Agawam High School - Sachem Yearbook (Agawam, MA)

Page 14 text:

While we recognized the damage done by the various weather conditions, there was also an abrupt increase in awareness throughout the world as numerous people lost their lives to the mysterious disease known as AIDS. Casualties ranged from women and children to bi- and homosexuals to well-publicized persona such as Rock Hudson. The new enemy created a fear and turmoil in many nations. This fear affected our base too, but even so, the daily routine continued on as the demands of war forced us to deal with new challenges. One such challenge was our senior class magazine drive in which we barely missed our $15,000 goal. But, one objective that we did manage to attain was the return of a soccer rally which had been banned during our second year of service. The rally lacked the presence of the band and colorguard, but did include the presence of girls’ Varsity soccer team. The event went well although the boys’ season had been agonizing as they experienced heavy red card artillery from the referees. This shelling resulted in the loss of three players. The soccer team (under the supervision of newly appointed Coach Cowles) had done admirably, as did the football team. Guided by Coach Modzelewski, another one of the six new advisors for the various athletic organizations, the team looked ahead to a promising finish for the season. Also, the baseball and tennis teams were preparing themselves for another term of service in the field after having made it to the semi-finals in their own divisional championship. Meanwhile, the cheerleaders displayed the spirit of the school. They demonstrat- ed their continuous support for the athletes of AHS after returning from camp where they had won the NCA Tournament of Excellence. Remembering their victories from the previous year, the girls anticipated another successful competi- tion season under the guidance of new coaches Sharon Barker and Dianne D'Alma. The entire senior class exhibited their school spirit as they prepared for the Senior Kid Party. Participation in Nerd Day, although minimal, created alot of enthusiasm. Excitement and anticipation mounted as time for the semi-formal drew near and expectations for a perfect Senior Prom increased. As graduation approached, we all explored the various options for the future that were available to us. We reflected upon the past few years and were saddened that it would soon be ending. But, our curiousity kept us looking ahead, and we realized that the memories and friendships we had established across the years would last forever. Our time of struggle and our time of happiness at AHS had not been in vain. The battles, those lost and won, would be remembered. Many soldiers have fought the same fight and there are many more to come, but now our duties are over. Class of ’86 — you won.

Page 13 text:

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.

Page 15 text:

BALLOT BOX Nicest Smiles: Chris Colagiovanni Peter Saracino