Agawam High School - Sachem Yearbook (Agawam, MA)

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NEVER STOPPING 7

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ALWAYS ROCKING 6

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RECORDED MEMORIES As we, the class of 89, rewind through our high school memories, we remember the beginning of our careers as recording artists. We press pause at sophomore year and reminisce on how we entered the recording studio, Agawam High School, as fresh, blank tapes. To lead us in making new music and memories, our officers were chosen. The master sound-mixers were Jim Cichetti. President; Chris Dimascola, Vice- President; Melanie LePage, Secretary; and Susan Joseph, Treasurer. Beginning our first year, important school activities were recorded on Side 1. The dispute concerning teacher contracts affected the student body and. as a form of protest, there was a huge student walk out. Another event having a great impact was the assembly held by guest speaker David Reeves. The Vietnam War veteran was able to reach out to students in his discussions on youth issues. Our tape recorded other events that were hitting the airwaves nationwide. The Statue of Liberty was revamped to celebrate her 100th birthday. On the other side, however, America questioned its government because of the Iran-Contra Scandal. There was also grief throughout the world because of the nuclear disaster-at Cherno- byl. New social issues, such as surrogate parental rights, were'also being addressed. On the entertainment circuit, Americans enjoyed movies that topped the charts, including Top Gun. Platoon, and Perris Dueller's Day Off. As we returned to the recording studio as juniors, we began to tape our second cut. As older and more experienced artists, we were soon climbing the charts. Our new master sound-mixers were Jim Cichetti, President; Wendy Casinghino, Vice-Presi- dent; Kris Bruno, Secretary; and Susan Joseph, Treasurer. During junior year, many important school events occurred. The lack of an atten- dance policy resulted in excessive absenteeism, causing conflict because of its effect on the students. We also experienced other things for the first time, such as the long- aw.iited arrival of class rings and our first payment of class dues. Also, for the first time in AHS, an AIDS Awareness Day was held, in order to educate students about the frightening disease. With the arrival of spring, we also began to prepare for the future by taking the dreaded SATs. After the pressure was off, we were able to hay.g the “Time of Our Lives” at the Junior-Senior Prom. Once again, our tape also recorded world events. The biggest stock market crash since the Depression caused panic on Wall Street. There was also tragedy in the'ease of Baby Jessica. Her eventual rescue, which gave her story a happy ending, was due partly Vo'TRe faet that and 'worked together in order to free her.