Styles, attitudes, and lifestyles have changed drastically over the decades. It is not very often we think of our teachers as teenagers. Their past lives remained a mystery to their many students, until now. Their pasts were filled with funny, crazy and embarrassing moments that will now be revealed.

KEMPFF: 1970

“Bell bottoms, hipsters, earth shoes, Dr. Scholl’s sandals, hoop [earrings], fast cars, the smiley and the rainbow,” states science teacher Maya Kempff. This is the world she grew up in, the world very different from the world we know.

Kempff graduated in 1976; it was the 200th anniversary of America (the bicentennial). The 70s were known for the “hippie” culture and disco. The music of choice was funk, disco and hard rock. Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Aerosmith, AC/DC, and Van Halen blasted in the stereo. The U.S. was facing a recession very similar to one we are facing now and the country was changing.

“You need to find a balance in fun and learning,” said Kempff. As a teenager Kempff was involved in varsity tennis, volleyball and diving. “We didn’t shop like you guys do,” stated Kempff.

When she was younger, fun involved begin outside. Instead of the technologically-based fun of today, Kempff said she enjoyed bike rides and other outdoor activities.

Kempff’s favorite television shows included Charlie’s Angels, and Dallas, a show about a family facing the troubles of growing up with a father involved in oil companies. The Brad Pitt of Kempff’s teenage years was Robert Redford; you could see a smile crossing her face as she talked about the strawberry-blonde-haired heart throb. He had starring roles in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “Jeremiah Johnson.”

Kempff’s Saturday nights, unlike ours, were spent in uptown Birmingham, where she would get a cheeseburger and sundae at her one of her favorite resturants. Although thing were different, Kempp stated, “I had a blast in highschool!”

DEAN: 1990
Dan Dean gradated from high school in 1996. The pop culture of the 90s involved the “information age”. With the 90s, came the introduction of new medias like the Internet. The popularity of Hip-hop and grunge rock music was also on the rise. Keds, leggings, and all kind of neon were worn. Despite the interesting pop culture, Dean talked about a different side of the 1990s.

Dean said, “I was the worst kid in school”. He had average grades and loved punk rock. His favorite musician was “Flea” from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. “Flea” or Michael Balzary was an Australian-born bass player. Dean wasn’t involved in school, but enjoyed skateboarding.

“I met most of my friends at punk rock shows,” stated Dean “If you weren’t a jock, people didn’t talk to you”.

Even though Dean’s high school career was rocky, he had no regrets and stated, “learn everything because you don’t know what you are going to need in the future.”

CASCADDEN: 1998-2000

Math Teacher Michelle Cascadden graduated from Fowlerville High school in 1998. Her high school experience was very similar to the one we have today, but she said one major difference is the technology.

“I never really watched a lot of TV,” stated Cascadden. But her favorite show was Party of Five and she loved the movie “Titanic.”

Science teacher Michelle Cascadden was involved in volleyball, basketball, and soccer. She also was a member of NHS, student council and SADD.

Some of her best memories included winning in a sport, she said. Cascadden’s schedule was jam-packed.

“I wish I wouldn’t have been so stressed. Don’t spread yourself out so thin, pick a few favorites and enjoy yourself,” she said.

Although some changes are evident, Kempff states “It’s the same teenagers, just a different time.”