Growing up in a small town, I never expected that a small school would make an impact onto my life. When I was a freshman at Verona High School, I felt intimidated; my brother and sister were seniors at the time that I started, the teachers were totally new to me, marching band was getting intense, and the expectations for sports was high. Everything was strange to me and I did not know what to expect. Looking back now, I miss all the moments I cherished at Verona High School. Here's a few reasons why Verona High School will always be home.

1. Football (!!!)

Every Friday night or Saturday afternoon during the fall season there is a huge student section rooting for our team to win and going insane! And there is always that one person, boy or girl, who dresses up as the famous hillbilly, denim overalls, straw hat and everything!

2. Study hall

Every school has one of these at some point in the day. Some would actually do work. Most would hang out in the library with their friends or talk to the teachers. For the seniors, thanks to block scheduling, study hall would rotate around. If study hall was first thing in the morning, they got to go into school later than 7:55 a.m. If study hall was last period, they got to go home or get to their sports practice early. When it fell before or after lunch, they got an extra hour to relax.

3. Out to lunch

Out to lunch is a senior privilege. During lunchtime, seniors got to leave the school for 30 minutes and relax and eat other food that was not the cafeteria's. Some like to go home for a bit and make their own food. This time is also part of some seniors "Study-Lunch" as mentioned earlier.

4. Band (!!!)

Band was a staple to not only my high school career, but others as well. When I first started at Verona High School, my career did not start in September. No, it started in late June with summer marching band rehearsals. The rehearsals were tough and band camp was intense. I miss performing in competitions and I miss the awards that came with them. Then when concert band came around I got to play a different instrument and play new parts. I miss the annual band trips and the concert performances at school. Music is still my life and VHS helped me realize that.

5. Small school = more friends and bigger community

Verona High School has about 500 students enrolled every year. Being in a small town I never expected to be close to several people until high school. I have so many friends and I bond with them in several ways. Verona High School helped me find my closest friends during my four years there. And I'm happy to still have friends after being away for so long.

6. Sports

I have played volleyball, basketball, softball and competed indoor track. I had the opportunity to travel to other parts of New Jersey for various games and meets. I was able to make friends with my teammates that I still have to this day. I was blessed to play and contribute my part for my teams. I was honored to wear "Verona" across my chest all four years and I would do anything to do it again.

7. The teachers

I have to thank all the teachers that I had at Verona High School for everything that they taught me. I was lucky to have some amazing teachers who inspired me to try my hardest at whatever I do! Some of the teachers were pretty cool, I'm not gonna lie! Whether they were cool or not, easy or difficult, they still taught me well and I could not be more grateful for that. Thank you teachers!

8. It's close to home -- really it is

Verona is only about 2 square miles -- everything is withing reach, especially having a quick route to school. From my house, it only takes a few blocks to get to school. Ten minutes by foot and 2 minute by car (if I can get a good parking spot). I was hardly late for class at 7:55 nor was I late for choir, which started at 7:12 (and that is early). If I was late, unless I came from somewhere far away or from lunch, I could not use traffic as a valid excuse. Verona is very close to home and if I wanted to, I would go back and visit very easily.

9. Friendships

Some of my close friendships did start before high school. However, through classes, clubs and sports, I was able to make some amazing bonds with my friends. I still talk to some of my friends to this day and I get to hang out with them once in a while. I am blessed to have my friends and I am thankful high school gave me the time to make memories with them. From the parties to school events, memories like them will last a lifetime.

10. Our unique mascot

Yes, at times we do get made fun of sometimes because we are not the usual "Cougars," "Tigers," "Eagles," etc. But you know what, our mascot is unique. I know that there isn't another school in New Jersey with a hillbilly as its mascot. That is what makes Verona High School so unique. Our mascot does not just have to be a Southern thing. Our mascot bleeds maroon and white and we are strong!

11. The clubs

I was a part of a few clubs as well as student council. I have to say that they were a lot of fun. They helped build me as a leader and guide others to our goals. It was a great way to give back to not only my school and town, but to the community as well. And that carried over into my college career.

12. Verona is my home and my life

I will always and forever be a Verona Hillbilly at heart!!

It wasn't about how many varsity letters I got, or that I was homecoming queen or prom princess, or how many awards or appearances in the town paper I got (Yes, they do matter to me still), it's about how I got there and the lessons I was able to get and Verona High School got me there throughout my four years there. I will be forever grateful for that.

Thanks Verona High School! I've had the time of my life!

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