Morgan, who suffers from Attention Deficit Disorder, discusses his embarrassment over having to take behavioral drugs such as Ritalin. Morgan takes an after school job as a gymnastics coach for the disabled, where he draws on his background as a special education student to communicate with his pupils. Singer/songwriter Kaytee performs for her friends in the school hallway, but doesn't believe there is a place for her in the music industry. She records a demo with a friend's help and hopes to perform in coffeehouses. Robby recalls the moment when Brad came out to him. Brad describes the difficulties of being an openly gay student without gay friends. He rebels against his surroundings by putting together a provocative art project.

Who Am I? (a.k.a. Ritalin Kid)

Boogie Nights

You Only Live Once (a.k.a. F is for Fun)

Rebellious Morgan airs his views on the importance of living one's teen years to the fullest. He is later caught shooting off illegal fireworks. Sarah and Robby discuss their romance. She admits that she fears losing him when he leaves for college in a year. Kiwi turns to best friend Anna for relationship advice. Anna begins to miss Kiwi as he spends more time with his new girlfriend, Rachel. Kiwi kicks a game-winning field goal.

Brad helps choreograph a routine for Highland Park's annual dance show. Morgan is asked to participate in Brad's act; and must console his girlfriend, Salima, when she fails to make the cut. Everyone becomes annoyed with Morgan because of his attitude. Although he initially has trouble learning the steps, he gets it together before opening night. The group pulls off a flawless performance and gets a standing ovation. Suzy worries about her weight, but tries to maintain her self-esteem. She takes part in a swing number, and hopes to make her father proud.

Allie tries to readjust to school life after ditching classes for several months in the aftermath of her parents' divorce. She struggles with her feelings about her father's new family, and quarrels with her mother over her plans to put off college for a year. Allie and her mother seek a fresh start as they move into a new apartment. Kiwi hopes to earn a college scholarship through his kicking ability. He becomes depressed after missing a field goal in an important game, and frets about his upcoming 18th birthday. Salima's parents blame her slipping grades on her relationship with Morgan.

Pressure High

American High is an American documentary television show about the lives of fourteen students at Highland Park High School, located in the city of Highland Park, Illinois. The series originally aired on Fox and was canceled after four episodes. It was later picked up by PBS and aired in its entirety. The series was created by R. J. Cutler, an award winning documentary filmmaker. The show received the 2001 Emmy Award for Outstanding Non-Fiction Program.

The theme song "American High", was written and performed by Bouncing Souls.

An earlier Fox Network documentary series from 1991, Yearbook also covered the lives of suburban Chicago high school students.

Who Am I? (a.k.a. Ritalin Kid)

Seasons1

Season 1 Episodes4

Discussion

Episode Summary