Ashtabula High School - Dart Yearbook (Ashtabula, OH)

Page 15 text:

OUR BUILDING, CONSTRUCTED in 1912, rests in the early morning before the hustle bustle. The castle-like structure was a symbol of hard work and dedication for nearly all of the 1200 students who attended. INSET: Awards shining. Al George . wears his varsity letter with a sense of pride. Al has accumulated six letters in his four years here. „ -

Page 14 text:

“No, but I am saying that wc should give this school a try before we decide and not let other people tell us about it.” “Well, you’ve been going to Bula for about two months now. What do you think?” “1 don’t know. I’m still just settling in. The kids have been pretty friendly though.” “Kids will be friendly any place. What 1 want to know is do you think it’s doing you any good?” “1 think I’m learning a lot and it’s not all in the classroom.” “What do you meam?” “Well, for one thing, there are a lot of different ethnic groups in the school, like Blacks. Puerto Ricans, Italians, and Scandanavians. Taking classes together helps us realize we have to live together here and outside of high school.” “Are you saying the school’s perfect?” “No, it’s far from perfect. But everybody sees the faults in the school and they’re discussed openly. People don’t try to hide them or pretend they don’t exist. Solutions and suggestions for any problem contributed by anyone are given due consideration.” “Sounds like the students run the place.” “No, not at all. For the most part, they realize the authority and respect the rules, but they also know that the authorities will listen and that the rules aren’t unchangeable.” “So, what’s wrong with the place? It sounds like heaven.” “Actually, there's a lot wrong. But most of the kids help to see that it doesn’t get worse. They realize some things can’t be changed. Those things they put up with.” “Sounds like the public had a totally wrong picture of Ashtabula High School.” “No, some of the things, they think are true. But to really get a clear picture, you have to TAKE A SECOND LOOK.” Take A Second look 10 Introduction —

Page 16 text:

“ How Hurry up before we miss the bus.” You go on without me; I've got a meeting to go to.” Another meeting! That’s you’re fourth this week, and it’s only Wednesday. How can you find so much to do in this place? I sure can’t.” Are you kidding? There’s a ton of things to do around here. Anything from libraries to motorcycles. I’m positive even you can find something to do.” “Sure. I go into one of those meetings with all those snobs and right away 1 know they don’t want me there.” Okay. But can you blame them. There’s always a bunch of kids who join clubs just to get their pictures in the yearbook. But once you show them you’re interested, they’ll make you feel welcome.” “Who said I was interested? I don’t want to go into the clubs and watch those same kids run everything. If they’d let someone else run something once in a while, it’d be better for everyone.” “Those kids started off like everybody else. If you’re interested, you’ll get just as involved as they have.” “Listen. I wouldn’t be in one of those clubs if they paid me. They don’t do anything anyway. Besides, I don’t have time for that junk. I work for a living.” Don’t give me that. There’s plenty of kids who work and still have time to do things. Besides, who said you have to stay inside the school.” “Sure, go out into beautiful Ashtabula where Main Street closes at 9:00 P.M. There’s just plenty to do.” “What about all the dances, parties, and movies around town?” “After two days you can go to and see just about every dance, party, and movie in this town.” “Well, since when were you stuck in Ashtabula?” You can go to the strip in Geneva when it’s open. Cleveland is just an hour away, and it has something interesting for everyone. There’s also usually a rock concert or pro sporting event within two hours.” “What happens if you aren’t exactly rich?” “This may seem strange, but you could sit home, watch TV or even read.” “Oh, that sounds exciting. Why don’t you just admit a student’s life around here is boring. “Pm not so sure it is. Why don’t we think about it and TAKE A SECOND LOOK.” HOURS BEFORE THE big game, homecoming candidate and student council member. Kim Baiky decorates the throne for the upcoming dance. 12 Studcnt Life