Grafton High School - Re Echo Yearbook (Grafton, WV)

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 The walk-out has helped in letting the school and community know how upset we are. Jpinions Voiced Anna Brown, Senior Shouted conversations shot back and forth in the crowded first floor hall. The first period bell rang, but the halls did not empty as usual. Spontaneously, some confident, some not, students simply walked out the doors. That September 15 morning was like no other morning ever experienced by GHS students. New rules and restrictions had students angry and upset. 'They're treating us like elementary school children, with putting our names on the board when we speak out of turn and fencing us in like zoo animals, stated Kim McVicker, junior. It was announced that all students were to take every semester test for every class; no exceptions. For the first year, seniors were not getting out one week early. There was extremely decreased freedom during lunch because of a new intramural program and a fence installed over the summer. Meetings between student representatives and Greg Cartwright, Principal, had given students no satisfaction. Pat Varah, student body Vice President said, Up until that time, walkout was a last resort, so as responsible student leaders, the student council decided to play its trump card. Disgusted with feelings of lack of freedom, an estimated 90% of the student body left the building and went to the student body parking lot to protest. Encouraged by calls from students, media coverage included WDTV, WBOY; newspapers, The Mountain Statesman, The Dominion Post, The Clarksburg Exponent, The Charleston Gazette, and USA Today. Negotiations continued throughout the day. A small group of representatives held a short meeting with Mr. Cartwright and aired their concerns. Cartwright promised to form a student-faculty committee, a parent-faculty committee, and to consider lessening the effect of semester tests on grades. Also discussed was the possibility of seniors getting out two days early. Prompted by Cartwright's assurance of the formation of committees with student voices, some students returned to the building. Others simply went home, or remained in the student parking lot. On the next day, all but about 15 students returned to classes. The days following the walkout were filled with meetings and collaborations. It was decided that semester test values would be re-evaluated and seniors would be getting out two days early. Eventually, tensions eased between students and faculty. Although all the problems were not solved, students felt optimistic about the remaining school year. I feel, stated senior Sonya Hoffa, that the privileges we gained will help to make this a better year. STUDENTS DISPLAY SIGNS outside during the September 15 student walk-out. I6 Student Life

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n I think high school is very challenging and a lot of fun. enter Stage Long and rough hours of practice, combined with a hectic schedule kept the band, singing groups and various organizations busy. They strove for perfection under the spotlight — center stage. The Entertainers, GHS's elite singing group, was chosen as one of the fifteen show choir groups across the nation to compete in Chicago, Illinois, on March 12, 1987. Before the trip, senior Wayne Goodwin said, I'm looking forward to competing against some of the best show choirs in America. I'm also looking forward to having a good time in the big city of Chicago, home of Michael Jordan. Entertainer Kelly White said, The reason I auditioned for Entertainers is because I enjoy singing, dancing, and meeting people from all over, both young and old. The marching band, consisting of about 105 members, including the majorettes, started preparing for the football season in August by attending band camp at Melissa McBee, Freshman Cedar Lakes on the 9th through the 15th. These students, under the direction of Mr. Norman Adlington, gave up several days of their summer vacation to organize their halftime show. Memorizing music, learning new steps and making new friends was all a part of band. Different from the marching band, the Concert bands performed inside. During the May Band Spectacular held in Bridgeport, the Symphonic band was chosen as a Superior band and the Concert band was chosen as a II Supe- MIDGET MAJORETTES steal the floor during halftime of a basketball game. 18 Student Life