Agawam High School - Sachem Yearbook (Agawam, MA)

Page 12 text:

It seems like just yesterday when we were enlisting — “the new recruits ; taking orders and undergoing training which, to us, seemed endless. We chose our com- manding officers who would lead us into our first year of war. Colonel Abbie Sheehan and Lieutenant Barry Felix devised battle strategies under the supervision of General Wolochowicz. Company clerk Michelle Montesi kept the records while Treasurer Tim Lockwood controlled the rations. Our wartime newspaper, the “Stars and Stripes, informed us of many different world events. One of the major issues reported on by the “Stars and Stripes was that of the 1984 Presidential Election. Geraldine Ferraro became the first female nominee for the vice-presidency. Regardless of her defeat by the Reagan ticket, this was quite an achievement in the political field for women. While Mrs. Ferraro was making history in politics, Mary Lou Retton, Tim Daggett, and others were making history at the 1984 Olympics. Opposing view- points of warring nations were noticed when the Soviet Union and various other countries boycotted the event. Yet, morale was boosted by the news of the first successful artificial heart transplant operation and other medical advancements that accompanied this achievement. Back at the unit, we had a few notable achievements of our own. We ordered class rings; symbolizing that we were a permanent part of the service. Also, we proved that although we were mere privates, we were equal to our superiors. In the school Winter Olympics, our sophomores’ platoon defeated that of the juniors’. Then, we participated in our first football and soccer rallies. After which, both teams emerged victorious in their quests. We had begun to adapt to the routine, and realized that basic training wasn’t as difficult as we had feared. Still, there re- mained more obstacles to overcome and more hills to conquer. But, all in all, it had been a “THRILLER year!!! As we returned to camp after a well-deserved summer of R R, we received a promotion: we were juniors! Relieved that boot camp was over, we assumed the responsibilities of our higher rank. Commanding officer, Abbie Sheehan, was drafted to serve another term in office with the assistance of Lieutenant Mario Pioggia. Treasurer Tim Lockwood contin- ued to handle our supplies while secretary Michelle Montesi once again dealt with the formalities of paperwork. Generals Litchfield and Poulin oversaw their oper- ations.

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Things such as love or war or the time we've spent at Agawam High. Although these things may end, the special memories will never be forgotten . . . A final thought as one of life's many battles comes to a close: Thanks AHS, - WJI It’s been a S M A S H!!!

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We became aware of the many different world occurences outside of our base. We watched as the world joined together in support of the efforts to help African famine victims. Songs such as “Feed the World” and “We are the World” led to the two-day intercontinental music extravaganza known as Live-Aid whose profits were donated to the African aid program. Another big event was the introduction of the new Coca-Cola formula to the world. The fighting increased as some fought for the new Coke and others stood in defense of the old formula. Both sides were appeased when the new formula and classic coke remained on the shelves. Meanwhile, at AHS headquarters, many new and important events were taking place. Our shipment of class rings had finally arrived along with the excitement of our first prom. Still, tension remained as the PSAT and SAT examination dates approached rapidly. Having survived those, various regiments from the unit went out into the battlefield and proved themselves victorious. The band and colorguard placed first at Trumbull, and the football team destroyed Westside with their artillery on Thanksgiving. Last, but not least, WE FINALLY GOT OUR MTV!!!!! Although conditions were improving, the disasters of war managed to wound each of us. Carm Rossi, our head custodian, retired; creating a sadness in all of us. Then, an even greater tragedy struck us. Custodian Frank Mazza passed away, leaving us stunned with grief. To our delight, the camp was blessed with life shortly thereafter when Mrs. Stevens, one of our physical education instructors, had a baby boy. We then retreated for a few months to reflect on the previous years’ battles. After mourning what we’d lost and celebrating what we’d gained, the unit returned to the war zone for their final term of service at AHS. We knew that the beginning of the end had commenced. To hold us together through the last year of war. Commander Brian Pioggia was chosen to take charge of the base. Lieutenant Cari Brown held the position under our head officer. Both were assisted by Captains Michael Avis and Gina Serra who handled the paperwork and expenditures respectively through the aid of the advisor to our class, Mr. Phelan. Once again, the “Stars and Stripes” gave us reliable reports on various world happenings. Mother Nature and her fury were big issues in the news. A series of small earthquakes, combined with a larger one, devastated Mexico City. Also, the eastern coast, including our base, was struck by hurricane Gloria, and areas in Puerto Rico were hit by a terrible mudslide.