George Mason High School - Mustang Yearbook (Falls Church, VA)

Page 7 text:

time for change ... For those who are seniors the time until graduation ticks away slowly. After finishing college applications, ordering the traditional cap and gown and confirming a place to stay for beach week, a senior might ask, ‘‘What's next?’’ Some groups chose to start new tra- ditions like holding the SC re- treat at Camp Overlook in- stead of Camp Shiloh. Says SC President Jamie Freeman, “Camp Overlook was definite- ly a productive time, people were more seriouS and we knew that the possibility of any future SC retreats depended on what we achieved.” Others looked outside their homeland for a new and ex- citing experience. Year-long exchanges have always been a tradition at G.M. although this was the first year that our school hosted four students, Alberto Mortes, from Andorra, Spain, Kristin Simonsen from Copenhagen, Denmark; Fer- nando Abril from Barcelona, Spain and Christen Weiergang from Norway. Says Kristin about her stay in the U.S., ‘‘It’s different but | think there would be even more differ- ences for a student who went to Denmark, | am really glad that | chose to come here this year. During his opening day speech, SC President Jamie Freeman inspires many with his encour- aging words of a new year. Finding friends from afar, Kristin Simonsen, Al- berto Mortes and Fernando Abril enjoy each other's company. . .. - =a - — Ns v “ oon : - — = —— be and $ OPENING 3

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2 OPENING From the Editor Alright, let's set this straight. As the yearbook staff we feel that it is only fair to you as students to clarify this year’s theme. Just because the theme is ‘Breaking Tradition’, doesn’t imply something bad. We felt that the students approached this school year with a somewhat different attitude. We also thought that you as Students had set a goal. That was to pack this year with unique, innovative and exciting things to do. The increase in school spirit, shown by the attendance at sporting events, dances and other school-related activities was a great change from last year. As a result of the energetic, supportive crowds the performance of the sports teams was truly outstanding, bringing to G.M. winning seasons throughout the year. A major theme of this year was community service. Examples of a few of those projects were helping a tragedy-stricken community in Ecuador, giving time to the Missing Children Foundation, the ‘‘senior to senior’ program and giving donations to AIDS research. Each of these projects illustrated the overwhelming student and administrative support. Lookin g at another aspect of starting new traditions was. the addition of a salad bar to the lunch offerings. This came after a lengthy student faculty debate with the cafeteria staff and will hopefully remain for the years to come. These are just a few of the new traditions at G.M. So turn the page to discover more new traditions that took their place this year. ENJOY! Karen A. Metzler Class of 1988

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A re a period of time, tra- ditions begin to lose the ex- citement they once held. It’s not that they are boring be- sag cause surely the tradition of the Junior Senior Prom, get- ting your class together to ae raise money, and once-a-year Homecoming events like the “big'’’ powder-puff game are traditions looked forward to each year. Still there are those people who strive to make the year a memorable one by initiating new traditions. Examples of — these changes are not always Bounding into the new year, Heather McGavin, Susan Miller, Laura Snider, Molly Henneburg and Cristina Mendoza get started on the right foot. obvious to an outsider while on 3 g the other hand many couldn't help but be noticed. The school fair, an event that hasn't taken place at G.M. for quite a few years, turned out to be a profitable fun- draiser and a lot of fun for BREAKING OUT many. The success of the fair was attributed to the creative booths run by club members: THE NEW a wet sponge-throw at teach- ers, a cotton candy stand, a service auction and a cake walk were only a few of the many activities held. lt required the hard work and dedicated efforts of many people to make an event such as the school fair a successful one, but, as shown this year, it is possible. Congratulations to all who played a part in the initiation of a new tradition, hopefully one which will last for many years to come. Running the cotton candy production, Shan- non Mullins and Christine Lewis contribute to the success of the school fair. 4 OPENING