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

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New Location Make May 4 Better Than The excitement grows . . . soon it's that special, magical night . . . PROM! The location of prom changed from past years. It was held at the Hyatt Regency West Houston instead of the Adam's Mark. The cost of each ticket was $15. This price included unlimited food from the $10,000 buffet. The dance was from 7 p.m. until midnight and the hors d’oeuvres were served from 8-11 p.m. The buffet included a wide variety of food, including shrimp, carrot cake, chocolate mousse, ham, and eggrolls. Senior Stacy Dunn and Hast- ings Junior Mike Dawes enjoy a delicious meal of shrimp and other hors d'oeuvres before hitting the dance floor. Photo by R. Rabe Prom decorations are party favors to many, but to Senior Christine DeCarlo they become a part of her prom apparel while dancing to The Bird. Photo by M. Spiller “Everyone always said that anticipation was supposed to be the best part about prom; our prom dispelled that idea entirely! said Senior Tushar Parel. Upon arrival at the ballroom, the class colors decorated the entrance. The table centerpieces were balloons streaming from top hats, and other balloons were hung festively around the room. “Prom was great! Everyone went all out for it! And the decorations were nice! said Senior Helps Prom Ever Savita Rai. Sounds of Jungle Love. All She Wants To Do Is Dance, Obssession, The Bird, Let's Go Crazy. Suddenly, Dancin' in the Dark, and Footloose filled the classiest of prom atmospheres. Careless Whispers ended this memorable evening which included table dancing, hugs and kisses. “Prom was really exciting! I've never been to a prom before this, and it was what I expected my prom to be like. said Senior Diane King. By L. Sturm. Senior Editor Although the buffet cost $10,000. the '85 ice sculpture, the pineapple •’trees at the dessert tables, Senior Ana Escarpenter, exchange student from Spain, discovers the typical American Senior prom attending a before • prom and the food made it well worth the price. Photo by R. Rabe party at Trade Rutherford house with Senior Darr Santana. Photo by Spiller As the class song We Belong Alice Rasmussen, one of the that were at prom. Photo begins to play, Senior John 700 class of '84 graduates M. Brown Duong sneaks a kiss to date 38 Prom

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Elsik’s First Principal Dedicated From Start For everything there is a beginning and Mrs. Ann O'Donnell was the beginning for Elsik High School.” according to Mrs. Ann Spears. Public Information Officer. Many traditions were established under the leadership of Mrs. O'Donnell, who opened the doors of Elsik as its first principal in August. 1975 after eight months of intensive preparations. Sara Chapmen, Art Coordinator, who aught at Elsik during hose first few years aid. “Once in a ifetime perhaps, we ire blessed with mowing a very special person like Ann )'Donnell.” To the people at Elsik. that erson is Ann )'Donnell. A school is judged is outstanding when ts students are active articipants. accomplishing honors, and its staff is competent and dedicated. Mrs. O'Donnell explained. She has recognized and appreciated the individual worth of every person with whom she has worked whether it be staff or student. She helped nuture what was best for Elsik. Mrs. O'Donnell stated that without a feeling of pride and self esteem, true teaching and learning can not take place. Her mind and heart has always been open to anyone's problems, no matter how great or small, and in those times of trouble and self doubt, she was there to offer guidance, sympathy, and support. Mrs. O'Donnell is supportive to administrators, teachers, and students, as well as being thorough in work, thoughtful. knowledgeable and having a high energy level.” said Sylvia Kelly. Senior High Program Director. Mrs. O'Donnell was with Elsik until 1981 when she was offered the position of Assistant Superintendent for High Schools. Since then she has moved up to Deputy Superintendent of Instruction where she sees that the teaching and learning process for all students and programs are accomplished throughout the district. She is the first woman to hold this position. Although she seems to think nothing of it. her former staff members are very pleased with the accomplishments she has reached. She began as a math teacher and became a department chairman. She was also an assistant principal for Hastings for 2 1 2 years. She thought her greatest accomplisment was the opening of Elsik as well as being a female in a male dominated world. In order to be a good administrator one must let people know you care enough to come and see what they are doing. Mrs. O'Donnell does this. She does not see herself in the role of superintendent but friends and past staff members do. Sylvia Kelly added. Mrs. O'Donnell has the capacity to accomplish anything she undertakes. She is truly amazing in her abilities. A real super woman! Elsik grew from a staff of 25 to one of over a 100. During the first year, thoughts of disbanding the school were discussed. That is until a group of students decided to attend a school board meeting and fight for their school. They believed that their school could make it. Elsik’s first students developed a pride in school and respect for school and education. I think that this pride has passed from class to class.” she said. Although she was missed, she left a part of her with Elsik that touched many. She went on to accept new challenges and grow so she could offer even more to the education of young people. During the ten years of Elsik’s existance, it has always been supported by its’ students, staff and parents. Even the years that Elsik’s wins were few. the stands were full. That says a lot about the school.” replied Mrs. O'Donnell. By Becca Ray. Reporter At Elsik’s dedication on May 2,1975. Jewell Elsik presents a picture of herself to Ann O’Donnell for the school. It currently is displayed in Mr. Porter's office. pcordlng to Mrs. O'Donnell, slk’s colors were de- rmined by a Columbia Blue fair that happened to be sitting in the room where the tie for either purple and white or green and white was to be broken. Photo by L. Cates Ann O'Donnell 37

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Seniors Reena Sinha and Raj Jungle Love. Photo by M. Rao leave the dance floor Spiller after an exhausting dance to Seniors Jeff Ray and Jodi teacher Mr. Aber at the a silk white rose, the class Kircheim check in with art entrance. Each girl was given flower. Photo by M. Spiller Seniors Scott Woodle and Ginger Smith relax and enjoy soft drinks after dancing several dances. The students Senior Chris Kail and Katy Junior Denise Witt try the hors d’oeuvres at the buffet. Many Seniors chose to eat at fine restaurants before attend- ing the dance. Photo by M. Spiller were provided with an un- limited number of soft drinks. Photo by M. Spiller Prom 39 SENIORS