PITTSBURG HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE
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Eggs, steak , Converse, and geocaching

4/8/2016

 
Thinking back on all of the incredible years I got to spend with Derek, it's impossible to think of anything besides all of the laughs and good times we shared. Whether it was during long hours of rehearsal or hanging out with "squad" or learning how to tie our Converse so we could just slip them on, or even the pre-show ritual of "eggs and steak," everything was memorable. Derek and I had a lot in common when it came to our passions: choir, theatre, and photography. Not to mention both of our competitive spirits, which leads to one of my favorite memories.

Last year on 4/20, squad spent the day together and went geocaching. We were on PSU campus across from the Weede looking for a geocache with the hint "above your head." Most everyone in our group had given up on finding this specific geocache, but Derek and I refused to quit until we found it. So, it turned into a competition of who could find it first, we were climbing in trees and looking through bushes until finally we both spotted it in a pine tree (sorry for the spoiler of where it's located). We both felt so accomplished after finding it, it was great. 

I'll never forget our long hours of dance rehearsal, the only thing getting us through being his happy spirit and jokes and of course Horton's pizza. Our excitement and squealing when we found out that "Band Geeks" was chosen to perform at conference and our dancing around backstage before our performance at conference. Derek acting as our captain "Graylag" and leading us in a wild goose chase. Or Derek rocking the boat in "Guys and Dolls" and getting the girl in "Loserville."

My life is forever changed for the better because of his existence. Thank you for being in my life since I can remember, Derek. "How rare and beautiful it truly is that we exist," your existence truly was beautiful and always will be. Your legacy will live on forever.

-PHS Theatre Student
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Forever a star

4/7/2016

 
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This is the plaque that shows the name of the star and where it is in the sky. Now Derek gets to be one of Heaven's brightest stars!
Whenever anyone thinks about Derek, there are always a few things that stand out.  How kind he was to anyone he came into contact with, the love he had for his friends and family, or his contagious smile. The list can go on and on, but his talent is something special that makes him stand out. Thousands of people would sit mesmerized as he sang his heart out in Loserville and belted notes that we all wished we could reach, or always nailing Maggie and Mollie's amazing choreography, even when it involved jumping on a table in Guys and Dolls.  He had the ability to make you cry from laughter or cry from a moving monologue. No matter what role he played, he stole the hearts of the entire audience. His stage presence was certainly something to be admired. His talent reached far beyond the stage as well. Baseball, photography, student publications....Derek was just a guy that could do it all! 

"Superstar" is a word that comes to mind, because that's what he was! He had the talent, the drive, and the light that so many strive for. After every show, after he would win an award from his photography, or really any time I would see Derek I would tell him, "You're a superstar, you know that??" and he would always respond with a heartfelt thanks, paired with that contagious laugh and smile. While I wish I could physically create a star, just for Derek for the world to see, naming one that's already there for his family in his memory will have to do. I'm so grateful to have been able to be a friend of Derek's. I feel blessed to have felt his love and to see all of the incredible things that he accomplished.  "Beauty exists not in what is seen and remembered, but in what is felt and never forgotten," and I know we will never forget Derek and how he made each and every one of us feel like we were one in a million. If you ever need a visual reminder, just look up into the night sky around Orion's Belt.  Derek's star is there, continuing to shine that light that we all know and love.

- 
Anonymous

    Author

    This page, "Story of My Life: A Tribute to Derek Brumbaugh," will be authored by the many people whose lives were touched in some way big or small by Derek Brumbaugh. It will be maintained by a student and a parent volunteer. Memories, photos, and video clips may be emailed to dragondramaclub@gmail.com for posting here.

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Pittsburg High School • Part of USD 250 Community Schools • Pittsburg, Kansas • 620-235-3200


Created for Pittsburg High School Theatre by Andra Stefanoni
  • Welcome
  • About
    • Courses
    • Auditions
    • Faculty
    • Theatre Etiquette
    • Awards & Recognition
  • Shows
    • Clue
    • Forbidden Broadway
    • Breakfast With Santa
    • Spamalot
    • Social Issue Plays
    • Just Off Broadway Theatre Camp
  • Thespian Troupe 3149
    • Officers
  • A look back
    • Show History
    • Trailers
    • Photo Galleries
    • Media Coverage
    • Story of My Life: A Tribute to Derek Brumbaugh
  • Friends
  • News