Alief Elsik High School - Ramblings Yearbook (Houston, TX)

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Ethnic Diversity, Changing Families Expand Elsik’s Dimensions Elsik has changed drastically in ten years and so have the people. The student body has become more diversified and the percentage of ethnic minorities continues to increase. Also, the number of single parent families increased from 21.7 million in 1970 to 35 million in 1983 in the U.S. At Elsik. 32% of all students live in a single parent home. Single parent families included many of Elsik’s students as fifty percent of all marriages in Harris County ended in divorce. With the economic “crunch.” many students either felt they needed to or were forced to seek employment. As a result, many saw their grades drop or were no longer able to participate in extracurricular activities. As time passes, not only Elsik. but the Alief community has changed. The influence of Houston's rapid growth and urbanization in the late 1970’s will be felt forever. Bell bottom jeans were the of the 313 freshmen duri 'thing' In 1976 when Elsik the 1975-76 school year, oponed. This student was one The highlight of the powder puff halftime was theannoun- cement of the second annual Powder Puff King. Everyone rushed to congratulate George Craig as he was announced the winner. Photo by L. Cates Varsity football team is number one after they won against Lee High Scho members unite to show who the first game of the season Photo by L. Cates 166 People

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General Mechanics Repair Gear Up For VCA a very interesting hobby.” Mr. Willard became sponsor because he enjoyed teaching and working with young people. Teaching students to him can be. a very rewarding and satisfying experience.” “GMR is fun and educational and I am really proud to be in the club.” said Matt Matthews. The club spends at least thirteen to fourteen hours a week involved in different activities and some scheduled are the Vocational Classes Association (VCA) GMR: Mr. Willard, M. Matthews. J. Vasquez. R. Jingles. G. Forbes. E. James and R. Boothe. Photo by K. Groves contest on April 2. They were also involved in building a project car which was started on October 28. The project car was introduced to motivate interest and to give members something to accomplish. The car was made out of metal and fiber glass and was kept for display and entered into contests. GMR has really taught me things which I never dreamed I could ever know, and even better, learn!” said Junior Ed James. By T. Murdock. Reporter The best thing about GMR is that it gives me something to do and it also gives me experience in entering competitions.” said Sophomore Matt Matthews. There were approximately fourteen students in the club. First year sponsor Mr. Willard said. GMR helps a student to understand the mechanics of the car and it gives them Ronan Smith i Doug Gibson con itrate on adjusting the oks upand the ignition line k for the car breaks. GMR spends at least thirteen to fourteen hours a week Involved in various activities and projocts. Photo by L. Catos Sophomore Doug Gibson adjusts the carburetor on one of the many cars in his sixth period class which is taught by GMR sponsor Mr. Willard. “Learning to fix cars is really fun and It's something to do in the future,’’ said Gibson. Some of the scheduled events include the Vocational Classes Asso- ciation (VCA) contest on April 2. Photo by L. Cates GMR 165

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I Ginger udents who chose not to jrticipate in the second inual Student Council field ay (1972) enjoyed watching the festivities from the bloachers. Students and toachers participated in events such as the marshmallow toss, balloon pop, four legged race and the tricycle relay. Long hair was •in'. Sophomore Troy Banawart and Juniors Michelle Wil- liams, Andrew Davis, and Debbie Hund study their vocabulary lessons in Mrs. Neeily’s German MIA class. Photo by K. Sides People 167