Williamstown High School - Wilhishan Yearbook (Williamstown, WV)

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-'Sli' ,109 THE SUM TOTAL CLUSING At the closing of the school year, students and faculty alike paused to reflect upon the year's events. 1987 was a banner year for controversy as educators pondered holding statewide strike. The Iran!Contra scandal threatened to destroy the Reagan Presidency as Government Agencies were overhauled in a journalistic quest for truth. Hostages were released and captured in the name of the Jihad, and AIDS became public through a total disclosure of in- formation on the disease. In a more local perspective, Williamstown residents experienced anxiety over the bridge, and discovered a new hangout as the Student Union opened its doors. Crime became a countywide concern, and many began taking extra precautions after the murder of an Indian woman in a local theater. Activities went on as usual, but with a new twist - students participated with fervor in the more relaxed atmosphere which followed the North Central Evaluation, students rearranged their schedules to fit the school's needs as they made 1987 count! Wasn't Mel! - Jennifer Emer- son and Brandie Dye argue in art class. WILHISHAN 159

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W I 4 L I 4 THF 'UWI 'l'0'l' ll An ending - everything must have one - can be sad or ha py depending on one's perspective. This year has been a roller coaster, as different sports teams had variable seasons. Acadyemically, students improved in test scores and school perfor- mance, but a statewide educational controversy threatened to retard the progress. In the bicentennial year of the U.S. Con- stitution, the mighty fifth amendment was challenged as Lt. Colonel Oliver North and NSC director John Poindexter repeatedly invoked their constitutional rights. The Iran!Contra scandal rocked the foundations of the government and became a constant on the evening news. Williamstown again distinguished itself statewide and nationally as students pushed themselves to maximum effort. The varsity girls basketball team was recognized in USA Today for breaking their long losing streak. Christy Hardin was selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation and the Century III National Leadership Conference, and Jay Offenberger was accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point. The Pride of Williamstown Mar- ching Band was selected to compete in the MBA regionals against bands from all over the East coast. The North Central Evaluation Team gave WHS a rating of excellent 'I'he Partners in Education program allowed Fenton Art Glass to honor students, thereby promoting excellence throughout the community. As if by magic, the events fell into place and then were over. Janitors began to sweep the empty hallways in preparation for the forthcoming year and administrators begin planning changes to augment the previous year. It's a continuous cycle - lear- ning to make it count. 160 CLOSING