North Valleys High school in Reno, Nev., is the home of the Panthers. It was where we spent four glorious years of our youth at football games, making new friends and being educated on the wonders of our world. Being in college now, I realized there is another wonder of our world — my school itself. Being in college, I have had some colleagues ask me what my high school experience was like, so with that, here is what my high school experience was like in the eyes of a Panther.
1. You were plagued with the term, "Valleys kid."
So much so, that this term follows you to even your college endeavors.
2. You knew what teachers to not walk by during those hot days because you knew you were in violation of dress code.
Lol.
3. Walking down main street hallway and avoiding the poles was a daily and recurring struggle.
Especially if you were that one friend that had to go in back of your squad because there was not enough room for you.
4. We may not have dominated in sport victories all the time, but the hype was there.
Personally, I think it's because of the Panther Roar over the intercom during football games, which sounds more like a scared kitten more than a panther.
5. There were so many different clubs to choose from and join.
Key Club, Leadership, Mock Trial, Band, Snow Riders, JROTC, Freshmen Mentoring, National Honor Society, DECA, Drama Club and many more. There was always a club that would welcome you.
6. You loved the school colors.
Silver, teal and black are the colors to beat.
7. The principal was your pal.
Ms. Curtis was one principal that is certainly your pal; she knows the name and face of every student by heart and has never "not had the time for you." In 2015, she received the WCSD High School Principal of the Year Award. Even though she has only been principal since 2010, she never misses the opportunity to make North Valleys better and better each day.
8. You had covered parking.
All right, they were solar panels, but hey, your car was still shaded.
9. Having an off-campus for senior year was an academic goal of yours.
Closed campus? Not me, I have two off campuses.
10. Your school was always so clean.
So much so, that your school actually won the 2014 Nationwide Janitor of the Year Award.
11. Bell schedule.
What day is it again? A day? C day? Q day? I just don't know.
12. Fine-arts students were underrated.
Some of the most moving performances, shows, pieces of art were by their very own students. That's not something you get the chance to see every day, so be sure to stop by the fine-arts hallway sometime when you can. They bring music to your football halftime, they bring your books and stories to life on stage and they create beautiful artwork around the school. They may not have the most funding, but they should certainly be appreciated no less.
13. Twitter beef was all the rage.
"Don't talk about my horrible school; only people who go here can do that." #Valleys
14. You always attended the faculty plays and Mr. NVHS.
Every year, the school puts on a production with the faculty and staff of the school to raise money for scholarships. Every year, Mr. NVHS, an all-male beauty pageant, is also put on. Each event generates an abundance of laughter you never want to miss.
15. If you need a pick-me-up, you would enroll in Mr. Poole's AP English class.
Well, there's nothing like a good old fashioned "Heart of Darkness" in this class that won't cure your nihilistic heart.
16. Your homecoming game and dance were always at the same times.
Tragic.
17. Hallways were always chaotic.
And the students who would stop in the middle of the hallway certainly were not helping the cause.
18. Your teachers were always there for you.
We all had at least one teacher that left an impact on our lives. North Valleys High School is not just home of the Panthers, but also home to some of the most helpful, insightful and loving teachers you will ever come across. They were dipping into their own pockets and their own time to bridge the gap for students. They always encouraged us and helped us when we truly needed it, and were always there for us in and outside of the classroom. They molded us into great human beings. I personally am very thankful for them.