High school movies. Love them or hate them, they continue to hold substantial influence amongst high schoolers. Whether it be the High School Musical movies, Lemonade Mouth, or Clueless, movies still influence individuals’ perspectives on what it means to have the “perfect” high school experience.
However, movies, television, and even social media often perpetuate a synthetic story. Popular media often presents a single, romanticized narrative of “the traditional high school experience.” Films historically have centered on a majority white student body upholding so-called “American” values. Whether through Hallmark movies or other widely consumed media, viewers are frequently confronted with simplified archetypes: the football jock, the geek, or the weird theater kid.
Conversely, when this lens is applied to Hoffman Estates High School, the picture doesn’t quite fit. “Hallmark movies love to stereotype theater kids as geeks or outcasts, but at Hoffman, it’s not like that,” said Sherry Alao, senior. “People in theater aren’t boxed into one label, they’re just seen as individuals. Hoffman lets everyone do their thing without making it a big deal or sticking them in a stereotype.”
Hoffman’s culture transcends one-size-fits-all portrayals. It’s a school where acceptance of diverse interests and pursuits takes precedence over cliques and rigid social structures. In contrast, not all high schools break away from the norms set by the media. At Lake Park High School in Roselle, the environment feels more like the movies, said Anthony Bellavia, a junior at Lake Park.
“These movies are relatively similar to the culture at Lake Park. I feel that the types of characters portrayed in these movies are closely similar to the characters in my high school,” said Bellavia. “Obviously people have more complexity to them, but for the most part I feel that these movies do a great job of portraying most cliques in high school.”
Hoffman’s cultural tapestry is vibrant and varied. According to the Illinois State Board of Education, Hoffman Estates High School has a total minority enrollment of 72.1%, making it the most diverse public high school in Illinois and the 8th most diverse in the United States. This diversity fuels the school’s inclusive spirit, evident in the murals and artwork displayed throughout campus. “I believe that Hoffman does a great job in including students. I feel accepted at Hoffman,” said senior Aesha Patel, emphasizing the welcoming atmosphere that stands out to many.
Still, media influences remain powerful. The bulletin board found near the auditorium displaying “things I’d tell my middle school self” in the first-floor hallway reveals just how pervasive media narratives can be. Many notes reflect aspirations shaped by social media, films, and television—whether that means being homecoming royalty, fitting into a clique, or having a picture-perfect high school romance. Even popular franchise films like High School Musical, Mean Girls, and The Breakfast Club continue to resonate with students. “I like High School Musical 2,” said Mylee Montgomery, junior, referencing one of the series’ most iconic installments.
Still, for the students of Hoffman Estates, the actual day-to-day experience is a far cry from the glossy portrayals onscreen. True to its reputation, Hoffman is multifaceted and open-minded, allowing individuals to redefine who they are without feeling confined to any Hollywood-style stereotype. And perhaps that contrast—between mass media’s “perfect high school” myth and Hoffman’s real, inclusive culture—is exactly what gives its students a unique lens to view themselves and the world around them.
