Back To School

Freaks and Geeks, 1999 (TV Show)

Today I spent about three hours roaming the halls of the Boonville High School. Thanks to the very supportive Principal Whitten and Mr. Meyer, the Athletic Director, I have been invited to take pictures of the school and current students.

High School sports and youth are an important part of my Boonville Philosophy. During my travels, I have found many beautiful High Schools, but none have fit with my vision quite like the one in Boonville, Indiana. The second night I was in town I "snuck" (the gate was open) onto the football field, and sat alone under the stars, reminiscing of all the Friday nights I spent watching HS football games when I was young. So many wonderful and mysterious things happen under those lights. That is what first struck me. Second was the school name: The Pioneers. The Boonville Pioneers! How brilliant. And third was everything else. It's perfect. I had been holding off photographing students and athletes in the other towns, hoping I might find a better fit in the next, and I am glad I did.

This Thursday and Friday I will spend the day photographing the school, current students, and members of the Wrestling, Volleyball, Basketball, and Swimming teams. I will also be attending the Boonville Homecoming game, as well as the Homecoming dance.

I wasn't the biggest fan of HS. But it left a very specific and memorable mark on me and my thinking. My greatest memories, as in the strongest, not best, are of HS. I basically wandered through those years, much like I do my current ones, and I never felt I made a major impact in one way or another. I had many friends, but only two of which I still talk to, and only a handful of ones I could still name.

I often look back and think of my best and worst memories during HS; They are dream like, and sometimes I get the feeling as if they never really happened, but oddly enough they are very clear (maybe I just wish they never happened). Those four years are very intriguing, and effect everyone in a unique way. Mine still haunt me, but in a good way, an inspiring way. I'm looking forward to exploring that in the coming days.