Battlefield is a big school. In fact, the school is so massive that it accounts for essentially every type of student you could imagine. From athletes, to artists, to scholars, a pallet of diversity that spreads throughout the entire student population. Each student at Battlefield comes from their own background, has their own preferences, and enjoys their own lifestyle. Focusing on the class of 2019, one way that Battlefield students have a chance to represent themselves is by the car they hop into and take to school every morning.

One of the most interesting cars in the lot is driven by Garrett McGee, a four-year member of Battlefield’s football team. McGee sports a 2007 Jeep Wrangler that he and his Dad purchased as a project car 3 years ago. “There’s a lot of things we’ve done with the car. I really like being able to take the doors off in the summer.” says McGee. “After we got the Jeep, we also added a 2.5” lift with 35 inch tires.” Every now and then McGee likes taking his army green Jeep driving through water and going mudding. This past summer McGee and his friends took the Jeep to Carova Beach, NC, where he had a chance to take the vehicle into water up to four feet deep. McGee believes that the car fits him perfectly in that it highlights his outdoorsy personality. If ever watching the signature Jeep highlights with added white halos and a light bar pass around town, make sure to wave to Garrett.

Some seniors at Battlefield prefer to go back in time when choosing a car. Chloe MacLean, a former Battlefield soccer player and an at-large member of the art program, chose this route. “I drive a 1974 yellow Volkswagen Beetle, and I love seeing all the thumbs up I get around town while driving it,” says MacLean. The car has a sunroof and vent windows on the side. “I’m very happy about my car,” says MacLean. “It feel like it really matches my personality!” MacLean is known at Battlefield for her throwback personality and her unique style that resembles the 60’s and 70’s era.

There is style, and then there is performance. One car that is definitely hard to miss when in Battlefield’s lot is the 2016 White Ford Mustang driven by Zack Clark. Featuring 2 royal blue stripes, a muffler, upgraded aftermarket parts, and even lamborghini-style butterfly doors, Clark’s ride is undoubtedly an eye-catcher. Clark says, “I think it fits my personality in that sometimes people tend to ‘sleep’ on me, as they tend to ‘sleep’ on this car.” Clark is referencing that although his Mustang has an Eco-Boost engine, which is not the strongest engine option available, it is equipped with upgraded turbo, making his ride faster than almost any in the school. His license plate reads “1BD ECO,” meaning that his Eco-Boost is a “one bad eco” and a ride that people will not want to mess with. The Clark family is known for having an interest in cars as they also own a Dodge Demon, a Chevrolet Corvette, and a Jeep Wrangler similar to McGee.

• Since this article was first written, Clark has moved on from his 2016 Ford Mustang and has purchased a 2018 Ford Mustang GT350, a vehicle that arguably has the strongest engine on the open market. It is one of the top Mustang models available.

While on the topic of the Ford Mustang, Dylan Carpenter, a member of Battlefield’s Hockey Team, is also a proud owner. Carpenter drives a 2005 Mustang GT (Gran Turismo) Convertible. He came across the red Mustang when his grandfather purchased it, eventually passing it down to him for his 16th birthday. Just like Clark, Carpenter’s car has multiple features that make it more than just your typical base Mustang. “It came with interior LED lights that can change to a color of my choosing, plus I can put the top down. I like being able to put the top down on nice days,” says Carpenter. As well as being a player, Carpenter is also a huge hockey fan. His license plate reads “CUUP18” in reference to the Washington Capitals winning the NHL Stanley Cup in 2018.

There has been a long debate over whether the Ford Mustang is a “muscle” car or a “sports” car. The difference is whether a car’s engine is determined to be quick (sport) or strong (muscle). Examples of sports cars are the Audi i8, Porsche 911, and Lamborghini Aventador, while examples of muscle cars are the Chevrolet Camaro, the Pontiac GTO, and the Dodge Charger. In fact, Austin Gonzalez, a member of SALC and AFJROTC at Battlefield, drives a 2012 silver Dodge Charger to school everyday. After the car that he was originally going to be given got into an accident, his Dad decided to purchase the Charger. “The look, the speed, and just about everything about it fits my personality,” says Gonzalez. “My goal one day is to return the favor and buy my Dad a brand new Charger when I’m older.” Gonzalez is looking to add products to enhance his transmission shift, making his car even faster than it already is.

While Gonzalez’s Charger is very strong, so are trucks. Alec Frye, another member of Battlefield’s AFJROTC program, is known for his silver 2016 Ford F-150. Some may think that the F-150 is the standard pickup truck to drive, but Frye does not drive just any truck; he drives a tank. His F-150 is equipped with a massive lift, fresh tires, and special light bar across the back. “I think it fits my personality because it’s big (like me), making it a gentle giant,” says Frye. When students look in the parking lot, it is very easy to point out Frye’s truck, as it towers over surrounding cars. “My license plate now reads ‘FRYE4LF,’ says Frye.” He chose to make this his tag because he will be “a Frye forever.”

In conclusion, all kinds of cars sit in the the lot of Battlefield. Some fast, some slow, some big, some small, but all very cool. As the seniors at Battlefield begin to take their lives beyond high school, it will be interesting to see if they stay with the same type of car they drive now or if they will swap after they graduate.