We read A Separate Peace by John Knowles in 8th grade. I recall a few details: prep school, a tree branch, and a club that the main characters started called The Super Suicide Society of the Summer Session. I remember that last fact because my friends and I founded the Super Suicide Society for the People Who Throw Fruit on the Street aka SSSPWTFS not too long after reading the book. The SSSPWTFS had one purpose: during the lunch hour, we would take (biodegradable) food – primarily, fruit – down onto the MBA front lawn. When there was a break in the traffic, we would hurl pieces of fruit onto West End. We would then watch in anticipation as cars sped by. As soon as a piece of fruit got hit by a car and, usually, exploded, we would erupt in joy. Needless to say, it was amazing. Alas, though, the SSSPWTFS got too adventurous for its own good and was investigated and ultimately taken down by the Administration after we were caught off-limits conducting an initiation ritual by Kingfisher Creek in the rain. During the subsequent interrogation, the junior school headmistress thought more nefarious activities were taking place. Once we explained what was actually going on – “You know, fruit. On the street. We throw it there.” – that cleared everything up.
submitted by Stuart Burkhalter '99