Agawam High School - Sachem Yearbook (Agawam, MA)

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It’s true that a printed record creates a feeling that those events long in our minds seem forever like they happened yesterday. But though we take great care to preserve our story, we have it all inside.

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Special Feature: News Flashback: Memories As I was flipping through past news stories from times that seemed so long ago, certain film clippings caught my eye. I began reminiscing about those special, unforgettable three years of my high school life. Back to 1981-1982, our sophomore year. As sophomores, (that word which seniors regard with such revulsion), we were cub reporters, trying to get our stories straight in a strange world which seemed so full of confusion. We had to separate the facts from the fallacies. We were learning how to produce a top-notch news story led by our head reporters: President Steve Jury, Vice-President Lena Kozloski, Secretary Karen Albano, and Trea- surer Tom Hanson. With help from class advisor Miss Mary Wolochowicz, these anchor- persons helped to make the year quite successful. Our assignment was indeed a challenge, as we slowly but surely developed the rough draft of our high school years. Who could ever forget the first soccer rally? The spirit was there, even though we had trouble expressing it. By the time the West Side rally came around, our spirit was growing and we had caught high school fever. Also in the fall of ’81. a top news story: the football team romped to an incredible record, including a great victory over West Side on Thanksgiving Day. There were several events during that first memorable year to help us through the ups and downs of reporting. The boys basketball team successfully dribbled their way to becoming the B Division champs. Another outstanding sports team was varsity hockey, which made it to the semi-finals, proving the ability of AHS to make the headlines. On the music scene, the Marching Mohawks were also shining in the spotlight. Along with an outstanding first place in the Columbus Day Parade, the band and colorguard placed second in field competition and third in parade in Washington, D.C. The Show- choir, not to be outdone, placed first at the University of New Hampshire. There were endless assignments that first year, including ordering class rings and experiencing those unforgettable school dances. An unexpected blizzard, which hit in April, put a damper on activities for three days. On the world-wide level, the crisis in Poland caused national instability as the Polish Solidarity Union refused to subject to martial law. We were becoming more aware of the world and its vastness, trying to find just where we fit in. As the year came to a close, we prepared ourselves for the years to come and all of the special moments that these would include. Passing through our Junior year with valuable experience behind us, we endured tougher story assignments, but the rewards were more gratifying. We were gaining self- respect. which showed as we received our class rings. Academically, we had to strive for perfection as some were beginning the college quest and others were searching for openings in the job market. The PSAT’s and Career Day helped us to examine our choices and prepare for our futures. On the local scene, we were led bravely through the ratings battle by news director Mrs. Jane Williams, Producer Steve Jury, Anchorman Tom Hanson, Secretary Karen