Hyde Park evolves as Color Guard’s second home

Hidden between the large window panes of the library and the gate of the upper field, Hyde Park provides a clean and quiet environment for students to study or socialize.

On most days, the area is a hangout spot for members of the Color Guard. Some sit there catching up on schoolwork or just talking with friends; others practice their Guard skills on the freshly cut grass, spinning flags or tossing rifles high into the air.

Following former assistant principal Karen Hyde’s retirement in 2012, the school and the SHS Foundation decided to build the small grassy area as a tribute to her 36 years at Saratoga High. Completed in the spring of 2012, the park displays a small garden, three tables and two benches, as well as a small sign inscribed “Hyde Park” in capitalized black letters.

“I actually didn’t know it was happening,” Hyde said. “The old ‘park’ was an ugly, barren patch outside the library and the custodial, maintenance staff and (then assistant principal) Mr. Mount prepared it to be Hyde Park. The day of my retirement party, I was driven up to be surprised, and surprised I was!”

Currently, Hyde works as a college admissions counselor in her business, Hyde Consults, in Los Gatos, and often connects with alumni.

“I loved working and spending hours, years with students at Saratoga, many of whom I remain in contact with and many whose children I see as clients,” Hyde said. “So I hope Hyde Park is a place where kids can spend time together, enjoying Saratoga High and each other.”

According to senior Isabelle Tseng, a member of the Color Guard, the Hyde Park tradition started two years ago, when most of the team was gathering to sign end-of-season instructor cards. Realizing that no one was really using the space, they continued to meet there during tutorials and lunch.

“Though originally Hyde Park lunches were meant as a way to meet up for extra practice, it’s become an integral part of what you might call the Guard lifestyle,” Tseng said.

The majority of the Guard can be found at Hyde during lunch, and at least half during tutorial, whether they’re spinning, talking about auditions, catching up on homework or just hanging out. Because the park is right next to the Upper Field, there is plenty of space for the team to spin flags and sabers.

“We tend to be the group that gets kicked out of practice spaces, like the upper field, lower field, big gym, small gym and even the library, so it means a lot to us to have a place that’s ours,” Tseng said.

Gathering at Hyde Park has brought the team closer together, as they spend time together outside of the rehearsal context. Many inside jokes have arisen as a result of the tradition, including the hashtag #HydeParkEveryday.

“The hashtag started when our instructors told us that we needed to start practicing during the week,” junior Michelle Koo said. “It started off as #HydeParkTuesdays since in the beginning we were only there during Tuesdays. But it ended up evolving into #HydeParkEveryday when the team decided to meet there during tutorials, lunch and afterschool.”

Spending time together at Hyde Park outside of practices has not only changed the team dynamic, but also provided many memories for seniors to look back on as they near graduation.

“We got super close. It's like a big family with a whole bunch of sisters and one brother,” senior Amelia Schwabe said. “I really love how close we have all gotten, and I'm going to miss it so much.”

For Hyde, Saratoga carries countless “magical” memories of “wonderful staff folks, and the kids, the kids, the kids.” Though her career at the school wasn’t what she thought she would be doing, she is grateful toward “whatever force moved her to Saratoga and that wonderful job.” Her legacy and her love for students lives on in Hyde Park, which will be a cherished place on campus for years to come.

“I remember some magic moments after setting up Homecoming decorations and seniors staying in the quad and singing,” Hyde said. “I remember the magic Grad Nights where I watched kids playing sand volleyball with others they probably hadn’t said five words to before that night. I remember alumni basketball games, football games and seeing kids at reunions.”  Saratoga, for me, was all about the students.”