CHS Celebration

 “Ever True to Thee”

This past week, Mike and I returned to our roots. Our high school roots: George D. Chamberlain High School in Tampa, Florida. Chamberlain (CHS) celebrated its seventieth anniversary. And did it right.

We were a bit wary before the event. A few years ago, in the pressure to be “politically correct,” our school changed its mascot. What had been the Chamberlain Chiefs with a Native American Indian Chief as the mascot, became The Storm. 

Now I ask you, how do you dress as a storm?

That was our question from the start. What could ever serve as your mascot?

Still… celebrating seventy years of being a positive part of the educational landscape in this Florida city is pretty cool. We bought our tickets and made our plans. 

Parking was where it always was when we were kids. The stadium, though updated, was in the right place. We headed to the gym for our dinner and gathering.

Wow. First, let me say the gym, though likely the same size, appeared to be a bit smaller than when we were in high school. 

Checking in, we were handed celebratory t-shirts and nametags. Inside we found a table with friends, sat down and took it all in. 

That’s when we made the discovery. The one that calmed our spirit and warmed out hearts. Displayed on the wall was a huge mural. 

Our beloved Chief painted on the left and the Storm…a fierce warrior in his own right, holding a lightning bolt in his hand on the other side. And in the middle? These words:

Fate Whispers to the Warrior,

“You Cannot Withstand the Storm.”

The Warrior Whispers Back,

“I AM THE STORM.”

It was an acknowledgement of our beloved Chiefs. 

Not forgotten. Incorporated. 

it was history infused in the spirit of all that is that school. 

“O’ Chamberlain, O’ Chamberlain…Ever true to thee.” Over three hundred people standing. Singing the song that defined over seventy years of graduates. Our Alma Mater.

It was a celebration of foritude. A celebration of success. We toured the building, found our lockers, noted certain classrooms and talked about favorite teachers. 

I don’t know if I fully appreciated the many ways my high school experience shaped who I am today. It stretches far beyond what was in books. I had teachers who encouraged my writing. I enjoyed the company of trusted and true friends. 

And, as it turns out, it was at Chamberlain I first met two of the greatest guys I’ve ever known.

P.S. If you are reading this on Wednesday, October 21, don't forget to make your way to Lutz this evening. I am celebrating the release of Corners and Straight Edges at the Old Lutz School on US 41 from 5:30-7:30!