I go to Lindenwood. I’m still a lion. I still wear the black and gold. However, it is absolutely not the same as being a Fort Zumwalt East Lion. Nothing will compare to the experiences and memories I created in that beautiful building. Here are some things that you'll only understand if you go to FZE, went to FZE, or work at FZE.
1. Our unforgettable catchphrase, “#theLIONway."
It’s on almost every t-shirt, every poster, and every classic tweet @FZELIONS1 makes. Everyone knows Mr. Bishop loves Twitter and loves his hashtag. We should all probably just get it tattooed on ourselves to show where we came from.
2. THE STAIRS.
People here at Lindenwood complain about a building that has three floors. Like, give me a break, people! They need to feel the pain of going from the locker room to the fifth floor in five minutes and not having any time to catch your breath. Oh, and even if you exercise every day and you are the fittest of the fit, you will still be out of breath from those stairs. They were killer for me, they’re killer for the current students, and they will always be killer.
3. Our theater department.
If you haven’t been to a Fort Zumwalt East Production, go. You won’t regret it. The singing is perfect. The acting is outstanding. The set is always phenomenal. How many coats of paint does that stage floor have? I don’t think anyone will ever know. Oh, and you can’t forget the awesome tech people that do a fantastic job and wear the “I’m TECHNICALLY in the show” shirts. Don’t lie, we’ve all wished we on the tech crew just to wear that puny shirt. Go see a play. Go see a musical. Support the arts... especially FZE’s
4. Pride News.
First hour. Every Wednesday. That catchy jingle you will never forget (I promise). Ten minutes and sometimes longer of announcements and fun that allows you a break from learning is something I wish I still had in my Wednesday routine.
Shout out to Mrs. Munro and STUCO for doing all the work for that luxury!
5. The dodgeball tournament.
This is a classic East high tradition. Thanks to FBLA, every November, we form teams and dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge. It’s such a fun night to be a part of with wacky team uniforms, funny team names, and a sick playlist of jams. Also, getting to watch the teachers participate is better than cable TV. This is all thanks to the hard work put in by the amazing Mrs. Q!!!
6. Parking lot traffic.
At 2:25, You MUST run out of your class to the parking lot. If you’re not out at your car by 2:28, you should probably just wait inside until about 2:35, so you don’t have to sit in traffic and waste gas. The parking lot is inevitably chaotic.
7. The amazingly nice and friendly security officers.
We all know these guys. The are some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. I don’t understand how they are so happy all of the time when they sit in that little box by the entrance all day. And, don’t forget when you come to school late or leave early. They’re always there to say “Did you sleep too long?” or just a simple wave. Their kindness will forever amaze me.
8. Our principals.
Okay, first of all, Mr. Bishop is the bomb. He’s such a cool dude...you can’t deny it. If you don’t know Mr. Bishop and have never talked to him, I encourage you to go do it. He’ll make you laugh for sure. Now for the other principles...they’re so much fun, too. They each have different responsibilities and do them well. If you don’t know your assistant principal, I encourage you to go do that. They would love to get to know you better, and I can honestly say, creating relationships with the staff at your school will benefit you so much.
9. The prom fashion show.
This is also an East High tradition that everyone loves. From being in the fashion show to emceeing it to just watching it and taking pictures with your friends afterward, all of it is a blast.
10. The librarians.
Like the security guards, these are two of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet. Yes, they are there to help you find books and use the databases, but they have been so much more for FZE students. You can talk to them about anything, and they’ll be willing to help out. If you’re still there, appreciate them because I miss them so much!
11. The custodians
We just have the best staff ever. They are so, so nice every time you speak them. I don’t really understand how they are always so happy when they clean up messes all day! These custodians put in so much work that often goes unnoticed. They deserve so much credit for the awesome school we all know and love. Tell a custodian thanks for all they do next time you see one. And, I URGE you...please just clean up your trash at lunch. They are not your mom. ;)
12. Powder Puff
There are so many things about powder puff to love. The sea of pink and purple in the halls that day. The competitive spirit you can feel between the senior and junior girls. Finding a guy cheerleader and thinking of a cute and catchy name for the back of your shirts. The guys’ hilarious dance during halftime. Oh, and you can’t forget Kelley’s prisoners—it wouldn’t be FZE powder puff without ‘em!
13. Our AMAZING homecoming decorations.
Seriously. They. Are. Phenomenal. Every year they amazed me. Mrs. Munro and STUCO plan and work on these for months and months, and they stay there the entire night to set them up. They are always epic and leave you questioning. “How did they do that?!?!”
14. When sophomores get parking passes.
It seems to be getting earlier and earlier. As a sophomore, this is the best feeling ever!!! But as a junior or senior, ...you already know where I’m going with this. Just get there early and get a good spot.
15. Little Caesars for everything.
Parties? Little Caesar’s. Rewards? Little Caesar’s. PPI Lion Connection Events? Little Caesar’s. I don’t even think I could taste the pizza when I ate it by the end of senior year because I had it so much.
16. The feeling of playing against South.
Our biggest rivals. No matter what sport you play, you dress up the day you play south. It just means so much to you and your coach. Winning is the best thing ever...losing is definitely the worst.
17. The diversity.
East is one of the most diverse schools in St. Pete. We have so many different people from different backgrounds who come together and make East so special. Also, there is a club or sport for EVERYONE, so get involved!
18. Band and color guard.
You gotta admit, our band and color guard are pretty fantastic. They perform some of the coolest shows at football halftime...wearing the most intense outfits. Not only do they play instruments, but they dance and act on the field, too. Oh, and KUDOS to them for getting up and getting to rehearsal at 6am every morning during marching season. It still amazes me how they do it.
19. Our teachers.
The teachers are so caring and committed to us students. They love their job and love to help. I could write on and on about the teachers at FZE and how they impacted me, but I will just simply say: FZE’s teachers changed my life for the better.
*This is just ONE of the many, many awesome teachers at FZE!!!*
20. The camaraderie.
Leaving East and coming to college has made me realize how much I miss the camaraderie there. The teachers and staff care so much about you. You know almost everyone in your grade. There’s just a fun spirit running through the halls. Cherish that.
To all the current students at East right now, enjoy every second. You WILL miss it, but you’ll also come to realize that FZE is a part of you and that can never be taken away.
