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English
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Published:
2025-09-08
Updated:
2026-02-14
Words:
83,405
Chapters:
15/?
Comments:
22
Kudos:
28
Bookmarks:
9
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1,241

We Could Be Heroes

Summary:

A cheer captain, king of his local high school, and a soon-to-be-banished freak walk into the Creel Murder House when they were six and seven years old...

Follow Rosie Salazar, Steve Harrington and Eddie Munson as they grow up together in Hawkins, Indiana. What does it mean to be best friends? What does it mean to be Mexican-American in the Midwest? What does it mean to protect the ones you love and how far are you willing to go?

Inspired heavily by many head cannons, canon and canon-compliant works. Also incredibly inspired by my own family's personal accounts of being Mexican-American in the 1950s-present day.

Notes:

This has been a work in progress since 2022 and I'm finally getting around to posting what I have written. This was worked on sporadically and not in order, however I will try to post in order of the timeline. There may be some time jumps that will be clearly stated. Posting online makes me wanna vomit so bear with me as I get used to this whole thing anyway love you bye.

Chapter 1: The Yearbook - Character Index

Summary:

I realized I forgot to add this.

Here is a tentative list of who's who in Hawkins.

Notes:

NOTE

Some names and birth years may be changed as canon info comes out in Season 5. Listed below will be any changes that I had made.

John Harrington - Daniel "Danny" Harrington
Class of 1960 previously Class of 1959 as canon events placed the parents as seniors/18 years old as of Nov 1959.

Chapter Text

James Hopper Jr.- Class of 1960

  • Birthdate: July 28th, 1941
  • Nickname: Jim, Hop, Chief, Junior
  • Favorite Colors: Brown, Blue
  • Signature Scents: Old Spice
  • Best Subjects: History, Math
  • Worst Subjects: English, Science
  • Car: 1980 Chevy K-5 Blazer (Police Issued)
  • Sports: Football, Baseball
  • Clubs: Key Club, Car Club, Debate Club (Used this as a cover), Rifle Club
  • After-School Activities: Going to Melvalds Diner, Driving, Dating, Hunting

 

Daniel Michael Harrington- Class of 1960

  • Birthdate: August 10th, 1941
  • Nickname: Danny, Grade A Asshole.
  • Favorite Colors: Silver Blue
  • Signature Scents: 
  • Best Subjects: History, Math
  • Worst Subjects: English, Science
  • Car: 1970 Aston Martin DBS in Charcoal 
  • Sports: Football, Baseball, Basketball
  • Clubs: Future Business Leaders of America, Key Club, Student Council
  • After-School Activities: Going to Melvalds Diner, Helping his father’s business. 

 

Joel Ricardo Navarro- Class of 1960

  • Birthdate: September 27th, 1941
  • Nickname: Joel, Navarro, Atticus (by Rosie)
  • Favorite Colors: Red, Green, Blue
  • Signature Scents: Brut, Aqua Velva
  • Best Subjects: History, Math
  • Worst Subjects: English, Science
  • Car: 1970 Chevy K-10 in Green and White
  • Sports: Football, Baseball
  • Clubs: Debate Club, Future Farmers of America
  • After-School Activities: Going to Melvalds Diner, Fishing, Playing Guitar

 

Warren John Blackwell- Class of 1960

  • Birthdate: October 2nd, 1941
  • Nickname: Warren, War, Blackwell 
  • Favorite Colors: Green
  • Signature Scents: Old Spice, Guerlain’s Vétiver, 
  • Best Subjects: History, Math
  • Worst Subjects: English, Science
  • Car: 1965 Pontiac GTO in Black
  • Sports: Football, Baseball
  • Clubs: Debate Club, Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Rifle Club
  • After-School Activities: Going to Melvalds Diner, 

 

Maria Esperanza Salazar (Navarro) - Class of 1961

  • Birthdate: November 13th, 1942
  • Nickname: Maria, Slutty Salazar
  • Favorite Colors: Blue, Yellow, Pink
  • Signature Scents: Loves Lemon, Avon Honeysuckle
  • Best Subjects: Science, Math
  • Worst Subjects: History, English
  • Car: 1970 Chevy Nova in Swimming Pool Blue
  • Sports: Cheerleading
  • Clubs: Student Council, Pep Club, Records & Dance Club, Roane County Catholic Youth Fellowship, Drama Club
  • After-School Activities: Going to Melvalds Diner, Driving, Listening to Music.

 

Joyce Ann Maldonado (Byers) - Class of 1960

  • Birthdate: June 25th, 1942
  • Nickname: Joyce
  • Favorite Colors: Brown, Green, Orange
  • Signature Scents: Loves Lemon, Avon Honeysuckle
  • Best Subjects: Math, English
  • Worst Subjects: History, Science
  • Car: 1976 Ford Pinto in Green
  • Sports: Softball, Volleyball
  • Clubs: Student Council, Pep Club, Records & Dance Club, Roane County Catholic Youth Fellowship, President of the Drama Club
  • After-School Activities: Going to Melvalds Diner, Driving, Listening to Music.

 

Caroline Guilia Di Carlo (Harrington) - Class of 1962

  • Birthdate: March 8th, 1944
  • Nickname: Carol, Linny
  • Favorite Colors: Pink, baby blue, pastel yellow
  • Signature Scents: Chanel No 5, Guerlain’s Chant d'Arômes, Dior Poison
  • Best Subjects: English, Math
  • Worst Subjects: History, Science
  • Car: 1955 Dodge La Femme (Inherited from her mother)
  • Sports: Cheerleading, Volleyball, Tennis
  • Clubs: Student Council, Pep Club, Records & Dance Club, Catholic Youth Fellowship
  • After-School Activities: Sunbathing, shopping, tennis, babysitting

 

Elizabeth Elaine Williams (Munson) - Class of 1964

  • Birthdate: July 31st, 1946
  • Nickname: Lizzie
  • Favorite Colors: Green, Purple
  • Signature Scents: Avon Honeysuckle
  • Best Subjects: Music, English
  • Worst Subjects: History, Science
  • Car: 1960 Dodge Dart in Green
  • Sports: Basketball, Baton Twirling
  • Clubs: Records & Dance Club, school newspaper, yearbook
  • After-School Activities: Sunbathing, playing music, attending concerts

 

Adam Isidro Salazar - Class of 1982

  • Birthdate: August 1st, 1964
  • Nickname: Pretty Boy, Zepp, Isi, Salazar
  • Family Ties: Rosie Salazar (Younger Half-Sister), Byers Family (Cousins), Jane Hopper (Adoptive Cousin)
  • Favorite Colors: Green, Blue, 
  • Signature Scents: Faberge Brut, Old Spice 
  • Best Subjects: History, Math 
  • Worst Subjects: Science, English 
  • Car: 1968 Pontiac Firebird in Silver Blue
  • Sports: Varsity Football and Varsity Baseball
  • Clubs: Student Council, Pep Club 
  • After-School Activities: Working on cars, playing music with friends, driving, partying (Keg Stand Champion 1977-1981), Former Hawkins Cubs Day Camp Counselor & Sports Leader. 

 

Edward Alexander Munson - Class of 1984 (originally), 1986

  • Birthdate: January 26th, 1966
  • Nickname: Eddie, Eddie ‘the freak’ Munson, Junior, Munson
  • Favorite colors: Black and Red
  • Signature Scent: Old Spice, leather, brut and aqua velva. 
  • Best Subjects: English, Math 
  • Worst Subjects: History, Science 
  • Car: 1977 GMC G2500 Gaucho in ivy Green and white
  • Vocal Range: Baritone - Tenor (Most comfortable in lower to mid tenor) 
  • Sports: Baseball, Cross Country (Both only his freshman and sophomore year)
  • Clubs: Hellfire Club, Corroded Coffin (Lead guitar, Lead Vocals), AV Club 
  • After-School Activities: D&D on Fridays, Playing at the Hideout (out of town) on Tuesdays, attending concerts, selling drugs, working at Thatcher Tire. 

 

Steven David Harrington - Class of 1985

  • Birthdate: September 25th, 1966
  • Nickname: Steve, King Steve, Steve ‘the hair’ Harrington, Stevie, Harrington
  • Favorite Colors: Blue, Red, Grey
  • Signature Scent: Drakkar Noir, Ralph Lauren Polo (cedar/sweet/warm), Brut aftershave, balsam scent of Faberge organics shampoo. 
  • Best Subjects: Math, History 
  • Worst Subjects: Science, English (attention span)
  • Car: 1983 733i BMW in Burgundy
  • Sports: Varsity Baseball, Varsity Basketball, Co-Captain of the Swim Team
  • Clubs: Student Council (Class Vice President), Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Prom Committee, Italian Club
  • After-School Activities: Partying (Keg Stand Champion 1981-1984), Former Hawkins Cubs Day Camp Sports Leader.

 

Lucy Vivian McAllister  - Class of 1985

  • Birthdate: December 18th, 1966
  • Nickname: Luce 
  • Favorite colors: Red, Black, Pink, Electric Blue
  • Signature scent: Love’s Lemon Soft
  • Key Makeup: Blue mascara, Black eyeliner, Great lash mascara, 
  • Best Subjects: Science, Math
  • Worst Subjects: English, History
  • Car: 
  • Sports: Softball, Volleyball
  • Clubs: National Honor Society, Drama Club, Hellfire Club
  • After-School Activities: Science and Math Tutor, Playing D&D, Hanging out with Rosie or Eddie.  

 

Kelsey Marie Russo - Class of 1985

  • Birthdate: April 15, 1967
  • Nickname: Kay, Kels, 
  • Family Ties: Jesse Russo (Older brother, possibly deceased)
  • Favorite colors: RedRed, Black, Pink
  • Signature scent: Revlon Charlie, Anais Anais, 
  • Key Makeup: Great lash mascara, cherry lip balm & gloss
  • Best Subjects: English, History
  • Worst Subjects: Math 
  • Car: TBA
  • Sports: Co-Captain of the Cheerleading Team
  • Clubs: Student Council (treasurer), Prom Committee, National Honor Society,Yearbook,
  • After-School Activities: Partying, Babysitter, Former Hawkins Cubs Day Camp Counselor, Working at Family Video, 

 

Anita Rosanna Salazar - Class of 1985

  • Birthdate: June 7th, 1967
  • Nickname: Rosie, Rose, Rosita, Slutty Salazar, Shotgun Salazar, Scout (by Joel), Pink (By Adam), Rosa (by Caroline Harrington)
  • Family Ties: Adam Salazar (Older Half Brother), Byers Family (Cousins), Jane Hopper (Adoptive Cousin), Warren Blackwell (Biological father), Joel Navarro (Stepfather/Adoptive Father) 
  • Favorite colors: Pink, Purple, Blue
  • Signature scent: Loves Baby Soft, Max Factor’s Le Jardin, Jean Nate and Giorgio in the summer, green apple scented shampoo
    • Gifted Guerlain’s Jardins de Bagatelle by Caroline Harrington for 16th Birthday
  • Key Makeup: Great lash mascara, mint, Strawberry or Watermelon kissing potion gloss 
  • Best Subjects: Science, English, History
  • Worst Subjects: Math 
  • Car: 1965 Ford Mustang in a custom dark Purple by her Uncle. 
  • Vocal Range: Soprano  
  • Sports: Captain of the Cheerleading Team, Soccer (childhood), JV and Varsity Softball. 
  • Clubs: Student Council (Class President), Prom Committee, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Hellfire Club, Yearbook, Drama Club.
  • After-School Activities: Roane County Ballet, Performing at Hideout on Tuesdays, Partying (Shotgun Champ 1981-1986, Keg Champ 1984-1986), English Lit Tutor, Babysitting, Corroded Coffin (Lead & Supporting Vocals), Former Hawkins Cubs Day Camp Counselor. 



Hawkins High Tiger Cheer Team 

Marcia Jenkins

Scotty

Ryan

Brian

James “Jamie”

Rebecca

 

Hawkins High Tiger Basketball Team 1985

Seniors

Steve Harrington - Captain

Billy Hargrove 

Jake 

Derek (Rarely got off the bench)

Mark Lewinsky (never got off the bench)

Juniors 

Jason Carver 

Chance 

Patrick McKinney

Andy

Josh

Freshmen

Jermaine Demario

Lee Garroway

Unknown

Connor

Charlie

Noah

 

Jonathan Christopher Byers - Class of 1986

  • Birthdate: August 28th, 1967
  • Nickname: Jon, Jonny Boy, Byers
  • Family Ties: Will Byers (Brother), The Salazars (Cousins)
  • Favorite colors: Brown, Blue, Grey
  • Signature scent: Old Spice, Irish Spring
  • Best Subjects: English, Yearbook
  • Worst Subjects: Math, History, Science
  • Car: 1971 Ford Galaxie 500
  • Sports: Cross Country
  • Clubs: Photography Club, Newspaper, Yearbook, target shooting, making mixtapes. 

 

Nancy Louise Wheeler - Class of 1986

  • Birthdate: October 26th, 1967
  • Nickname: Nance, Nancy Drew, Wheeler
  • Family Ties: Mike Wheeler (Younger Brother)
  • Favorite colors: Pink, Yellow, Blue
  • Signature scent: Obsession, Liz Clairborne, Salon Selections
  • Best Subjects: English, Yearbook, Math
  • Worst Subjects: Science, History
  • Car: 1987 Marquis Colony Park
  • Sports: Cheer Team (Freshman year), Varsity Volleyball
  • Clubs: National Honor Society, Student Council, French Club, Model UN, Yearbook, Newspaper
  • After-School Activities: Meals on Wheels, Hawkins Presbyterian Youth Fellowship, Writing Tutor.  

 

Robin Marie Buckley- Class of 1986

  • Birthdate: March 10th, 1968
  • Nickname: Rob, Rockin Robin, Buckley. 
  • Favorite colors: Red, Orange, Blue
  • Signature scent: Designer Imposters, Gee! Your Hair Smells Terrific!, Jergens Cherry Almond
  • Best Subjects: English, History, Math
  • Worst Subjects: Science, 
  • Sports: Soccer, Marching Band (1st Trumpet)
  • Clubs: Drama Club, Spanish Club, Band (French Horn, Trumpet)
  • After-School Activities: Hawkins Public Library Volunteer, Watching Movies

 

Jane Elizabeth Hopper - Class of 1989

  • Birthdate: June 7th, 1971
  • Nickname: Eleven, El
  • Family Ties: Chief Hopper (Adoptive Dad), Byers Family (Adoptive Family), The Salazars (Adoptive Cousins)
  • Favorite colors: Purple, Red, Green
  • Signature scent: Designer Imposters, Jergens Cherry Almond
  • Best Subjects: Science, English
  • Worst Subjects: History, Math 
  • Sports: 
  • Clubs: A.V. Club
  • After-School Activities: Movies, Ice Cream

 

Dustin Clarence Henderson - Class of 1989

  • Birthdate: July 15th, 1971
  • Nickname: Dusty, Dusty Buns, Henderson 
  • Family Ties: Claudia Henderson (Mother)
  • Favorite colors: Red, Green, Blue
  • Signature scent: Designer Imposters, Irish Spring, Farrah Fawcett Spray
  • Best Subjects: Science, History, Math
  • Worst Subjects: English 
  • Sports: Hockey, T-Ball
  • Clubs: A.V. Club, Hellfire Club
  • After-School Activities: Going to the Arcade, Movies, watching Corroded Coffin play. 

 

Maxine Elizabeth Mayfield - Class of 1989

  • Birthdate: December 17th, 1971
  • Nickname: Max, MADMAX, Red, Rosie/Rosie Jr. 
  • Family Ties: Billy Hargrove (Older Brother – Died 1985)
  • Favorite colors: Red, Purple, Blue. 
  • Signature scent: Designer Imposters, Jergens Cherry Almond, Giorgio Beverly Hills
  • Best Subjects: Science, History, Math
  • Worst Subjects: English 
  • Sports: Skateboarding, Field Hockey, Softball, Volleyball
  • Clubs: A.V. Club
  • After-School Activities: Going to the Arcade, Movies, Skateboarding

 

William Byers- Class of 1989

  • Birthdate: March 22nd, 1972
  • Nickname: Will, Zombie Boy
  • Family Ties: Jonathan Byers (Older Brother), Jane Hopper (Adoptive Sister), The Salazars (Cousins)
  • Favorite colors: Blue, Yellow
  • Signature scent: Old Spice, Irish Spring
  • Best Subjects: Science, English, Math, Art
  • Worst Subjects: History 
  • Sports: T-Ball
  • Clubs: A.V. Club, Art
  • After-School Activities: Drawing/Painting, D&D, Movies, Making Mixtapes

 

Michael Wheeler- Class of 1989

  • Birthdate: April 7th, 1972
  • Nickname: Mike, Wheeler
  • Family Ties: Nancy Wheeler (Older Sister)
  • Favorite colors: Red, Blue, Yellow
  • Signature scent: Old Spice, Irish Spring
  • Best Subjects: Science, English, Math
  • Worst Subjects: History 
  • Sports: T-Ball
  • Clubs: A.V. Club, Hellfire Club
  • After-School Activities: Going to the Arcade, Movies, D&D, Watching Corroded Coffin.