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

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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

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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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MUSICAL CHAIRS . . . One of the places siudems weni after school for a quick snack before after-school activities was McDonalds. Sophomore Tracy Schrage decides what to order while waiting in line. hly, Spartans could always find -•. A Spartan browses through the Weekends are what we lived for ... a long day skiing, a quick trip to the beach, or just a night out and a lazy Sunday. Our time was precious! sophomore Julie Ross Student Life After hours 29