Butler High School - Nugget Yearbook (Butler, NJ)

Page 21 text:

One can see it in every freshman’s eye — the hungry look, the desire and antici- patio® of the day they finally become seniors. Although freshmen are naive and dupable they immediately realize one important aspect of BHS, to be a senior is a definite honor. Senior year constitutes a multitude of privileges such as late arrival and early dismissal, blue and gold passes, parking in the Senior Parking Lot, cutting in front of the underclassmen on the lunch line, and the most special, being admitted into the Senior office. Before the Senior Office came into exis- tence it was felt by the senior student body that seniors needed more privileges under their blue and gold passes. Students that had these passes were excused from Study Hall. However, the only other place they could go was the library. The librarians did not particu- larly like the library turned into a hangout”. Therefore, the solution was to establish an alternative abode. A Senior Office, where one could go and congregate without disturbing the rest of the school's harmony, was imperative. With each senior class the lounge reflects the student’s attitudes. And the condition that this year’s senior class officers found the office in, suggested that the class of '82 was extremely lackadaisical. The rug was filthy and the walls were riddled with graffiti. A great deal of time, money, and effort went into restoring the office. Money was with- drawn from the Senior Treasury in order to purchase paint, curtains, and various materi- als to refinish the desk. The final touches that made this office unique were not added until the seniors entered it. Students began bringing in posters; bean bag chairs were brought in by John Walters and Don Seaman ; John Stassi brought in the couches. Scott Temby even brought in a television set that greatly added to the lounge’s comfort. Thanks to the cooperation and consider- ation of all the seniors, this year’s Senior Office is an immense success. When one entered the office it was not at all like entering a room in a school building. It wasn’t hard for people to become completely mesmerized by the various decorations; and for a short while they were able to put aside the pressures of the day and simply relax. Howie, stop watching T.V. and get to class! Here’s to life, liberty, and LUNCH!

Page 20 text:

WELCOME TO THE SENIOR OFFICE: A senior's home away from home. Wishful thinking, John. Eleanor, who's your friend?

Page 22 text:

SENIOR CLASS OFFICERS: [from left) Tracey Brown, Secretary, Kathy Yocum, Treasurer, Karen Barber, President, John Stassi, Vice President. From the state of Sonora, Mexico, Jesus Borchardt came to the United States as an exchange student by means of the Rotary Club. When inter- viewed by a member of the Nugget staff, Jesus told her that he came to study English and American lifestyle and customs. Likewise, having Jesus in Butler allowed students to share this experience and learn about the similarities and differences between the United States and its neighboring country. Many differences do exist between the two nations, ranging from customs and tradition to everyday life. Nevertheless, when speaking to Jesus, the stereotype of a sombrero, donkey, and pinata-filled world is washed away. Jesus wears jeans like everyone else, and said that “la Navidad” or Christmas is celebrated in the fashion here as in Mexico with all the trimmings, including presents and an artificial tree. When asked if he was homesick, Jesus let out a sigh as thoughts of Sonora flashed through his mind and replied, “A little bit. He wrote home every two months, and frequently spoke to his family on the telephone. Jesus enjoys all sports and participated on the Butler High School soccer team. On Saturdays, at home in Sonora, one can find him engrossed in a game of softball or a good bullfight. Jesus also plays baseball and was even on the national team in Mexico. With this enthusiasm he fit into Butler’s athletic atmosphere well. When asked if any language problem existed, Jesus replied that he understands conversations spoken in English except when people speak rapidly. The main problem was that he could not speak English well. He often gave the impression that he was quiet and pensive, which is quite contrary to his nature. Next year Jesus plans to attend a military aviation school and will pursue a happy and tranquil life in Mexico or possibly the United States. This has been a memorable experience that no textbook could provide for Jesus. He was very happy here and gained many friends. Esta programa es una cosa muy marvillosa y algo que nunca se olvido. - “The exchange student program is a marvelous thing and is something that I will never forget. Coming to the United States last summer, Miki Ishida was filled with many expecta- tions of America. She is an exchange student from the city of Fukuoka in the southern part of Japan, currently attending Butler High School. Miki explains that she enjoys many aspects of life at B.H.S. There is more freedom here than In Japan and it is a lot of fun , she says. Compared to Japan she feels that the student-teacher relationship here is friendly as we are active in class, unlike her Japanese classes where one listens, takes notes, and does not talk. Although Miki finds traveling from class to class in four minutes hectic , she likes the idea of attending school five days a week instead of six as she does back home. Does she miss Japan? In the beginning she was homesick, but now she says she is not, despite the fact she sometimes misses her friends and family. Asked what her hobbies and interests were, she stated, “cooking, travel, and going to the movies.” It did not take her long to get accustomed to our food even though the typical meal she eats in Japan is raw fish and rice. Does she eat with chopsticks? Yes, at every meal except when eating steak and American junk food. (McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken). Upon returning home she plans to attend a junior college for two years and would like to work in trade and commerce. She feels she will be at an advantage knowing the English language better than most Japanese. Miki is eager to admit she is very glad that she came to the United States and experienced our culture. When asked to give her overall impression of American life, 18 Miki laughingly stated, Americans are crazy, but I like them.”