Thomas Dale High School - Reflector Yearbook (Chester, VA)

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Addressing her classmates as well as spec- tators, valedictorian Liz Gaglinano relates perceptions to the future of each 1984 gra- duate. Appreciative of the seniors’ hard work dur- ing the past year, Mr. Hastings realizes he too gets a summer vacation before returning to the efforts of teaching another class of devoted students. While accepting his Balfour Award, Joe Volpe re- flects on years past as well as anticipating the fu- ture. CHESTERFIELD COUNTY LIBRARY VIRGINIA Graduation 21

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20 Moment of Reflection Seniors Look Back One Last Time welve years of school, includ- ing all the emotions and memories, came to the minds of the class of 1984 as they marched into J. Wilson Crump stadium on June 12. As the notes of ‘‘Pomp and Circumstance”’ sounded, these sen- iors reflected on their final moments as high school students. Graduation exer- cises had begun as the students ap- proached their seats on the field. Before this moment arrived, howev- er, many hours of preparation were put in by many volunteers. The day really began at 5 a.m. when a few hard work- ers were on the field at sunrise to work out the physical details of the day. Ex- pl aining directions to 242 soon-to-be graduates in shorts, t-shirts and flip- flops, Mr. Sublett detailed how to pre- sent a dignified Graduation Ceremony that would please all graduates and parents. The final hour came when class president Greg Hatch opened the event, welcoming all to the Com- mencement Exercises of the Class of Overcome with emotion, Mr. Howard Blackmon knows he has many memories of years spent as an instructor and friend to students to fill his years in retirement. Tossing their hats with relief, these new alumni look forward to their first year in college after a week at the beach. 1984. Kay Daugherty, class vice- president dedicated the ceremonies to Mr. Howard Blackmon, who was given a silver tray in honor of his retirement after twenty-five years of teaching. Following this presentation, the theme ‘“‘perceptions’”’ united the speeches by valedictorian Liz Gagliano, salutatori- an David Hinton, Jack McHale and Barry Burijon. A proud moment arrived when Mr. Sublett presented the J. Wilson Crump scholarship and Balfour award to Joe Volpe, a popular student-athlete and school leader bound for West Point ina matter of weeks. After the presenta- tion, R. Garland Dodd, in keeping with tradition, officially accepted the Class of 1984. Feelings of pride in themselves and for their parents flowed through every senior as each reached his goal — reception of a high school diploma. These emotions, accompanied by ex- citement and anticipation, climaxed as the Class of 1984 flung their caps in the air and stepped out of high school into the future. Graduation

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22 Summer Progresses with Activities or the majority of people, school activities cease in June, as school ends. But even while summer pro- gresses, many school activities take place. A number of events occur in preparation for the upcoming year. Marching band starts practicing at the beginning of August in order to be in step for the first football game. The rifle, majorette, and flag squads are twirling their way into new territory this year by trying new routines. The rifle and majorette squads are not only twirling their rifles and batons, but also small flags and sticks decorated with While attending the 1984 summer cheerleading camp held this year at Longwood College in Farmville, the Thomas Dale Varsity Cheer- leaders showed their true heritage. Discussing plans for the weekend, Martha Va- den and Skeeter Romig decide to attend Thomas Dale’s first home game. Hoping the rest of the day will pass quickly, Sharon Perry and Toni Gregory wonder, ‘‘Is this what | really want to eat for lunch?” Summer Activities ribbon. The flag team began using streamers this year to give a new look to their routines. Taking a jump on the new year, the cheerleaders began their practices this summer in addition to selling ads and boosters. The cheerleaders also spent time preparing ideas and ways to make the pep rallies exciting. Hop- ing for a good year the football players started their practice in August. The players practiced hard to insure a strong year with much fan participa- tion. To get a good start on this year’s yearbook, the Reflector staff started meeting during the summer. The staff spent many long hours coming up with a good theme for the book. During the summer the staff members spent time trying to sell ads to local businesses. The staff also spent time with such projects as senior portraits and under- classmen pictures. Despite the end of school, much ac- tivity does occur during the summer. With extra-curricular activities involv- ing many students and requiring much organization, it is easy to see why the summer is So busy. SPiN en ps