I have been supported by people from all over the country, but there has been an influx in, what Counting Crows would call, “Omaha, somewhere in middle America”. I was born there, left for England for four years, then returned for my first week of kindergarten. I lived and went to school there from my first day all the way through my Graduation from Papillion LaVista High School in 1999. Omaha has always been my home, where my parents and some of my best friends still live.
Some people don’t care for high school, but I absolutely loved it. “Papio" was a large high school, graduating about 550 in ’99. And being an extrovert, I felt I knew just about everyone in my class. And there are a few moments I will never forget… Standing naked on stage wearing only a fig leaf covering for Mr. Monarch, which led to winning our annual male beauty pageant, playing trumpet solos on the 50 yard line at halftime for our powerhouse football team, singing and dancing in A Chorus Line, and being named Prom Prince.
But really there is only one story you will ever hear about me from any Papillion alumni. On my 16th birthday, I was offered the role of “Tracy’s friend Eric” in Alexander Payne’s movie “Election”. My fellow classmates will remind you of my single line delivered to Matthew Broderick that I’ll always be remembered for. “What happened to your eye?” I can’t explain how many times this was uttered at our ten-year reunion…
I also remember a scene that got edited out of the final movie. In this scene, I asked Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) on a date while we were painting her posters. She turned me down because she was far too busy with her ongoing campaign for Class President. Nevertheless, I used that to my advantage off-screen and explained that I couldn’t end up being turned down by her in the end. She smiled, agreed, and we “went on a date” to a local coffee shop across the street. And, of course, at the wrap party she pulled me out onto the dance floor. I was so incredibly nervous. I didn’t even know how to dance, let alone with a celebrity! I expressed hesitation but her enthusiasm finally convinced me. And then what happened? Slow dance… as if the DJ knew. So, yes, I slow-danced with Reese Witherspoon. She was always such a nice girl.
These stories, like having a one-on-one breakfast with Matthew Broderick in his trailer, watching his pinball skills, or explaining to him why we had to change the lyrics from “Tits and Ass” to “This and That” in order for our version of Chorus Line to compete at a state level. These stories (and more!) will be highlighted in my upcoming book if we can figure out how to raise that final $2,700!
This is going somewhere, trust me.
I remember my first day at Papillion LaVista High School. I walked into my Forensics class and saw the most gorgeous blonde, Brandi Petersen. She was from Papillion Jr. High and I was from LaVista Jr. High, but when we reached high school the two schools combined. I played it cool. Not pushing anything. Took my time. I suppose in some ways she was the female version of me. She was a Forensics genius, played all of the major roles in our school plays, had an incredible voice as she sang in our choirs, ended up being the Homecoming Queen and, eventually, Miss Nebraska. And you know what she’s up to now? She’s the Evening News Anchor for KETV in Omaha, Nebraska!
Recently, she interviewed me and explained my full story on her blog. It was fantastic how she captured the story through her own unique voice. As always, Brandi did it right. But here’s something I bet a lot of people from my high school didn’t know…
She was my first kiss! I kissed an evening news anchor!
So we’re bringing back the love as she continues to be such an amazing long-distance supporter through this crazy journey in my life. Check out her recent blog as she shares my story to Omaha natives in support of my Kickstarter campaign.
OK! We started out the day with $3,300 left and we're already down to $2,700! Let's keep it going!