Looking back at my times at Downingtown East High School as a college kid, sometimes I wish I could just go back. Times at East just seemed so much easier. I, like many people I know, had a great high school experience while at East. There are certain things that stick out to me especially, things that I miss when I reminisce on the "good ol’ days."
Football games
Downingtown East football games are unlike anything else. Even if you love your college football team, nothing compares to a Friday night under the lights at Kottmeyer Stadium. I miss the days when my biggest concern was who had the most rowdy student section. I still take pride in how loud we would get when doing the East chant, "white outs" or "black outs," and nothing makes me choke up more then when I hear the song “Hey Baby."
Senior skip days
These were the greatest privilege of all. Nothing was better then sleeping in, meeting your friends at Wawa and heading over to either Downingtown’s coffee cup or, if you were feeling up for a drive, Shady Maple (the best buffet in the entire world, if you ask me). You waited three years to finally get these days, and you took advantage of every single one.
Teachers
It is hard to pick a favorite college professor when you had so many favorite high school ones. Maybe you loved having math with Mr. Farrel or Mr. Stackhouse. It could have been computers with Mr. Rob, aka “Brotha Rob." Maybe you loved history because of Mr. D. Or ceramics because of Ms. Burns. The options of great teachers at East are endless.
The rivalry
The Downingtown East – Downingtown West rivalry will forever remain one of my favorite parts about high school. No game was more important then the East-West game. Every team prepared all year for that one game, and the bragging rights to follow would last for the rest of the year.
Wawa hangouts
Wawa was the perfect middle ground to spend time with your friends, especially when no one really felt like having people over at their house or spending money on anything. It is also the best meeting place before an event, and the right side parking lot is always full of current and former Downingtown East cars.
I, like many other Downingtown East alumni, will always look back on my high school days and smile. I love my life in college now, and I feel lucky enough to have spent a great four years at East. It has created friendships and memories I will have with me forever.
