Clearwater High School - Aqua Clara Yearbook (Clearwater, FL)

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C. Thompson

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What ' s These machines make the complex simple NEW WITH.. by Lee Meddin and Sue Espey P eople play games on them. Tron races in them. Students do homework with them. Professionals manage businesses with them. This story was word processed on one of them. What is the magical wonder that can perform so many amazing tasks? It’s the microcomputer, of course! These small, desk top and portable computers performed many tasks which were beneficial to almost every one of every age. Students used these microcomputers for many purposes, ranging from education to recreation to making money writing their own programs. Mike Meehan, a junior, wrote game programs and sold them to software companies. Hands-on training was available at school in the computer math and data processing classes. In the computer math classes, eleven microcom- puters were available for students’ use. Mr. Mi- chael Way, teacher of computer math, remark- ed, “This is one of the most beneficial classes for any student to take. In this class, students learn how to use the computer and write their own programs.” Computers at school served students’ needs in many ways. In the guidance office, students found they had the option of two computers to use. The CHOICES computer helped students make career decisions. Students first went to Mr. Napier and filled out a CHOICES booklet. Then they entered that into the computer, and out of 956 careers, all but 20 to 25 were elimi- nated. The Guidance Information System gave out all information on 1,775 four year colleges, 1800 two year colleges, 1500 graduate schools, and 875 different careers. Roxanne Robbins stated, “As a peer facilitator, I occasionally help students obtain college and career information from the computers.” Computers were located virtually all over the school. One in the dean’s office kept attendance records. Schedules were stored in the records office. Activity director, Mr. Harold Reddick, used his Apple lie computer to make his compli- cated job easier. Aqua Clara even purchased an Apple lie to help with bookkeeping. Jordan Knurr, a junior said, “Two years ago my father bought a computer to help with the household financing. Until recently, I had never really used it or had an interest in it. Now I use it almost daily for games, math homework, word processing, and writing my own programs.” A new club was even formed by Mr. Anderson for Commodore computer users. Members of the Clearwater Commodore Computer Club ex- changed information and programs on the Com- modore computer. They compiled a user’s group tape library and hoped to plan and write other programs. Computers suddenly became a thing of the present, not of the future. More and more stu- dents and their families had purchased comput- ers for many different reasons. From word pro- cessing an essay to keeping track of the ac- counts at a major bank, computers performed simple and complex tasks which eased the lives of all who utilized these wondrous machines. Aqua Clara uses their new Apple lie for bookkeep- ing, indexing, and processing stories. Sonja Davis inputs records of yearbook sales. 20 Computers

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For a job well done or just to show friendship, students often express their feelings openly. Keith Owens and Terry Griggley psych each other up for the Homecoming game. Demonstrations can often be humorous or fun. Todd Mers looks overjoyed while helping Jim Gibbons cook for his public speaking demonstration. tk ■££ Always popular with students, debate teacher Mr. A.J. Anderson often tells his classes jokes without getting re- sponses. Ajr r Showing It Off In different ways, people show their characters L. Meddin by Sue Espey H appiness, surprise, sadness, frustration . . . just a few of the emotions felt by students everyday. All people found ways to express themselves For every different emotion, students showed what they were feeling, and everyone revealed themselves differently. What students wore expressed their personal style. A “U2” button signified appreciation for that particular music group, while an oxford and penny loafers usually meant a preppy status. “I like to dress different ways, and not the same style all the time,” said Julia Holmes. ‘‘Mostly I dress how I feel that day.” The band and choral groups were outlets for students to demonstrate musical abilities. Long hours of practicing often warranted tired faces. But the joy of creating beautiful music was seen to be worth the effort. Various sports and clubs provided means for students to show abilities and fulfill interests. “Playing football has been a rewarding experi- ence for me,” said Jerold Miller. “Sure, I get mad sometimes. But the feelings 1 get when I do something good or when we win the game make up for it.” Involvement in such organizations al- lowed freedom of expression . . . frustration at missing the well-thrown pass; disappointment at not being elected treasurer of the math club; singing your solo off-key. Feeling such emotions was a natural part of a person’s life. Whether students failed a test, got nervous about reading a report in class, or felt happy because it was Friday, there was an abun- dance of opportunities to exhibit what they were feeling. V 22 Expressions