Harrison Krasner ’14 | Staff Writer

Series of images flash through my mind… Lacrosse sticks raised in a pre-game team talk/cheer, rowers carrying their shell to the river, a homecoming queen and her dad smiling with warmth and pride, a gold helmet shining through the dark rainy night in celebration of another victory over North, a player mourning a heartbreaking loss on the field, a face-off on the ice, cheerleaders aloft, a teacher transformed into a Latin dancer, fingertips reaching the wall in the pool, a face of determination and grit with arms outstretched, basketball players in flight, students recreating a Broadway experience, a crowd of properly clad blue devils cheering fellow students on, classes decked in their spirit day finery roaring through the halls, flags lining the lawn…. and the ever-present Tower majestic  in the background.  These are all just some of the pictures  I took and more importantly moments I experienced.

Mr. Nardone’s words ring through it all as I reflect, “Never forget what you are a part of…”  I won’t. I can’t.

There are other  images as well that I didn’t capture on film but fully experienced… harassing and comforting each other in the Tower room, speaking (and apparently dancing under hypnosis) in front of the 8000 Michigan DECA kids , nailing role plays in DECA, float parties, driving Michigan’s first and only roadworthy high school built solar car in the parade, performing French Horn and jazz guitar, prom, pep rallies, catching the wind in our sails, watching slightly nervous freshmen find their way and grow through Link Crew, cheering against North with a proud “S” emblazoned on my chest and listening to the accomplishments of the past and bright future of my classmates on stage in the auditorium.

Mr. Nardone’s words ring through it all as I reflect, “Never forget what you are a part of…” I won’t. I can’t.

Without the Tower I probably wouldn’t have gone to some of the events I did…but I can’t imagine my high school experience without it.  My appreciation for all athletes—Lacrosse, swimmers, softball/baseball, track, soccer,  rowers, football, basketball, golf, wrestling, sailing etc.  thespians, artists, musicians, composers, clubs, student government, etc.  I witnessed so many great moments large and small. I met kids from every grade in every endeavor.  I got to witness teams bonding over victories or defeat, choir kids forming perfect harmonies and synchronized steps—in all endeavors pursuing passions, having fun and coming together to be part of something greater.  Cheering individuals and entire classes in exuberating in times of spirit and celebration.  Coming together to comfort each other and lend support in times of sadness and loss.

Mr. Nardone’s words ring through it all as I reflect, “Never forget what you are a part of…”  I won’t. I can’t.

As I reflect on all this and prepare to move on my parting advice is three part—

1) Try things and get involved… some good advice I had from a college I looked at was to:  try something you’ve always done, try something you’ve never done and try something you’ve never heard of before.  Without being aware its exactly  what I did…playing jazz guitar and sailing have been a part of me since being little, student government,  journalism are examples of things I never did and DECA is something I had never heard before and will never forget.  Some things may not stick…some you will really dig into and along the way you will have unforgettable experiences and most importantly meet people…amazing people.

2) Go to events…sports, music, concerts, art shows, poetry slams…you name it.  Stray off the beaten path…go to football  and basketball games but also go to soccer, lacrosse, softball, track meets, regattas, field hockey, volleyball, wrestling meets, hockey games and golf.  It will be worth it.  You will see South beat North many many times. You will see great things and appreciate the students and accomplishments outside of your world but all part of the truly incredible Blue Devil experience.   I not only enjoyed this but it helped me to meet people who may one day collaborate with me on business deals, research and care for diseases that may touch my life, take care of my teeth and pets, perform or compose music I will hear, write in papers I will read, and protect me  by serving our country.

3) The third piece of advice I have… simply put :“Never forget what you are a part of…”