A letter from the Electric Class of 2020

To Darien High School, 

Thank you for 3.5 years of fun and growth. Thank you for teaching us that confidence comes from within ourselves, and that we are all humans, perfection is impossible. Thank you for preparing us for what lays ahead next whether it may be attending college, taking a gap year, or starting work. You truly outdid yourself. 

I cannot put into words how much this school has meant to me –  the school spirit, especially. Every single football, hockey, and lacrosse game was guaranteed fun and if you didn’t have a good time at those, then get a better seat on the bleachers! Walking by the fields every morning and seeing the neon yellow field goals somehow always encourages me to either wake up or put a smile on my face, reminding me of how much I love school. 

The cafeteria at DHS is another story. This place is crazy but this place is also THE SPOT. Everyday I sat before school from 7:20 to 7:36 talking to the early birds;, we had our own little mini squad. During every free period, I would stop by the caf on my way to the library or totally settle in at one of the tables in the caf to hang out. Lunch was honestly the highlight of my day, I got to see literally everyone. My sisters down a couple levels lower, my best friends by my sides, and my school friends surrounding me as I wolfed down my sad and typically crushed lunch. Anyways, thanks DHS caf. You rock, but I’ll always miss the old caf (any junior and senior would understand that).

The library is the most underrated place to hang out EVER. The librarians are amazing human beings and I love them lots. Not only have I gone to the library to hang out with Ms. Savage, but I’ve gone and actually gotten work done. It’s magical. 

Jim is a statement piece of DHS, and a very necessary one. You walk in the door and he after Pat, Rick, Angie, or Mr. Davis (all amazing people who are incredible at giving parking tickets) is the first person you see. Always smiling, Jim will never let you pass him without an exchange of at least a few words. Over my four years, Jim has not only seen me come with the most pathetic notes to leave from my mom, but he’s made fun of me for them. He has become a friend of mine. He is the GOAT and that is an undeniable fact. If I were to go around the entire school and ask people about what they thought of Jim, I have a strong feeling one of their first words would be “lollipop”. Thanks for everything Jim, the Class of 2020 really loves you!

Mr. Mazzone is sort of a newbie in the DHS faculty, but man oh man this guy is great at his job. Every single day at lunch Mr. Mazzone would come and hang out and talk to me and my friends, casually, which is pretty awesome. He told us early on in the year that he was going to make it his mission to learn us all by name and he most definitely accomplished that; he actually accomplished even more. He learned what sports we played, when our games were, and even brought his family to a few games. He’s a cool guy and our school wouldn’t be such a positive environment without him there. 

The Theater and Art Departments are two parts of DHS that are INCREDIBLE. Oh my gosh. Going to the school plays and musicals for the past four years has been a highlight of my year. The theater department works so very hard  and although the show did not go on this year, we all know how amazing it would have been. The art department also deserves a shoutout (more like 100 shoutouts) for their work. Walking through the halls and seeing murals, paintings, sculptures made by students makes you realize how talented DHS is. Art show week = best week. 

Finally, the teachers. They’re amazing and as a class, the seniors want to thank you for everything you do. You’ve taught us more than what’s in the book. You’ve taught us how to go out in the world and create our own paths, how to be ourselves and not let anyone change that, how to ignore the negativity and focus on our own goals. You are all what made us the people we are today, and the people who will be graduating this August. We love you and thank you. 

All the best DHS,

Class of 2020