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

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In Hot Water Many attempt to Y ou’re late to class. You didn’t do your homework and you don’t have time to study for the test tomorrow because you have soccer practice after school. Your parents want you to finish your research paper this weekend and they aren’t letting you go out with your friend to Daytona Beach. You’ll never have enough time to do what you want to and what you have to do. And you don’t know PEER PRESSURE Many times teenagers feel pres- sure from their friends. Pam Donatello, Shelly Narum, and Ashley Wyatt argue over whether or not to go to a party at Island Estates one Friday night. how much longer you can hold up under all this pres- sure. Nearly everyone faced this sort of dilemma at least once. Whether un- bearable or not, most stu- dents suffered pressure from school, parents, and friends. The school-related pres- sures of doing homework and tests and getting to class on time, collectively constituted a vicious cycle. Many students unfortu- nately found themselves caught in the middle. When late to class, they not only received a deten- tion or referral from the teacher, but if deans caught them in the halls, they were given a twilight conquer pressure detention. Erin Kennedy said, “My Lit. teacher gave me a re- ferral one day for unex- cused tardies, which it end- ed up that I didn’t even have. By talking to the dean, though, I missed most of the lecture in class and review for the test.” School also provided an added worry to some ju- niors and seniors, in finding dates for social functions. “1 couldn’t figure out who to ask to Silver-Bell, since the girl is supposed to ask the guy. I was afraid it was getting too late so I just decided to ask a good friend of mine,” said Kara Weppler. The pressure exerted on teens by their parents var- ied from student to stu- dents. A junior, Mike LaMana said, “My mom agreed to buy me a car if I got all A’s but, because of one C I have to get good grades for two more 6-weeks to get a car. Although friends usually helped solve problems, they sometimes created them. Teenage pressure came from fights between several friends or a boy- friend and a girlfriend. School pressure some- times resulted from a club or sport. In Girls Cross Country, Lynette Robbins explained that this year the pressure was especial- ly high at state competi- tion. School activities like newspaper and yearbook added to the swelling head- aches caused by deadlines and pressure. Clearlight staffer Brian Dudjak said, “After one deadline, another is just around the corner. The pressure is always on so we try to joke around and not let it get to us.” Although the stress af- fecting students did not usually result from a natu- ral disaster or their family being kidnapped, they, by no means, would say they were ‘carefree’. And, though it was a struggle un- der all the strain they somehow thought of a way to live and fight another day. □ by Susana Kugeares RUNNING WORRIES Being a first year cross country runner, Becky Palmer worries about the regional competition. Osceola High hosted the meet and, although Largo won, Clear- water did well, coming in fourth. BURNING THE MID- NIGHT OIL A.P. classes forced many to spend extra hours “hitting the books”. Craig Goldenfarb stays up into the early morning hours studying for an A.P. American History test. Pressure □ 27

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S. Kugeares “DO NOT PASS GO!” The newly introduced Twilight Dentention proved to be another trauma for students. Erin Kenne- dy tries to talk Mr. Hassall out of sending her to the office for being late to class. 26 □ Pressure TIME ' S UP Some teachers allowed students to stay after school in order to turn in assignments on time. Brent Andberg struggles to finish an A.P. Chemistry worksheet. “V

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elebration Pinellas schools mark 75 th year T he Pinellas County School Board cele- brated its 75th anni- versary with an in- spiring idea. The progress of the school district finally got the recognition it de- served. The celebration was a year-long “Diamond Jubi- lee”. It lasted until the school year ended. A vari- ety of activities highlighted the history of public educa- tion included a balloon re- lease, an outdoor concert, a Youth Festival and a for- mal dinner. The celebration cen- tered at Jack White Stadi- um where a pep rally was held. There, speeches were given by Sally Scanlan, County Council PTA Presi- dent, and Dr. Eric Whitted, Area 4 Superintendent, to explain the celebration. A week before the pep rally there was a contest held where students voted on their favorite adminis- trator to kiss a live pig. The winner of the contest was principal Ed Evans, who kissed an unwilling pig after the pep rally. A county-wide balloon lift of 90,000 colored bal- loons caused different opinions among students. “I thought the balloons were so neat because we have never had anything like that,” said Julie Dahl- hauser. Another idea to promote the Jubilee, was the “Little Red Schoolhouse” muse- um that contained histori- cal memorabilia and a 1900’s classroom that school children toured. “The red school house on wheels has the history of Pinellas County’s pro- gress and will visit every school in Pinellas County,” said Ed Evans. This celebration made students aware of the anni- versary and gave them a memory they will never forget — their principal kissing a pig. □ by Susan Wernsing 28 □ 75th Anniversary GOING UP Students from Clearwater High School released 3000 balloons in unison with 87,000 other balloons from all the other schools in Pinel- las. The cheerleaders watch as their balloons rise. SIGN IN At the open house held on No- vember 9, all Clearwater High alumni were invited to come cele- brate the Pinellas County School System’s 75th anniversary. Glenn Loughridge and Kara Hendry man the tables where alumni sign in on posters according to their graduation date.