West Springfield High School - Olympian Yearbook (Springfield, VA)

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BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS . . . The reference rooms were stocked with many books which were useful for writing papers. Searching through their books, Rick Leason and Stacy Martens gather all the necessary facts. CARBON COPY . . . The Xerox machine often came in handy when students needed information from various reference books. A student makes copies of the book necessary to the completion of her upcoming report. — Scott Foster It was a great place for socializing. sophomore Karen Frazier Student Life , Library L I

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500-WORD ESSAY . . . Taking go port a thesis. While preparing to some notes from her book. curate notes was necessary ' to properlj sup- her essay, freshman Wendy Repass copies SHHH . . . The library not only served as a source of information but also as a quiet THE SEARCH IS ON . . . Knowing how to use the card catalogue was very impor place to complete unfinished homework. Sophomore Billy Putnam finishes his to survive in this world of book reports. Thumbing through the cards, sophon assignment before going tu class. Gyune-|u jun looks for her book. Haven of quiet students go to library for studies and socializing Library: a collection of books especially a large systematically arranged collection for reading or reference. These words, according to Webster ' s, could never bring to life those exciting moments found at the WSHS library Where could you find thousands of books and hundreds of people all in the same place? Of course it was the WSHS library. In case you didn ' t notice, practically everybody was in the library before school, after school, during break, and during lunch. Within a few weeks, the library was constantly in use. Many newly in- terested Spartans were surprised at the steady number of reports and research papers constantly being assigned to them. Each year seems to get a little harder, with more and more assignments to complete, commented junior Dan Donovan. Run by Mrs. Jacque Morris and assisted by Mr. James Edwards, the library was an excellent resource center containing books and friends. During class periods, the library was practically empty with a few students doing their homework. However, when the 9:20, 10:30, and 1:50 bells rang, it was a mob scene. Many students tried to study at these hectic times, but found it difficult to concentrate because of the many conversations. 1 even tried after school but then I couldn ' t even find a place to sit, explained senior Will Schmidt. When one could find a time when it was a little less chaotic, he she could get a lot of work a. ne. The reference room carried various kinds of books that were helpful to research projects. The rest of the library carried everything you wanted to know about anything — even about the 25 ' students at WSHS. Several student aides were kept constantly in motion by confused freshmi diving into their first major paper, not to mention the laid-back seniors ti ing to finish their last ones. On the other side of the coin, students did manage to find time ti socialize. Mr. Edwards happily remarked that the library had become one the social centers of the WSHS community. In addition to that functioi We have one of the best reference collections in all the county, including public libraries, he concluded. Fairfax Library Representatives concurred ' with Mr. Edwards, saying that the WSHS library is the busiest school library in the county. During National Book Month, students could pick up a chocolate kiss for every book they returned. SGA president Julie Bruce ' s encouragement could be heard on the morning announcements each day of the campaign, Hey, Spartans, be sure to pick up your free kiss at the library! I ' ll meet you in the library, was a common sentence shouted in the halls - of the school. The library was not only a good source of information for school work, it was a great meeting place for friends. Being able to see friends in a quiet place was a favorite activity among Spartans. I liked the library because it was the only place besides a shopping mall where I could have fun with my friends, said sophomore Paula Myers. X- Student Lite Z.(3 Library ■ ' The library was a fountain of knowledge and learning. senior Paul Ryai

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Spartans spend time working, playing, or just doing nothing; whatever they enjoy most Yuu name it, Spartans did it. From sitting in front of the TV watching soaps to working a part-time job, students took part in various activities after the final bell rang. At 1:50 pm or soon after, most students left for home or work. Others, however, stayed after to participate in a club activity or athletic practice. As a result, many of them didn ' t get home until four, six or even later. The age of sixteen was something that almost everyone looked forward to. The main reason tor this was that turning sixteen meant that one was eligible to obtain his or her license. Along with all the responsibilities that every new driver was told about, driving brought with it dozens of new alternatives for recreation. Sophomore Jenny Charnock commented, Ever since I can remember, I ' ve had to bum rides. Now 1 have a lot more freedom to go where I want to go. WSHS students who didn ' t have a car at their disposal were forced to find friends that did, or rely on their parents for transportation. Having someone drop them off at Springfield or Fair Oaks Mall, then pick them up at ten or eleven was a plan commonly used by the car-less WSHS. School activities always drew large crowds. Although the halls were usually desolate on Friday aft ernoons, literally hundreds of people could often be found at the football and basketball games that night. Sock-hops were usual- ly held after the games, providing students with an opportunity to dance and socialize. Friday and Saturday nights provided perfect opportunities for going out with friends or un a date. Movies, dinner, or just going to someone ' s house ' were the norm in the Springfield area. On a broader scope, some Spartans went to Georgetown, Oldtowne, and Baltimore. Visits to concerts and night clubs were not unheard of either. Some students even went to the Kennedy Center to watch the performing arts to the tune of thirty-five dollars and up for each ticket. But enjoyment of free time was not limited to nightlife. The entire weekend, as well as weekday afternoons, provided time to catch up on work, sleep, or the latest gossip. McDonald ' s, Victor ' s, and Subway were all popular after-school haunts f or WSHS students. The halls of the school were alsoi crowded with people doing homework, attending meetings, or socializing. I, got a lot of work done when 1 stayed after school, stated sophomore Lisa! Wood, adding, I had a great time, too. With all the activities in this area, no one could honestly say that there was nothing to do. The true problem was deciding how to spend the free timet available. Sophomore Tyler Rudd summed up why after-school hours werei his favorite times of each week. Weekends were great for taking out myi girlfriend, but I also enjoyed seeing other people in a loose manner ' away from the pressures of school — Kim SermuUcf Troy Sihitc-idcr FAST FOOD BREAK . . . During after-school meetings and workshops, club members were often sent out buying relief to bring back to starving co-workers. Junior Pat Furgerson makes a quick njn to McDonald ' s to bring burgers back to Olympian staff members. MOVIE RUN . . . Frida; night runs to Erol ' s to pick up movies were very common to students who stayed ho e on weekends. One Spartan checks to see if any new movies have come in this w. ek. YOU DESERVE A BREAK TODAY Spartans needed nourishment Twi McDonalds. . Hunger usually started in at about 2 pm, and students munch on some Big Macs from I partied and gelled out. sophomore Kevin Plotter 28 Student Life After hours