300 Words: My Grandparents, High School Sweethearts
by Kelsey Myers
Two sweaters. One
couple. A life full of love and laughter. While many of the students of don’t
realize the significance of the old wool Delone letterman sweaters, those who
have heard stories know just how special they are.
The year was 1960 when
life was much simpler and people did not get caught up in every day drama. A
girl met a boy and their love story blossomed. She was in the band and he
played varsity football.
She lived in
McSherrystown where it was considered a long distance call to phone him in
Gettysburg. Socks hops, classes, football games, basketball games, and band
competitions: together they supported each other through high school.
They eventually
graduated from high school and she went on to nursing school and he became an
accountant. Together they raised a family of five based on family, faith, and
love.
Life was not always easy
for them. He was drafted into the military during the Vietnam War. She had to
care for her two infant children. Countless sacrifices had to be made to
support a family of seven; together they conquered it all.
They may have had to
tuck their Delone sweaters into their old cedar chest but they look back on
high school with fondness in their hearts. They see the many hours spent at
school activities and the dedication they had to Delone.
Their Delone sweaters
get pulled out once a year for their grandchildren to wear during spirit week
and for one day their sweaters get to see the school in which so many memories
were made.
Delone has changed
immensely over the years, the hallways have become less crowded, renovations
have been made, there are now two gyms, and teachers have come and gone but the
traditions and community haven’t changed.