Written by JJ Darrough (Class of 2026)

Melissa Mooney graduated from Ben Davis in 2004. She spent time reflecting back on her time as a Giant.

What was the school like when you were a student?
“I remember BD being just as busy as it is today. Crowded hallways, many clubs, and extracurriculars, winning sports and performance arts... There was always something going on here.”

If you were here during the 2003 renovations, how was the school different before and after?
“The renovations in 2003 included the addition of the Freshman Center. Where the Ninth Grade Center is now used to be the student parking lot. I graduated in 2004, before the stadium renovation and the addition of AA Hall. I remember a grass field that faced the EAST (the current visitor stands used to be the home stands) and A Hall used to have windows.”

Did you do any extracurriculars, clubs, play any instruments, etc in high school?
“I was in both color guard and winter guard from 10th-12th grade. I was the color guard captain in my senior year. I participated in a few musicals/plays, was a member of the French Club, and participated on the Prom Committee my junior year.”

Where did you hangout after school, and what did you do?
“Most of the time, I hung out after school in the guard locker room or band hall before practice. I eventually got a job, so on days I didn’t have practice, I went there.”

What was the school spirit like and how has it changed?  
“I remember having a lot of school spirit myself, but I honestly can’t remember what the student body was like. Some people cared and were at all the games and dressed up. Then, there were the people who refused to participate in anything. So, maybe it’s very similar to now.”

Are there any teachers still teaching here that taught you when you were here, if so who?
“Yes. Mr. Hayes, Mr. Goins, Mr. Easter, and Mr. Lile, just to name a few.”

What was technology like back then and how has it changed?
“Cell phones were just starting to be a ‘thing’. Smartphones didn’t exist yet, calls were free after 9 p.m., and texting was 10 cents per message. We didn’t have school-issued devices, so we had to go to computer labs or the library to use a computer. Every classroom had a big box TV hanging in the corner of the room. We had overhead projectors and teachers had to write on transparency pages. Things have come a long way in 20 years.”