High School Musical - Happy Anniversary High School Musical ~ "Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat"

heartunprepared · 01-31-2010, 06:46 AM

On January 20 2006, 7.7 million people tuned in to watch the premiere of

High School Musical

a little Disney Channel film which was filmed in six weeks.

By January 23, High School Musical fever spread its way across Fan Forum - with HSM Appreciation Threads
at both the Disney board and Movies board as well as a T♥G thread at the Couples board. A number of other
couples board threads opened over time, and the Disney board was used to host HSM survivors.

Courtesy of Fearlessღ (at the time jillrenay) created June 2006 for the second HSM Appreciation thread at Disney

On September 6 2006, the Zac Efron Campaign commenced, with his name put forward in the October polls.
Our favourite Wildcat captain had the 100 votes required by October 19. Both the Vanessa Anne Hudgens and
Ashley Tisdale campaigns then kicked into gear. The Zac Efron board opened in November 2006. It took a bit
longer for the girls, but our Baby V finally had her very own board as of March, 2007, and after a gruelling
campaign Tizzy’s board finally came to fruition in October, 2007.

Almost two years after the premiere of the original film; the campaign commenced to get High School Musical
its very own board at Fan Forum. The campaign began on December 28 2007, High School Musical was
submitted into the Special Requests poll for January 2008.

HSM fever was high, with the third installment on the way - the timing was perfect.

HSM Campaign thread art - by Harley (zanessatroygabriellalover)

By all technicalities this board should not be here. In the same special requests poll, The
Twilight Saga was campaigning. High School Musical, in any other round, would likely
have had the fanbase to win the poll. However in January of 2008, it was Twilight who was
successful in winning the campaign. At the end of the month, the campaign thread supporters
were ranting and raving and bawling about how much they wanted their board, but
ultimately had to resign themselves to waiting another six months for the next special requests poll.

A few hours later, while most of the Wildcat fans were still asleep - a miracle happened.

The High School Musical Board opened.

"Im soo confused. How did we get a board!!?" one fan asked.

"This is so cool! I don't care how we got all that matters is that we got it!" another exclaimed.

"arehklakreajlhkrejhfhklaejhlkfjehnmefdopjhrelakmhofdjblvmkoaehjlkfjmcvlmzlf," was all that a third fan could manage to say

Two years on and this board is going stronger than ever. Our Wildcats are growing up and we love them more than ever.

Three movies have succeeded in capturing our hearts and souls...

HSM1 Appreciation Thread Art by Noelle (Noelle82)
HSM2 Appreciation Thread Art by Kelly (Time4Love)
HSM3 Appreciation Thread Art by Tugba (tyubi)

Four years after they were first brought into our lives:
Chad, Coach Bolton, Jason, Gabriella, Kelsi, Martha, Ms. Darbus, Ryan, Sharpay, Taylor, Troy, Zeke and more -
all their classmates, their parents, their bosses, their teammates, their principal -
they continue to excite us, to fascinate us, to thrill us, to touch us.

Why We Love High School Musical

Dressed in a scarlet and white graduation robe, East High’s famous basketball captain
scans his graduating classmates seated upon the lush football field with his sapphire eyes.
“Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat,” Troy Bolton pronounces with definition – not truly aware
of how powerful these words are. Troy has underestimated the unity he, and the rest of his
friends, have created with such a simple Disney Channel movie. In fact, he had no
idea that days before the launch of the record breaking sequel, a fan had fallen head over
heels for the movie as he leaned backwards upon a piano to bellow the sweet sound of
his voice - indirectly professing his love to his girlfriend. The moment opened doors to
that fan, because others around her felt that same passion and dedication for years after.
Troy would never quite understand how, because he first sang karaoke on New Year’s Eve
with his soul mate or the ice queen of East High sang of expensive flip flops before
a pool, this girl has swooned and sighed with the most incredible people she had
ever hoped to meet. The strength created by each song and step gave her the ability
to share her passion with the world when she may have never been able to before. It is
because of this “simple” TV movie that this fan has discovered herself in more ways than
intended. Despite the abandonment of others less dedicated, she –along with many
others – smiles at Troy Bolton’s words each time they are said and truly agrees that
she will always be a Wildcat.

~ Kelly (Time4Love)

My love for the HSM trilogy could never be summed up in merely one sentence, or
a paragraph even. It is just that magical. The moment I laid eyes upon the first preview,
I was in and I was a goner. It is so moving and special in a way that an entire generation
can attest to, be it two four years ago when the first little TV movie aired on the Disney
Channel, or be it four years from now when fans will still be watching the films, reading
the novels, or showing off their HSM ice tour souvenirs they giddily bought along the
aisles before the show. There's a certain pride that comes with being part of this amazing
fandom; there's a joyous beauty in that three films of various "different in a good
way" characters have brought so many people all across the world together in such a
manner. As the gang's tour bus driver once told our Wildcats, he'd never seen fans like
High School Musical fans. He noticed the drive, the energy, the passion. It is everything that
encompasses this trilogy into the very core of our being. It is magical.

~ Gladys (Miss Fate)

Sometimes in life, we encounter people or things that change us. For me, High School
Musical is one of those things. I can honestly say that it has altered my world and
made it a far, far brighter place to be. What the trilogy has given me is something
beyond words; it's something beautiful and magical. The Wildcats mean so, so
much to me; they're a group of gorgeous, inspiring and caring people who've
encouraged me to pursue my dreams and never be ashamed of who I am. I will love
them, for always. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat ♥

~ Grace (stardazzle)

Artwork by Lisa (SunnyHunny123456789)

I'd like to say it was fate that brought me to HSM. I remember watching the very first
advert and immediately writing down the names of every actor/actress involved.
Typing their names into Google, I attempted to learn more about each one of them
-- it didn't take long considering the new hype surrounding them.

I remember being so excited to watch it that I'd scour the net for hours every day to
find out more information. I still remember the day I found the lyrics to the songs. It took
me 2 hours to write down and learn every song's lyrics off by heart and I would constantly
be singing them.

Then just two days before HSM was due to be broadcasted, our Disney Channel cut off and
we were told that we wouldn't be able to get it for the next few weeks. So I tried desperately
to find a new obsession and stop thinking about the little musical on the Disney
Channel. When the day came for it to be premiered, I was over at my cousins house who
was getting ready to watch it, and my mother made me leave just 10 minutes before it
started. I cried because I'd been so desperate to see it.

When we got home, I tried once more to see if it would work, and it didn't. I was ready
to give up all hope, until my mother tried one last time and it came on. We had the
channel for the whole weekend before it cut off again and I'd been able to watch it.

I think many people underestimated the power that HSM had, not only on children, but on
those a little older too and as cliché as it it sounds, HSM has changed my life in many
ways and I can only be thankful for that. It's such an honour to feel like I can give just a little
back to everybody who was a part of that by moderating this fabulous board.

I wish Kenny, the cast of HSM, the dancers, the extras... everybody involved in HSM
a prosperous career which highlights perfectly the talent that each and every one possess.

The trilogy may be over but the legacy lives on.

~ Tamy (WhereverYouAre_) - Current HSM Board Moderator

From the moment I saw High School Musical I got hooked. It's got everything
that I love: music, song and dance. Some may say it's a kids movie, or just a bunch of
teens prancing around and trying to sing... ehh!! I'm just a little kid myself at heart, and I love
to prance around singing and dancing my guts out! *look* Seriously, I think that just the
fact of having a movie without some major dramas, violence, drugs and whatever; a movie
that everyone can watch and relate too (everyone been to high school : P); a movie where we
can just have a great time and forget all our problems for an hour and a half; its perfect!
And the best part... there's 3 of them!! It may be cheesy, it may be childish, but who says
that has to a be a bad thing? Everything was done beautifully and the cast (and crew) is just
amazing. They get along amazingly, they have fun and that shows! I think bottom line is,
and I'm sure all fans will agree with me, as someone said already -
HSM: 'It's more than just a movie' ♥

~ Quel (PortugeseGirl)

Let's see. I know I shouldn't really like the HSM franchise simply because of the
fact that I hated going to high school(I actually consider the day I graduated from
that hell hole to be the best thing to happen during my four years there.) and that
I am wayyy past the target age, but there is just something about it that draws me in.
Perhaps it's the storyline(which is pretty predictable) or the characters(who are pretty
much stereotypical) or maybe the singing/dancing,(which is actually pretty good
considering that most of them weren't as experience with that aspect when the first
movie came out) or the acting(which has definitely improved as well)Not that I am trying to
bash the movie or anything I was just trying to state the reasons why a 20 something
like myself would want to watch the movies in the first place. But I guess the reason I
like it all just comes down to the fact that it makes me happy and in a world such as ours
filled with such depressing things and with sex, drug, violence and cussing, I think it makes
for a great escape. And I also like the fact that the actors share such a close rapport with each
other that you can tell that they are friends on and off camera. and besides unlike others my
age I don't think I am above the aforementioned cheesiness of the series since I myself grew
up with reading books such as the baby-sitters club shows like “Full House,“ and ,“Home
Improvement,“ which in a way are like the "HSMs," and "Hannahs," of our days.
Lastly I would like to mention that it has also brought to my attention how awesome
the cast,(especially Lucas) really are.

~ Melissa (digigirl02)

I didn't get into the fandom right away, when I first hear High School Musical I thought
it was a weird name for a musical because I was shopping for my friend's present and I
just thought it was weird for some reason. I got into it during the summer, and I fell in
love with it. I love the movies because it relates to me in general. I'm always like
Gabriella, cause I'm always shy but then the movie showed me a lot more about myself.
The movies taught me not to be afraid of who I want to be and not to care what others
think of me. The HSM series is the reason why I love to sing and dance even though
I'm terrible at both. Now that HSM fandom is over, I'm sad because for 3 years HSM
became the biggest part of who I am. I am thankful for the characters in the movie
also the actors/actresses for being part of my life because without them I would not
have met such amazing people here at the HSM board, but not only that also the VAH,
ZE, and AT boards.

Cheers for our 2 year celebration and here's to many more years at the HSM board!

~ Adie (Adie010) - Former HSM board moderator)

Artwork by Melanie (Melanie Garcia)

There are several reasons for me to have been lead to High School Musical. I love
musicals and Disney and this trilogy is both, I loved the work I had already seen from
many of the actors, and I tend to watch many television series and movies that are
geared toward people much younger than I am. These movies also mean a lot to me
because it has given me a lot of new friends here on fan forum and also through my
fan fiction writing for this fandom.

~ Melanie (Melanie Garcia)

My name is Jennifer R. and I'm a High School Musicalholic, I would love to say that I fell
in love with it when it first aired but I'd be lying. I like so many or so few others got into
the movie by the time the third one graced the movie theatres and I was hooked, was it
the storyline? Was it the stars? Was it the music? I say it was all three combined that made
me a fan, I like knowing that there are movies out there like High School Musical that I can
put my kids in front of the tv to watch and not be scared that they are either being too
preachy, or trying to get my kids to do drugs, or other things. Its a movie that the whole
family can enjoy and it lets kids know that they don't have to be shoved into this box and
be what the world expects them to be. They can be whoever or whatever they want to be
without being judged. So am I a fan? You bet I am and will continue to be for now and
forever. Congratulations to the board and to HSM for coming into not only my life but
every member who posts on this great board
~ Jen (Hermoine Granger)

Sometimes I feel like I was never meant to be here. This whole thing was an accident, for me. I’d
seen High School Musical 1 and not really thought much of it. It was only when I went to see
Hairspray and fell in love with the blue eyed crooner portrayed by Zac Efron that I gave High School
Musical a second glance. Even then I wasn’t quite sold, it was a day of pure boredom in late 2007
where I was surfing around fanfiction.net (which I knew from other fandoms) that I stumbled across
this massive category and was bewildered as to how so many stories could be written about a
couple of cute movies. I came across a hollybaggins story and I was sold. I read and I read and I
read, and then I watched the movies some more, and then I read and then I watched, and then I
watched and then I read. One decision one day to surf through fanfiction.net, and I am where I am now.

Two years ago today I was in the midst of writing Here With You; planning Play It MyWay and
making notes for Someday. Two years ago today I hadn’t really heard of Fan Forum. That
changed a few months later when I was directed to this site by some of my readers. I started out in
the FanFiction thread at the Vanessa Anne Hudgens board, timidly ventured out into the Gabriella
and Troy/Gabriella threads; and then quietly made my way over to the Zac Efron board. It was a
Survivor which first led me to the High School Musical, it was advertised in someone’s signature. I
started out quietly, just like I did everywhere else I’d posted. And then I just gradually found myself
falling in love with this board, this magical board in a fandom of what on some days is utter chaos.

This board where, despite all that is going on in the future of our Wildcats, we can come here and
remember why we are here in this fandom, where it all began. We can remember why it is that
so many of us are here together – some of us are wildly excited for Zachary’s next film, or are
listening to Ashley’s album on repeat, some are saving their dollars to go to Corbin on stage in NYC,
or perhaps awaiting news about Olesya’s latest project. A board where you can think that Bart is a
babe, that Ryan is gay, that Troyarbus is a legitimate pairing. High School Musical is about being true
to yourself and appreciating people for who they are, regardless of how diverse. And so too is this board.

I don’t know if it was pure luck or some higher power of fate or destiny which led me to where I am
today. Whatever it was, I am so truly thankful for it because this simple Disney film has given me so
much; so much joy, so much love, so much friendship.

Happy Anniversary to High School Musical, both for four years of being in people’s lives and the two
years that this board has been here as a manifestation of that love. I look forward to the years to come.
~ Dani (AzureEyes♥) - Current HSM Board Moderator

High School Musical. Three words. I never knew how much they'd mean to me when
I first watched that silly movie. Watching it was truly the start of something new. I was
intrigued and when I started finding more out about it, I got dragged into this whole
other world, filled with music, love, everything I ever wanted. If it hadn't been for High School
Musical, I wouldn't have known many of my friends. This trilogy taught me how to break free
and enjoy everyday of my life and I'm forever grateful. A huge thank you to everyone who
worked on this movie and made me feel so connected with High School Musical and its
sequels - especially for the talented cast, who brought these characters alive for us. Thank
you from the bottom of my heart. Happy birthday HSM & happy anniversary to the board.

Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat.
~ Joyce (lipstickdisaster)

So it all started for me around October 23rd 2007. It's a national holiday here... I was bored (ok..I didn't want to learn
for the midterms *blush*). So I watched TV. I saw that something called 'High School Musical' was on TV. I thought 'what
the...' But since I love musicals I decided to watch it. And I was enjoying it...but to be honest I was like 'there's no way I'll
tell anyone that I watched this' (btw...at the middle of it I realised that I saw some part of it already on a German channel *blush*).
But of course there's a reason why you call your BFF your BFF... so I told her... She watched it too... we were delighted by the fact
that finally there were some musicals where no one dies and there is a happy ending. We knew that it wasn't made for people our
age, but for kids much more younger. And we liked that finally it was not some violent 'tale' with much blood being made for kids.
And we could enjoy it too... of course it's not Shakespeare, the music isn't like Mozart's music. But Kenny and the producers wanted
to entertain with HSM.. .and IMO they succeeded. And since they did 2 more films probably a lot of people agree with me. Yes, I watched
HSM3 in the theatre, although I thought I would be over the average age, so I brought my cousin, but my BFF wanted to see it so she
came too ...and her sister too... (all 3 of us over 20 *blush*) But we shouldn't have been worried...we weren't the oldest people in the
cinema...but I have to say we were surprised. With the HSM trilogy they inspired people with it - and as Hugh Jackman said at the Oscars
last year 'the musical is back', and I think HSM had some part in it. And at last I want to say some words about the cast - who I believe
had as much fun doing the HSM trilogy as we have watching it. Those young actors and actresses who became 'stars' after doing
HSM... some people saying with a not so nice tone 'Disney' - DON'T UNDERESTIMATE them! Sure probably it wasn't the hardest job
they ever did (or will do) - but they did an incredible job - they did what they had to do then. I really hope that all of them will prove wrong
the people who underestimate them - and hope all of them have a great career before them. And so far they haven't disappointed me at all.
Well these are my thoughts about HSM : ) Congrats to HSM and to the board too!

~ Gigi (gigi0315)

Honestly, I wasn't a fan of High School Musical at first. I watched the first two movies by
chance on television. I enjoyed watching them and I liked them but I didn't need to have
the DVDs. However what got me into High School Musical was the third movie. I went to
the cinema with my best friend because 'I saw the first two movies, so I need to see the
third one as well'. I liked it that much that I bought the soundtrack for it the next morning,
as well as the DVDs to HSM 1&2. My love for HSM grew immensely, not only for the movies
but also for the actors and actresses as well.

~ Tess (**Tess**)

The first time I even heard about HSM was in early 2006 where the adverts for the
UK premiere of the movie on Disney Channel. It was a preview of Breaking Free and
I was a little "*eyebrow* this is weird" not gonna lie. These trailers got repeated
about 10 times a day, the songs got more stuck in my head, I was singing them at
school and in the end I was just like "play the damn movie already!"
When the film was eventually shown I was glued to the screen from beginning to end,
squeeing at the cuteness of the two main characters, and jogging to the songs.
When the movie ended and "High School Musical 2. Coming in 2007!" popped on
the screen, I actually squealed. From then on I watched all the repeats of HSM on DC,
the sing-along, the Dance-along.
And every time I watched it, I loved it more. And I still love it as much today.

~ Lisa (SunnyHunny123456789)

The Wildcats thank you - our posters.

Without all of you, this board would not be here.

Without all of you, this board would not be the warm, friendly, non-judgemental, open environment that it is.

Let's Party Now, Celebrate

Use a celebration icon

Icons by Noelle (Noelle82)

Come vote in our HSM3 Quotes Survivor

And most importantly - post. Join us as we talk about our beloved Wildcats and these magical movies which captured our hearts.

~ * ~

Thank you

High School Musical

For making us laugh, cry, sing, dance; for inspiring our hearts; for giving us hope.

The two year anniversary of this board comes at a time where this board is performing at its best yet.

Four years after the film premiered - and our love has not waned.

Happy Anniversary, High School Musical!

Thank you Kelly (Time4Love) for the beautiful banner; Noelle (Noelle82) for the icons; and everyone who contributed their blurbs and arts

splintered · 01-31-2010, 07:02 AM

OMFG!

I

it!

The thread is beautiful!

Wild Spirit · 01-31-2010, 07:02 AM

so so amazing

I should put a link into my sig

SunnyHunny123456789 · 01-31-2010, 07:08 AM

EEP!
Amazing guys! Congratulations and well done!

Thanks for including my art too

suddenly · 01-31-2010, 07:49 AM

This thread is so, so beautiful; it's absolutely perfect

Happy anniversary, High School Musical!

Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat

**Yellow Mustang Girl** · 01-31-2010, 07:53 AM

2 years at

Congrats!

gigi0315 · 01-31-2010, 08:18 AM

Congrats!

and thanks for putting this together

Time4Love · 01-31-2010, 08:35 AM

Congrats Wildcats! The OP looks beautiful

Super HUGE thank you to Dani for putting all of this together

You stepped up and it turned out amazing

I love reading the OP

PortugueseGirl · 01-31-2010, 09:14 AM

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!

amazing job with the OP Dani

and

for the artists and fans

'bravo!'...'brava!'

bettybaby · 01-31-2010, 09:52 AM

awwww i'm so late!!!

the OP is simply gorgeous....and all of you that contributed your story on how HSM has effected your life, i give you all a

and an emphatic

your stories made me smile, and NGL tear up a little....

congrats to the board, and to all the fans here that make it such a special place

Melanie Garcia · 01-31-2010, 09:53 AM

Happy Anniversary High School Musical!

Congratulations on 2 Years for the board!

WhereverYouAre_ · 01-31-2010, 10:02 AM

This OP is beautiful.

I love you guys and our little board here

JustღBreathe · 01-31-2010, 10:05 AM

Teheeeeeeeeee!!!

Happy Anniversary HSM!!!

And CONGRATS Wildcats!!!!

Awesome OP...!!!

I'll miss this family together!!!!I already miss it!!

RCarros · 01-31-2010, 10:06 AM

Congrats you guys! Two years is so awesome!

*PassionateJ* · 01-31-2010, 10:27 AM

That OP is epic

Awesome job Dani

Congrats girls


Fan Forum > Archived General Discussion > High School Musical > Happy Anniversary High School Musical ~ "Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat"