Rydell High School

Rydell High School is the primary setting of the 1978 film Grease, its 1982 sequel Grease 2, and its 2023 prequel Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies.

History[]

1954-1955 school year[]

Pep Rally[]

A pep rally was hosted by Jane Facciano and student council president Buddy Aldridge, the latter of whom planned to run again for the position. Jane wanted to run for student council and had spent the day repairing their fractured reputations, after a vicious rumor that they had "gone all the way" spread through the school. Jane took the stage in the front as a baton twirler under their banner, "THIS YEAR, RYDELL GOES ALL THE WAY". When the band pulled a rope meant to mark their grand finish, a second banner covered the words "THIS YEAR, RYDELL" and replaced it with "JANE FACCIANO", which humiliated the girl and her family.

The T-Birds planned revenge against the Rydell Raider's after an argument on the football field left their leader Richie Valdovinos embarrassed. Cynthia Zdunowski planned the perfect revenge as her initiation into the gang. The gang stole mascot costumes and stood in front of the band, shouted that the Raider's sucked, and mooned the audience. Unfortunately, Cynthia's mascot head fell off, which exposed her identity. She made a distraction while her fellow gang members fled the scene. Jane's humiliation had been planned by Susan St. Clair and her fellow cheerleaders.^[1]

Student Council Election[]

PINK 101 Nancy-Jane-Olivia-Cynthia-Stage Promo

The student body gathered in the auditorium for the student council candidacy announcements. Buddy announced his candidacy stance was that they could have fun “like we did before”. Miss. McGee called Jane to the stage for her candidacy, but Jane wanted to withdraw. Someone called her a slut from the crowd and Jane went to the podium to give a speech about Rydell. It wasn't fun for everyone before. They didn't have to just survive high school, they could have fun. Olivia, Cynthia, and Nancy endorsed Jane and the four girls stood on stage together. The crowd booed and called them tramps. McGee threatened to give them all detention if they didn't stop. Jane decided to run for president, which earned mixed reactions from the crowd. Cynthia shouted “Vote for Jane!” and then mooned the audience, a gesture the other girls followed. They gave parting words as they fled the stage with everyone in pursuit. Cynthia snagged the keys to the T-Birds car from under the rim and tossed them to Olivia, who drove them away.^[1]

The mothers of Rydell began a phone tree where they spread the news of about a new girl gang at Rydell. They called Vice Principal McGee who, after several failed attempts, managed to get ahold of the girls parents. The Rydell Review printed an article about the girls indecent exposure and antics at the assembly. Olivia, Jane, Cynthia, and Nancy were given detention as part of their punishments, but Cynthia faked stomach pains to let the others do some investigations into Buddy. Olivia broke into the file cabinet to pull his file and learned that, aside from his stellar student record, that Mr. Daniels framed Olivia as having misconstrued their relationship the year prior. Meanwhile, Jane and Richie broke into the principal's office to find keys for Buddy's locker, while Nancy hid in the boys locker room to eavesdrop on their conversations. Their respective missions were unsuccessful, though McGee deduced each of their antics later.

In the morning, McGee found Buddy's poster defaced with “Vote Pink” graffiti. She pulled the girls into her office once again. She had too much to do without the need to keep an eye on them after school, so she relinquished them from detention. However, she would still punish them. Cynthia, because of her flair for theatrics, would join the thespians to learn to act like a lady. Olivia enjoyed filing so she was McGee's new office assistant. Jane roamed the halls yesterday so McGee made her a hall monitor. She ran out of jobs for Nancy, so she would be on-call for whatever job needed to be done. Once dismissed, the girls put on their new jackets that solidified them as Rydell High's newest gang - the Pink Ladies.^[2]

New girl Hazel Robertson struggled to find her place at Rydell, as she observed from the sidelines. Meanwhile, the Pink Ladies upped their campaign efforts when Olivia designed buttons for Jane, which they passed out around school. Buddy and the Socs announced that, if he was elected, the Fall Ball would take place at the Rydell Athletic Club again. After a brief jig, they threw candy to the masses. Jane was inspired by Hazel's point that not everyone had the same idea of fun as Jane. The nominee broke into Vice Principal McGee's office to announce her promise to have a new Fall Ball in the Rydell High gym, and would try to get Johnny Vroom to DJ. The student body approached at the Frosty Palace Jane with their various issues that she swore to look into, moments before Jim Johnson arrived. He wanted to broadcast the upcoming debate between Jane and Buddy on his show - Olivia and Susan gleefully agreed on behalf of their campaigns. The debate didn't go as planned for Jane, who choked on live television and came across as a girl who didn't know what she was spoke of. Buddy, however, was lauded for his desire to uphold tradition.

Hazel approached Jane and convinced her to do an unofficial redo debate against Buddy at the Frosty Palace. The Pink Ladies and T-Birds challenged Buddy and the Socs. Their debate was a performance that Jane won, though Buddy fell off a counter and broke his arm. Susan blamed Jane for the incident,^[3] and The Rydell Review printed an article that also pointed the blame at Jane and the Pink Ladies.

Because of their actions at the Frosty Palace, the administration forced the Pink Ladies to hand over their jackets. Olivia was tired of the double standard - the T-Birds and Socs got to keep their jackets - and decided to join The Rydell Review to write a response. Her article scathed McGee and Nicholson. Meanwhile, the thespians were forced to change their play from "Mother Courage" to "Romeo and Juliet" because of the fight off-school grounds. The band couldn't play Ellington because it might “inspire further delinquency”. Miss McGee responded to the article on the intercom that, in the interest of impartiality, they would institute a brand-new dress code for everyone. Boys will be required to wear long-sleeved button-up shirts, no sneakers, no T-shirts, no dungarees. Ladies will be required to wear skirts below the knee and shirts up to the neck. No tight clothing or loud colors. Most importantly, to end divisions, they banned jackets.

The student body was angered, and Olivia wanted to print another response, but Mr. Daniels refused to allow it. He gave her a puff piece about the football game that evening. She forged his signature on her article, which resulted in the whole paper being tossed out to ensure there wasn't more tampering. In the meantime, McGee gave Nancy the role of Rowdy, the football mascot. During the football game that evening, the Rangers were down terribly but began to win after Wally had a pep talk from Rowdy, who later unmasked herself. The Pink Ladies took action against everyone pointing fingers at them. They riled up the student body, stole back the basket of jackets, and flipped off Nicholson and McGee.^[4]

The next school day, Rydell High watched a video about what to do when an atomic bomb hits. Most of the upper-class students went to the Drive-in theater after school to watch the Halloween movies. While there, the Socs stole the limelight and advertised a party on Sparrow Lane to show why it would be “Insane to Vote for Jane”. They called it "Ry-Hell" to show the dark future that awaited them if they voted for Jane Facciano. She lifted a dome to show they'd eat brains, and Dot screamed from her zombie-brain costume. Jane snagged a microphone and disguised her voice to give a speech about the real “Ry-hell”, the one ruled by the Socs. Susan tried to hide it as part of the show but no one believed her. Buddy spotted the microphone cord and followed it while Jane continued her tirade where she called Buddy spineless. The party shifted from being about Buddy to being Jane's. Susan saw the Pink Ladies and Potato clustered together and told them to leave. Cynthia called it a bomb, just as a flash of light exploded outside. Everyone screamed and took cover while the T-Birds stared up at the flashes of color. Jane emerged from the house, scared, and saw Richie through the sparks of fireworks. One of the sparks caught a girl's costume on fire and everyone flanked to stomp out the sparks. Susan shouted that this was what they wanted to warn everyone about - that Jane would burn the whole town down.

The next morning at Rydell High School, the staff prepared for the election that day. Miss McGee set up the booths as she celebrated the end of the student council elections. Other faculty members joined her in her “Election Song”. That afternoon, the student body lined up to vote for the student council president. Miss. McGee gave them instructions and then let everyone into the booths. The Socs, T-Birds, Thespians, nerds, choir, and Pink Ladies all voted.

Miss. McGee counted out the votes for student council in front of Principal Nicholson, Olivia, Tippy St. Clair, Dick Aldridge, and two members of the school board. Jane won with 213 votes, which pleased McGee as they lived through history. Dick asked if they were sure, but they counted the vote three times. Tippy exclaimed that it was ludicrous, while Nicholson told her not to rain on some people's parades. McGee and Olivia left to type up an announcement, while Tippy looked out the door to where Susan and Buddy sat. She shook her head at her daughter to signal Buddy's loss. He told her it was alright and left to go home. Dick wanted to make sure there wasn't fraud and insisted Nicholson recount the ballads again. Everyone else agreed, so Nicholson started over.^[5]

The following day, McGee announced over the intercom that the new Rydell High class president was Buddy Aldridge. Olivia knew better and wanted to investigate the election for The Rydell Review. She convinced Mr. Daniels to allow it, as she was there when the PTA counted the votes and Jane had won, but the next day, Buddy had miraculously won. They looked over the voting records together. 213 people signed in to vote but 181 were counted. It couldn't be a mistake but it also wasn't enough to prove anything. He thought she could crack this wide open, and she asked if he would let the administration shut down the story. Even teachers had to feel alive sometimes, which she teased was sad. Everyone voted during homeroom so if they could get the attendance records they could be sure votes were missed. Olivia told McGee about her plan, and the assistant principal confronted Principal Nicholson about the miscount. He admitted that Jane did win, but he gave it to Buddy because he needed it more for college. Girls only went to college to get their MRS degree. Buddy could be somebody in the world. McGee went to college which surprised him as he didn't. Being principal was about tough decisions, and she'd find that out when he named her as his replacement after he ran for superintendent - she just had to play her cards right.

Meanwhile, the thespians prepared for their upcoming production of "Romeo & Juliet" with Cynthia Zdunowski and Juliet and Buddy Aldridge as Romeo. Nancy Nakagawa worked on costumes for the play, though Mr. Vaughan stressed as the only completed costume was Romeo's. He assigned the thespians to help Nancy, who dismissed them all until she realized the error of her ways and apologized to Hazel, and asked for her help. When Cynthia went AWOL, Nancy convinced Hazel to be Juliet. The crowd clapped as the play moved on to the next act. Lydia emerged from behind the stage to introduce Juliet, who didn't come out on her cue. She repeated the cue and Hazel took a deep breath, steadied herself, then stepped into the light. The crowd was shocked and Mr. Vaughan looked out in surprise. Hazel performed perfectly through her song about finding her light after being in the shadows for so long. She was still afraid but continued her performance. She kissed Buddy on stage and everyone gasped again. A podium came down and Hazel took her spot on it as it raised into the air as her skirt flowed into a beautiful train. The spotlight went out and the song ended.

Tommy gave the end monologue as Juliet and Romeo lay dead on the stage. Hazel opened one eye to see the crowd as they applauded. Her parents, Wally, Kallie, and Mr. Aldrigde were all in attendance. The cast came out to take their final bow with Romeo and Juliet. Hazel's mom smiled over no more plaid for Hazel. Mr. Vaughn handed Hazel a bouquet and called her the show, and she started to correct him on her name, but he was already gone. Buddy leaned over to tell her that he knew she would be great. He left the stage before the final bow. Wally slowly stood up as Hazel was pushed forward, which earned a standing ovation. She smiled widely.^[6]

Fall Dance[]

As student body president, the burden of the fall dance now fell to Buddy to make it perfect for everyone. He enlisted Jane's help as his second. He wanted to follow her guide of having the dance at the school, but getting Johnny Vavoom would be hard as the PTA had to approve him. He wanted to find a way as they were in it together. She wanted to meet with the PTA herself, but he shot her down as it would come better from someone not in a girl gang. Buddy went to Johnny Vavoom's studio himself to appeal to the man, who later did come around and agreed to DJ the dance. Buddy found out from his father that the election was rigged in his favor, but chose not to tell Jane the truth.^[7]

Channel 8 news, led by Jim Johnson, ran a broadcast on ‘The Changing Teenager'. It highlighted the alleged effects of marijuana, bigger hair, leather jackets, and rock n' roll. They interviewed Tippy St. Clair about the upcoming rock and roll dance, a topic that horrified her. They also asked “The Pink Girls” gang and Olivia Valdovinos thought it would bring people together, and Jane Facciano noted change was good. Buddy Aldridge declined to be interviewed.

The Pink Ladies argued with the student council dance committee which consisted of Dot, Susan, Lucille, and two other girls. The Pink Ladies wanted the dance to be fun for everyone, with no dress code or expensive tickets. Lucille was sure Buddy would side with them. Jane argued he wouldn't because he was the one who got Johnny Vavoom. With Buddy absent, Susan was in charge, and she agreed with the Pink Ladies. There was a problem because they had to get the dance approved by Nicholson, the boosters, and the PTA, which would never happen if it came from a girl gang. Susan offered to present it, which Olivia, Cynthia, and Nancy scoffed over.

The next day, Susan pitched the Fall dance to the PTA and the two biggest threats to Rydell - delinquency and Rydell. The Pink Ladies watched through the gym doors. Susan told them that the JDs who would otherwise be on the streets, would be at Rydell under supervision and Rydell's code of conduct. Channel 8 news would cover the dance and their report would show a great dance under excellent leadership. Nicholson liked it but Tippy spoke out. The PTA had concerns. Rock and roll led to drinking, drugs, and sex. Everyone gasped and Nicholson awkwardly laughed that McGee usually handled these kinds of situations, but was on vacation. A mother questioned that McGee was at a family funeral, but Nicholson called it the same results. Tippy turned to the boosters for assistance, but Dick Aldridge was on Susan's side. The dance was important to his son and he knew he'd keep a leash on the kids as president. Nicholson agreed to the dance with the PTA as chaperones.

That night, Kellie and Lucille sucked helium from the balloons, while Rosemary and a friend tried to put up a VIP section. Buddy told them to move it as the dance had to be the same for everyone. The Pink Ladies spent hours decorating with help from Susan and the others. Students checked into the dance through Tippy. When the T-Birds and Pink Ladies reached the front of the dance, Tippy informed them of a recent change to the code of conduct, approved by the PTA earlier, that dances were a privilege and those with permanent marks on their records were not allowed to attend school functions. As the groups headed away in defeat, Susan learned that Tippy sent away Johnny Vavoom. The Pink Ladies and T-Birds decided to move the dance to the Frosty Palace. They spread the word through the dance; the students stole food, decorations, and split before the adults even realized what happened.

The Frosty Palace dance was a roaring success and Susan arranged for Johnny Vavoom to perform. When Susan arrived, she argued with Olivia and the scene spiraled out of control. They outed each other's scandals and hurled insults. Buddy got involved and tried to talk with Jane, who had learned his father rigged the election. Richie intervened and the boys came to blows. The fight made everyone scatter, especially when the police arrived, and the boys were arrested.^[8]

Richie and Buddy were both expelled from Rydell due to the fight.^[9]

School Lockdown[]

Rydell High Carnival[]

1958-1959 school year[]

National Dance-Off[]

Main article: National Dance-Off

1961-1962 school year[]

June Moon Talent Show[]

Main article: June Moon Talent Show

Lani Kai Lani Luau[]

Main article: Lani Kai Lani Luau

Layout[]

Auditorium[]

West of the main building, the auditorium is where Stephanie Zinone reamed Michael Carrington with Cool Rider (Song). In the same area is where Johnny Nogerelli and Michael did their transaction, in the fenced-in hallway. The entrance for the June Moon Talent Show was on the auditorium's west side.

Cafeteria[]

The Rydell cafeteria, where Charades was filmed, is actually "not" in the actual Excelsior High School cafeteria - that's actually at the north end of the school, near the tree Stephanie was leaning against when Mr. Stuart arrived.

Track and Field[]

G2 Field-Scoreboard — Track & field, North

Coach Calhoun drilled the T-Birds using a tackling sled which, on Calhoun's orders, they pushed towards an open hole in the field.

Staff[]

1954

Nicholson - Principal
Greta McGee - Assistant Vice Principal
Leonard Daniels - English Teacher
Mr. Ford - History Teacher
Miss Adcock - Home Economics Teacher
Mr. Vaughan - Theater Teacher
Coach Wade - Football Coach and Drivers Education Teacher
Nurse Penelope

1958

Greta McGee - Principal
Blanche Hodel - Secretary
Coach Calhoun - Athletics Teacher
Mrs. Murdock - Shop Teacher
Ms. Yvette Mason - Teacher

1961

Mr. Stuart - Substitute Teacher

Notable Alumni[]

Class of 1956

Dot
Edward "Shy Guy"
Jane Facciano (1955 student council president) (Debate club member)
Nancy Nakagawa
Neil
Pedrito "Potato"
Gil Rizzo
Hazel Robertson (Debate club member)
Rosemary
Susan St. Clair
Wally Winslow
Cynthia Zdunowski (Thespian club member)

Former students

Buddy Aldridge (Expelled for fighting)
Richie Valdovinos (Expelled for fighting; invited back)
Olivia Valdovinos (Withdrew; plans to return)

Clubs and Sports[]

Autoshop
Cheerleading
Debate Club
Football Team
The Rydell Review (School newspaper)
Student Council
Theater Club
Track Team

Behind the Scenes[]

The location for Rydell in "Grease" was filmed at Venice High School, and the location in "Grease 2" was filmed at Excelsior High School. However, unlike the filming locations for "Grease", all shots of Rydell in Grease 2 were filmed on-site at Excelsior.