Suffolk High School - Peanut Yearbook (Suffolk, VA)

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A Flip of the Coin The Presidential election seemed to be a real toss up right until the polls closed. T uesday, November fourth, nineteen hundred eighty: a momentous day in the history of the United States. Americans all over the country had been waiting with great anticipation for a close race between the two major party candidates; Republican Ronald Reagan, and the mcumbant Democratic President Jimmy Carter. For a year campaign literature had flooded the country and television commercials had become commonplace. Listening to the progress of the candidates and up-to-date polling information was a part of everyday living in the Fall. The government classes were especially involved. Every wall on every hall was completely covered with campaign posters a week before the election. Government classes had been split into three parties: Republican, Democratic, and Independent. It was each party ' s duty to design a platform, inform the student body on their respective candidate ' s views, and to write and give a speech on the candidate s behalf The students were responsible for soliciting fellow students to vote for their party. The school was broken into precincts according to class. In the mock election on Monday, November third, the Freshmen voted on the first floor in front of the old gym, the Sophomores and Juniors cast their ballots on the second floor, and the Seniors made their choices on the third floor in front of publications. Even as they voted, students were pursued by last minute campaigners passing out pamphlets. I just wish I was old enough to vote in the real election, sighed Teresa Howell. The election yielded a victory for President Jimmy Carter, reflecting the votes Suffolk would cast in Tuesday ' s election. Although the majority of students were too young to vote, there were a few Seniors whose birthdays enabled them to cast their ballots. Teachers placed a great deal of stress on the responsibility that went with voting. Voting is a privilege and should be taken seriously. Those of you who are qualified should make yourself aware of the issues, stressed Senior Government teacher, Mrs. Roberta Wilson. Those students who did vote were very excited and anxious about the turn-out. Marsha Byrd commented, I hope my vote makes a difference. ” After the polls closed at seven o ' clock, television sets were turned in for the returns. The results—that were certain to be close—ended up being just the opposite. By eight o’clock Ronald Reagan had surged forth to a considerable lead, which he held throughout the night. Although President Carter did not carry the state of Virginia, he did carryt the city of Suffolk. At ten o ' clock, Jimmy Carter, still behind Reagan with thirty-five electoral votes, stood before his supporters and rendered his concession speech. He congratulated his sucessor and promised the smoothes t transition between a president and president-elect in history. Television exit polls discovered that Governor Reagan seemed to give a hope of change on the economy, national defense spending, and foreign policy making. The country surprised commentators in turning conservative to the point of electing a majority of Republicans to the Senate. It was clear that the American people were ready for a change, and were counting on the Republicans to provide it. It’s a first. Stephanie White checks in and casts her first ballot. Hail to the Chief. Tommy Johnson quiets the masses, as he prepares to speak on behalf of Ronald Reagan.

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Pencil in hind. Isaac Rodgers designs and plans the publicity for the Independent party. Say Peanuts. This grinning poster was one of many, hung to persuade student voters to vote for Carter. On the campaign trail. Susan Powell does a little last minute campaigning for her favorite candidate. 24 ELECTIONS

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It’s About Time T y was the day before Christmas break when all through the halls every student was stirring even the teachers had a ball. Test papers were placed on the desk with care in hopes that A s would eventually be placed there. The student body was nestled all snug in the auditorium, while the Thespians performed a great Christmas play for um. The band played carols and the choral sang as the melody of silver bells rang. At last the time came to break for the door and everyone’s faces had smiles galore. All students had been waiting in great anticipation for Christmas vacation. The thought of two whole weeks away from books and homework made a whole lot of people very happy. ’’Turning in this term paper and getting out of here for a while, will be a welcome relief, ” sighed Susan Powell in exhaustion. For some unknown reason teachers assigned papers, tests, and quizzes right on the day before break. All of this was piled o n top of preparation for the Christmas play and the band and choral concert. Practice, Practice, Practice, is what it took for the Thespians to put on a great presentation of T’was the Night Before Christmas ’. It wasn’t the conventional story; instead it explained how Reverend Clement Moore gave Santa Claus to Christmas. ”lt was very rewarding working with such fun people, ” asserted Suzanne Lilley, student director. The play was preceded by an earlier program featuring the band and chorus. The student body was invited into the living room of the Chorus as they serenaded them with several melodic selections, the favorites including Little Drummer Boy and O Holy Night . The band followed with another traditional selection Joy to the World. Both concerts included material from the evening Christmas concert. Christmas joy. Angels Christine Byrum and Wendy Beale come quietly into the room of young Clark Clement and cheerfully finish the half decorated Christmas tree. It s like this kids. Reverend Moore speaks to the neighborhood children about the true meaning of Christmas. 26 CHRISTMAS PLAY