Churchland High School - Trucker Yearbook (Portsmouth, VA)

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+——— — Portsmouth Becomes Home For AFS Student Gabrielle de Villefranche has in- deed become one of the many fa- miliar faces at Churchland High School. A native of Brussels, Belgium, Gabrielle arrived last August and is spending this year attending CHS under the auspices of the American Field Services program. Currently enrolled in a senior cur- riculum, Gabrielle is taking classes in the areas of shorthand, United States history, American govern- ment, English, art, and graphic arts. When asked if school in America was very different from school in Eur- ope, she quickly responded, ‘‘oh yes! Our school day is longer — from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the evening. Last year alone | took four- teen classes. But we did have a longer lunch period to eat and relax igh. Gabrielle is a typical 18-year-old who enjoys much of the same foods, activities and music as Ameri- can teenagers. She too enjoys hamburgers, french fries, pizza, ice- cream and coke. Belgian youth lis- ten to American music on their ra- dios. ‘‘The hit music is in English, with maybe some songs from a few French or Belgian bands.”’ As for re- creation, Gabrielle enjoys going to the movies or to the beach (when the weather is warm enough) and sight-seeing. She has visited many historic places such as Fort Monroe and many entertaining places such as Waterside. All in all, Gabrielle finds life here in the United States “exciting busy and always moving”’. Living in Tide- water has been a different exper- ience for her. Upon her return to Brussels she will attend the university there, ‘perhaps to study psycholo- aa OY . Getting acquainted. Gabrielle looks through CHS annuals from years past. 42 FOREIGN EXCHANGE

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li a The Drama Club and Thespian with an excellent source of : Troupe 598 of Churchland High entertainment. Under the direction School lit up the stage with many of Mrs. Debbie Scott, the students outstanding performances this presented several comedies which year. These talented actors and included selections such as “Who's actresses spent many long hours On First’, “‘The Do-it-Yourself memorizing lines and rehearsing in Frankenstein Outfit’ and order to provide the community “Infancy’’. The smash hit of the London and Broadway stages, “Blithe Spirit was also a hit for the CHS Thespians. Closing the season for CHS, the Drama Club presented that well-known comedy, “My Fair Lady”. CULTURAL ARTS 11

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An ocean away. Gabrielle’s home in Brussels. Soe Many miles separate Gabrielle from her family and native country. While she does admit to being homesick at times, she quickly adds that she feels very comfortable here at Churchland. “The students and teachers all have been very nice to me — especially helping me learn my way around”. As for Tidewater living, Gabrielle notes some. similarities between Brussels and here. However, one ex- ception seems to stand out. ‘The weather,” she says, ‘is much cooler Bring In the clowns. Gabrielle puts the finishing touches on her here than in Brussels.’ masterpiece. FOREIGN EXCHANGE 13