I felt handing in that last paper my senior year.
YOU MISS THE SCHOOL ON MARKET STREET
You’re not a real McDevitt OG if you didn’t spend at least a year here. That old, worn-down, non air conditioned building was home for thousands of crusaders. Being a second generation McDevitt alumni, I really loved going to same school my mom and uncle did. Although this school wasn’t in the greatest area, the parking sucked, and there was no AC, true Crusaders will always love 2200 Market Street and recognize it as the true McDevitt.
THE BOOKSTORE WAS A LIFE SAVER
Ahh, the bookstore. Whenever you didn’t feel like packing a lunch and were grossed out by the cafeteria food, for a couple of bucks you could get a bag of chips, and iced tea, and a few cowtails for lunch. You also envied those who were bookstore aids because they could get a free snack and drink while you scrounged around different tables looking for a few quarters for some chips.
THE NO CELL PHONE POLICY
My friends who didn’t go to McDevitt are shocked when I tell them you’d have to pay $5 to get your cell phone back if taken, but it’s true. McDevitt teachers had the right to take your phone if they saw you using it or heard it go off at any time. It was then turned into the office until the end of the next school day (if it was taken Friday, you’re not getting it back till Monday) and it would cost you $5. And with reoccurring offences, the fines and length your phone was taken increased. This policy seems crazy, but this just made me a pro at discreetly texting in class.
UNIFORM NAZIS
Everyone knew which teachers were dress code sticklers and which were not. You wouldn’t dare go past a certain religion teacher’s room in the morning without your top button buttoned or you’d receive a 15 minute lecture that ended in being told you’re going nowhere in life. You were a pro at rolling your shirt to seem like it was tucked and rolling your skirt to make it just above the three inch rule.
BEAT CD!
The term was coined by the late great Mr. Chiara. No one had more school spirit than this great McDevitt alumni and we all loved his pep talks before sports games or words of encouragement after class. The CD vs. McDevitt football game was hands down one of the best of year. Everyone came painted up and ready to beat your rival friends at the area’s big public school. All week on the announcements “Beat CD!” filled the halls of McDevitt, making the Crusaders ready to fight.
YOU OWNED A MCDEVITT BLANKET
I swear by my McD blanket. The blanket is the perfect size and material for football games or just extra warmth. Everyone and their mother had one of these, and props if you have one of the original ones that has the Market Street school on it.
YOUR PARENTS PROBABLY WENT THERE. . .
I graduated and went to school with tons of kids whose parents went to school with my parents. At McDevitt, this was not uncommon. I love that at McDevitt many second generation crusaders got to share the same McDevitt experience together that their parents had.
. . .AND PROBABLY HAD SOME OF THE SAME TEACHERS
Many McD teachers have been there for YEARS. Not only would these teachers recognize you from older siblings, but also from your parents! It’s all in the McDevitt family!
YOU KNEW THE ALMA MATER BY HEART
This beloved hymn was not only sung at graduation, but after a lot of McDevitt victories. You joined in as soon as you heard “Hail to thee. . .” and perfected the stomps at the end, corresponding with “Hail to thee, McDevitt High!”
LESEAN MCCOY IS OUR CLAIM TO FAME
Even though he never technically graduated, I love to tell people LeSean McCoy went to my high school. The look on people’s face is priceless as they ask questions about him, while I leave out the fact he’s not really a graduate and went there years before I was a Crusader.
YOU WERE A PART OF THE MCDEVITT FAMILY
Mr. Chiara always told us we were part of the McDevitt family, and it’s true. We all defend each other, grieve together, and celebrate together. I really didn’t appreciate the McDevitt family until I graduated, but it is real. Mr. Chiara’s words ring true, a Crusader alumni will always have their McDevitt family!
McDevitt made me the person I am today and I forever grateful for my family of Crusaders. Can I get an "McD WHAT?!'
