Archbishop Mitty High School - Excalibur Yearbook (San Jose, CA)

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ccording to Webster, it is a place or institution for teaching and learningf' But to Mitty students, school is much more: it is an intermin- gling of religion, academics, culture, sports, and community. The above definition is derived from the responses of students to a recent sur- vey. A random survey of more than 200 students offers significant insights into Mitty High. An initial observation is that although 639: of those polled are Catholic, there is religious diversity on campus. 16927 ofthe respondents are Protestant, 991 practice no religion, 29: are jewish, and 1091 be- campus. Almost every racial background is represented including Italian, Hispan- ic, Afro-American, German, and Irish. 58922 state they are involved in cultural activities on campus, while only 24922 claim to be involved in ethnic activities in the community. Ofthose polled, 71'Za say they feel 'igoodv to very good at Mitty. This indicates a healthy cultural atmo- sphere at Mitty and a place where stu- dents from all backgrounds can feel com- fortable,', summarizes senior Charity Packer. The importance of sports at Mitty is represented by the fact that 74921 of those polled participate in after-school sports. ver 200 asked: , survey say . long to some other faith. Out of those who stated they were raised in a religion not listed, most were non-denominational, Islamic, or Buddhist. Although only 679: admit they still practice their faith, 6196 state they are involved with religious activities on cam- pus. These events range from partici- pation in mass and attending retreats to being a member of LIFE, a Living In Faith Experience. The data suggests that religion at Mitty goes beyond practic- ing one's faith. I attend mass and re- treats as much to be with my peers as to experience religionf, verifies a junior, Andy Vanyo. The academic section ofthe poll reveals that 73921 enjoyed the educational propor- tion of school, with an overwhelming majority choosing math as their favorite subject. Such evidence may indicate stu- dents at Mitty realize the importance of this field in the world today. with com- puters and technology, it's hard to survive without a good knowledge of math, summarizes Kevin Smith, a junior. Even more revealing of the academic trends at Mitty is that 839: ofthe students polled plan to attend a four-year college. Such a high percentage of college bound students, according to counselor Bernie LeRoy, reflects a strong academic as well as career-oriented atmospheref, Verify- ing this opinion is that 699: ofthe respon- dents feel the atmosphere at Mitty has a positive influence on their academic achievement. Another observation from the survey is the cultural diversity which is present on Ofthese, 4792: state they spend 3-5 hours on their sport a day. 6192 of the respon- dents claim they intend to continue their involvement in sports when they go to college. Sports is such an important part of my life that I cannot see myself not continuing it in collegef, verfies Sean De- Monner, a junior. When it comes to Mitty as a communi- ty, an overwhelming 8292: of the students polled feel the school is spirited. This spirit is not only reflected in that 60921 attend school activities such as rallies, games, dances, and concerts, but also in that 649: note their parents are involved in the community through such organiza- tions as Parent's Club, the Booster Club, and the Advisory Board. Such involve- ment indicates a great pride in school and feeling of communityf, stated Lani Miller, assistant to the administrator. As a whole, the results of the survey indicate one important factor at Mitty, and that is involvement. Students appear to be involved in every aspect of the school from religion and academics to sports. Mitty is a community of giving K . . . where students rom all backgrounds can feel comfortable. and sharing, caring, and growing. It is a place created by the involvement of everyonef' concluded Shelly Alexanders an alumna of the class of 1981. by Lori Weichenthal

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i. A P I I ' x P s I h I p f 1 . ,j. It A 1 ' K . ' il I I MEH1-watering, tongue-ting, and sense-stimulating delicacies: Mitty has a small Oriental population, but big Chinese food . appeal ftopl. Russ Ford and Ron Mifsud demonstrate the contemporary look P3-INS. httle hile the penetrating tones of Every Breath You Taken stream through the window of the Little Red Corvette, the teens in- side, dressed in Flashdance sweatshirts and O. P. shorts, screech to a stop in front of a bold billboard proclaiming HRISKY BUSINESS NOW PLAYING. Mitty kids follow the fad but focus on their favorites. A questionnaire sent out to two hun- dred students in several English classes last September identified lifestyles out- side Mitty walls and preferences in var- ious teen interests. Musical tastes fluctuate as much as the notes in a song. Yet the tide is overwhelm- ingly turned to rock 'n roll. New-wave sweeps over the school as second choice, and soul is a hearty third. Punk and heavy metal have their daring defenders, but some conservatives adhere to jazz, blues, country, and folk. Nevertheless, tergeistf, and Tootsie,' received warm approval. With season premieres out every fall, TV networks are also battling for audi- ences. Mitty preferences again reflect popular and personal tastes. Mr. T's heroism in The A-Teamn wins the most votes. Yet some students prefer shows that spoof everyday life. Comedies such as Facts of Life,', Square Pegs,', and Three's Companyv lighten up student life. Some new sitcoms seem udesperatel' to Maryanne Sinay, ajunior. But some are pretty good, like 'Cheersfn On the dramatic side, there is Dynasty,,' Fame,', and Hill Street Blues. U Nostal- gics reminisce by watching Twilight Zone and Leave It To Beaver. U Soap opera addicts weep over General Hos- pitaln during summer and on classroom TVs during school. What do most bookworms burrow their noses into? Romance novels. ultis he cream of fads general tastes reflect the mood ofthe era. The 80,5 is a decade of awareness about war and weapons, demonstrated by songs such as Prince's l999. The mouths behind the music receive alldears attention as well. The Police dis- turbed law and order during their jam- packed, speedy sell-out concerts last summer. Other favorite faces include Def Leppard, Men at Work, Led Zeppe- lin, and Duran Duran. The all-time veterans, the Beatles, are not forgotten. A constant shift in the charts shows the whims of human nature. Albums and songs at the top of the ladder must sur- vive the constant shakedown from com- petitors. Def Leppardis Pyromania,', which means a compulsion to set things on fire, receives the most Mitty ap- plause. Synchronicity, by the Police, defines the mysterious but appealing in- tellect of Sting, the lead singer. Michael jacksonls Thriller', is the record- breaking, five-hit champion. While most songs are popular only a short time, a few remain number one for weeks on end. National statistics last year spotlighted Michael jackson's Billie Ieanv and Beat Itf, Flashdance, by Irene Cara, and the Policefs Every Breath You Takef' Videos do a lot of promotion. Movies have grown since the silent motion picture days of the early 1900s. Yet the same themes appear and reap- pear. Mitty students especially enjoy sci- ence-fiction, comedy, and horror films. Countless curtains opened to Return of the jedi, the multi-billion dollar conclu- sion to the Star Wars trilogy. Risky Businessu was another summer teenage attraction. Flashdancev triggered a new physical-fitness look. Pol- and fashion the teenage phasef suggests sophomore Ker-ei Shyh. But readers also enjoy clas- sics, mystery, horror, and adventure sto- ries. Louis L,Amour, Stephen King, and Edgar Allan Poe are some authors sin- gled out for their style. Mitty students like what's comfort- able. Casual and preppie outfits are the favorite fashions. Some like the expen- sive, designer look, notably Calvin Klein. Others prefer the punk, new- wave, and F lashdance cuts and colors. Then there are students satisfied with their polo shirts, Levi's 501's, and ESPRIT sportswear. For most, being fashionable means choosing appropriate styles that enhance their features. America is indeed a melting pot. For- eign foods are rated above the nation's fast foods and momls apple pie. Chinese, Mexican, and Italian food are the recur- rent responses. Palatal desires include gourmet, pizza, and junk food. Sinay loves Greek and Roman food, anything really spicy. With so many students living far away, Mitty treats the car as a status symbol and a necessity. The predominant dream cars are the Mercedes-Benz and the Cor- vette. Small compacts such as the Volk- swagen Bug and the Rabbit are admired. Porsches and Ferraris are also popular. Datsun 4x4,s provide heavy-duty action. Still others prefer the elegance ofa Lam- bourghini, or even a Rolls Royce. Styles sway to the beat of a different mood constantly. Mitty teens know whatis hot and what's not for them. Mar- tin voices the individuality. I donit com- promise my good judgment only to be in style. by Li Miao