Munster High School - Paragon Yearbook (Munster, IN)

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Election r 80 Party headquarters, mock election benefit politically-minded students ww was afraid that acci- I dentally I might vote 1 for the wrong people, like Carter or the Communists,” explained senior Henry Preston after his first experience voting. Henry participated in his first election by voting, while other students found different ways to become politically involved. Henry’s decision to vote was not only based upon the fact that he was of voting age. “I wanted to participate in the Democratic process, help elect the candidates whom I wanted in office, and see what the in- side of a voting booth was like,” he explained. Methods of becoming in- volved were as distinct as the Mustang-Trojan rivalry. Senior Tom Garza became involved by responding to a Republican headquarter’s sign. Junior Carolyn Reppa explained she became involved because ac- tually, I was born into politics because my father is a politi- cian.” Junior Karyn Waxman began by helping her father on his campaign for precinct com- mitteeman. Working at party headquar- ters included campaigning door-to-door, answering the phone, stuffing envelopes and meeting new people. “I was treated quite well by everyone I met. Most of the people were shocked and pleased to see a young person getting involved in politics and they went out of their way to help me,” ex- plained Tom. Mr. Thomas Whiteley’s U.S. History classes participated in a poll to “create more interest in the elections.” Although it was a mock election, the re- sults were identical to the actu- al election. “Nobody predicted the margin of victory for Reagan as large as it was, yet Reagan did win the mock election by a substantial margin,” Mr. White- PASSAGE OF THE 26th amendment lowered the voting age to 18 which al- lowed senior Henry Preston to vote in election ' 80. ley explained. Certain benefits were ob- tained from political involve- ment. “Not only has it devel- oped my knowledge concerning politics greatly, but it has taught me how to relate to peo- ple much older than I am and people in important positions, including senators, congress- men, and mayors,” explained Karyn. Future career choices may be based upon what these stu- dents learned through their po- litical involvement. Tom and Carolyn would like to continue in politics, but not by holding any political offices. Karyn has seen the many sides to a politi- cal life and is not certain where her political experiences will take her. “I have seen all sides of politics and some of the sides I’m not sure I like. I have seen backstabbing against my father when he has done so much to help that person. Poli- tics also has its strong points and I think its very important to be politically aware. I enjoy be- ing politically involved but as of now I don’t think I would like a career in politics, but that doesn’t mean I don ' t want to fur- ther my knowledge.” Although holding a political office may not be their ideal goal, these students have wit- nessed and participated in be- hind the scenes action of an election year in the political arena. Politics 25

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PRECINCTS AND HEADQUARTERS were not unique as voting locations. Ju- nior Denise Shmagranotf particpates in an election poll taken in Mr. Thomas Whiteley ' s U S. History classes. REGISTERED VOTERS ARE required to have their names and addresses re- viewed for accuracy before voting. Sen- ior Cindy Bogucki looks for a voter’s name on her list. TALLYING INCOMING VOTES is a two- person duty as Karyn Waxman and her father, Richard Waxman, demonstrate the process. VOTES FROM VARIOUS precincts may arrive at political headquarters by tele- phone. Senior Tom Garza listens for vi- tal information pertaining to his party ' s candidates. 24 Politics

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Say What? Mom walks in, ‘biology homework’ ‘Catch my drift?’ Keeping up with the times seems to be a never-ending struggle to fit in. By the time you finally figure out what is “in, it isn’t long before it is out of style again. Along with fashion and music, per- haps an even greater part of being “cool’’ and “with it is the ever- changing usage of slang terms. Slang words and phrases take their proper place at home, school, or just hanging out” with the buddies. Making it a little bit easier to “fit in” with the crowds would be a quick memorization of the following popular slanguage. ce — pass with ease airhead — an attractive fe- male not necessarily with higher intelligence l)abe — attractive look- ing person of the opposite sex be that way — see if I care bent out of shape — angry biology homework — I can’t talk now, someone else is in the room bite (bit) the dust — didn’t work out right bizarre — out of the ordinary blow my mind — how sur- prising brew — beer brutal — difficult bummer — an unfortunate situation burned out — in an exhaust- ed state burned you — embarrased C asual — easy, unexcit- ing catch my drift? — under- stand? catch rays — get a suntan check it out — look for your- self chic — French word for in style cool — the accepted behav- ior cosmic — unusual creep — a disliked individual Cl ecked out — dressed up dig it? — do you understand what I’m saying?