Nitro High School - Nitronian Yearbook (Nitro, WV)

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Erin: Hope For Nitro Although this past 1985-86 school year has been one of tragedy and loss for the students of Nitro High School, there is a ray of hope shining through the dark clouds. On Tuesday, July 24, 1984, Erin Leigh Steel, then a junior at Nitro, was in a head- on collision in which she suffered multiple injuries Because of head injuries, she had blood clots on her brain and was in a coma for ten days following the accident This, in turn, caused most of her right side to be paralyzed Since that fateful day, Erin has been in several hospitals and rehabilitation centers in Charleston, W.V., Pittsburg, P A , Cumberland, V.A , and Nashville, T.N There, she had to first, recover, and second, learn the things that we take for granted such as swallowing, eating, and talking. According to Mrs Steel, her mother, Erin was just like a little baby who had to be raised all over again. Behavior and memory were minimal when she came out of the coma, but through special education, tutors, and physical and occupational therapy, Erin is almost as she once was Erin's progress has been outstanding in the years since her accident, although Erin realizes her condition, her mother said that her attitude is, “optimistic but realistic. So, on behalf of the Senior Class, we dedicate the 1986 Nitroman to Erin Leigh Steel for her overwhelming courage and inspiration Erin gives big brother Eric a hug after the accident. Erin enjoys the fun in the sun. Erin, smiling as big as life, relaxes by the fireplace. Erin is also very serious about her homework. Erin seems to be saying, Am I cool or what?” Erin sits in the sun and thinks about her many friends at Nitro High. DEDICATION 21

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Although they were sreat friends, Jimmy and Kirk compet- ed asainst each other in cross country. Kirk participated in the State Track and Field meet at Laidley Field. Kirk congratulates Tim after a fine performance on the track. During his junior year, Kirk served as escort to homecoming attendant Donna Thomas. Kirk showed his school spirit by posing with Ann and Robert on Nerd Day of their sophomore year. Kirk relaxes in the shade after a long hard race. In Memory Of: Robert Kirk Kelly On behalf of the Junior Class, the 1986 Nitronian is dedicated to Robert Kirk Kelly who passed away on February 8, 1986. Kirk was an inspiration to all who knew him. During his time at Nitro High, Kirk was very active, serving as Junior Class Vice-President, escort to Junior Attendant Donna Thomas, Student Council member, and he also ran on the track and cross country team. Though Kirk was physically taken from us, his spirit lingers in our everyday thoughts. We, the 1986 Nitronian Staff, do hereby dedicate this edition of the Nitronian to a young, intelligent, loving man who proved to be a friend to all, Robert Kirk Kelly. 20 DEDICATION

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Fund Raisers At NHS Money for clubs and special activities was scarce durins the '85-'86 schoolyear, so many of our special organizations relied on fund raisers as a way to earn money for special events like field trips, and other after school activities. In addition to the usual bake sale, that was always popular, students came up with many new ways to raise funds. The yearbook staff sponsored the selling of Slush Puppies (a.k.a. Vita Pups) and popcorn during lunch to raise money for supplies and for the publication of the Nitronian. They also sold lollipops throughout the day, and sponsored a rummage sale and car wash. Various clubs also held fund raisers. The band held its annual fruit sale. Although fund raisers were a lot of work, they were usually well worth the effort put into them and the money that was earned was put to good use. Kelly, Susan and Annette are trying to it's too cold outside for a football Football team members bring in pizza Please don't spray me! Set customers. game. for lunch. 22