Growing up in Macomb Township, I think everyone will agree with me when I say there is not much to do. It is a small town where everyone knows everyone and you are constantly running into people from high school. Going along with that, Macomb Township is home to the third largest public school in the state of Michigan. With an enrollment of over 2,000 kids, the experience the students of Dakota go through are different than those of other schools. Dakota High School gave me a unique experience that students across the state won’t experience.

1. Cougar days

Ah, there’s nothing like knowing the end of the summer is here than spending hours at school in August to get that oh so dreadful school picture taken and your class schedule.

2. Having your mornings start with “GOOD MORNING DAKOTA” on the announcements.

At least when I attended there, the morning announcements were always an enthusiastic start to your day that you couldn’t go without.

3. Being asked countless times if there is really a McDonald's in the school, and where it was located.

After a while, it’s a lot more fun to just say yes we do have one, it’s on the third floor to be exact.

4. Every year we were winning state championships left and right.

Whether it is football, volleyball, bowling or any of the other phenomenal sports that Dakota has, winning is never a problem.

5. Speaking of winning, there’s nothing like the Dakota and Chippewa rivalry.

Of course football was the biggest victim of this rivalry, but regardless of the sport or club there was always that tension and need to be competitive with our sister school.

6. During the fall, your Friday nights were spent at the football stadium, and only the football stadium.

Cheerleader, dancer, player, student, parent, didn’t matter who you were or why you were there, the stadium was always overflowed with supporters.

7. You were enrolled in one high school, but attended two buildings.

Fairly new to Dakota, is the 9^th grade center which houses the 9^th grade students and then the “big house” has grades 10-12 because of the amount of kids enrolled.

8. You became a better driver because of the parking lots.

Consider yourself lucky if you've never had to deal with dismissal at Dakota. It definitely teaches you how to deal with irate drivers, crowds, and four way stops.

9. You could walk through the halls and see someone you’ve never seen before.

I still can look back at my graduating class in my yearbook and not recognize people.

10. Homecoming week is always a big deal.

From spirit week, to the pep rally, to the football game and the school dance, this week is always one to look forward to.

11. Having the sweetest, best security guard out there.

Walking into school it was always a delight seeing his smiling face.

No matter what sport, club, or clique you were part of in high school, whether you were caught skipping by "Tiger Woods" or in class with one of the many great teachers, I'm sure you can agree that these things remind you of your high school days at Dakota High School.