High School is the defining moment in an American males life. Everything you are is because of the impressions you got from your High School years. Whether your full filling the dream or fighting against it.
I don't buy into that. If the yrs of 14-18 are the most important yrs of a young males life (or defining) then it really shows what is wrong with our society today---a bunch man-children running around, trying to re-capture the glory of their HS yrs...What truly defines you is after you graduate...what decisions you make
And on a sadder note, usually the hottest chicks in HS, don't stay too hot, and the plain janes become bombshells...they have something to prove.
Edit: I somewhat agree, as it was in HS that I starting lifting weights, and it wasn't until Sr yr that I truly wanted to learn about "purpose" (Damn that Autobiography of Malcolm X), and eschewed the "black table" at lunch...
But, I don't believe the hype of everything you are is because of HS---because for me, it was college (and parents).