In 1964 on Chicago's Near North Side, Chicago, Preach - an aspiring playwright - and Cochise - an all-city basketball champion - are best friends who are both celebrating the final weeks of their senior year with their classmates at Cooley Vocational High School. While sitting in class, Cochise sleeps while Preach comes up with the idea that Pooter, another classmate and friend should fake a nosebleed, so they can get out of class. As Preach and Pooter leave with the teacher's permission, Cochise; who's now awake, sneaks out the classroom's back door. After getting out of class, the trio meet up with another classmate who's sitting outside the school. The group then hitch a ride from school by hanging on the back of a city bus. The group end up at Lincoln Park Zoo where they spend the day stealing snacks from the concession stand and antagonizing animals.