Drama. I think we started out with 42 our sophmore year. Nine of us made it all three years and graduated in 1981. I'm trying to remember all nine. Andrew, Laurel, Drew, Emily, Kelvin, Kathy, Mellisa, Victor, and myself. I may have mispelled some, but we were the originals from my class that graduated in 1981. I was probably closest to Victor, RIP. He was gay and committed suicide the year after we graduated. I would give anything to change that.

For this white girl who had never really been around gay people or black people, HSPVA was an eye opener. My parents were old school and didn't really accept either. David Garza brought me up fast shortly after "Skin of Our Teeth" was cast. I didn't think it was appropriate that a white boy and black girl were cast in the lead roles as parents. He gently, but firmly, put me in my place. My view of the world was forever changed. Thank goodness. I started looking at people differently from then on. Instead of seeing ways they were different than me, I started seeing the ways we were the same.

Among the many teachers at HSPVA that changed my perspective on life, and shaped my future, the ones that stand out in my memory are Ken Simmons, Bob Singleton, Mr. Barron, Lady Catley, and Dr. Hattcher. All the teachers at HSPVA in that time were spectacular. They worked many extra hours, with no extra pay. Just because they cared and believed in the vision of HSPVA and what it could do.

I'm not famous or note worthy, but the students and faculty at HSPVA changed my life. And hopefully I've passed on their message of understanding, expectation of excellence, and duty to society to others.