Classical High School - Blue and White Yearbook (Springfield, MA)

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In keeping with the Bicentennial Cele- bration, the yearbook staff decided to find a theme that would give some his- torical insight on Classical while telling this year’s story as well. We decided to compare Classical and its students, past and present. We asked ourselves, in what respects have the students changed? Is the school different? What about sports? How are clases different? Have they changed at all? Thes e are just a few ideas we tried to follow. Most of the time we found that, even though the basics haven’t changed, the way in which we learn them has. Even though the courses here still teach some of the same things that were taught when Classical began, students today have more choice in their future. But academics are only a small part of the changes at Classical. The world itself has changed around us. In the past 80 years, social changes, and the forces of history have made our lives different even to the way we play and the way we wear our clothes. For most students, activities of some sort take up a good part of their spare time. Pastimes like listening to radios and re- cords, or going to movies are relatively new forms of entertainment. However, activities like sports and in-school activi- ties have always been part of the life at Classical. In doing this yearbook, we found some things that didn’t really surprise us, but also, a lot of things that did. We hope you find as much enjoyment in reading the yearbook as we did doing it.

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IN NLS Classical High School 235 State Street, Springfield, Ma. Volume 55 BICENTENNIAL ISSUE 4 FACULTY page 10 An insight into the other half of Classical and the programs they direct. SENIORS page 30 pt Happy memories of our senior year, when life wasn’t so bad after all. UNDERCLASS- MEN page 78 It’s a section worth looking through carefully this year. ACTIVITIES Classical’s past meets the present in special Bicentennial History Blocks. SPORTS page 154 The scoreboard doesn’t always tell it all. FEATURES pages ay, 750), Zhe), II), sys, 188 Focus on the things that make the year special. DEPARTMENTS Editor-in-Chief: Barry Sullivan. Faculty Section: Editor, Marcia Rudek; Dave Thibault, Sue Chrisantho- poulos, Kelley Oliver. Senior Section: Editor, Laura Jocelyn; Tim Gallimare, George Bellas, Gina Curto, Lynn Zlotnick. Underclassmen Section: Editor, Ronnie Griffith; Brian Green, Colleen White, Sue Mer- chant, Sue Winer. Activities Section: Editor, Julie Furgeson; Beth Wark, John Georgantas, Doreen Burnett. Sports Section: Editor, Gary Meyers; Jack Cummings, Sue Penna, Lisa Omartian. Features Section: Editor, Nikki Pagourgis; Andrea Baevsky, Chris Benoit. Art: Jeff Ware. Photography: Brian Green Professional Photographers: Hausamann Studios. Advisor: Miss Lorraine Plasse. Publisher: American Yearbook Com- pany

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Education has come a long way from when Classical was known as Central High. Back then, many of the teachers taught two or more different subjects. Most of the teachers at Classical today are able to direct all their attention to different aspects of one subject. Students today do not always appreciate the variety of courses that are offered. Math, science, English, foreign languages, and history were the extent of the courses offered at Central. Modifications of these basic areas of study have been made so that, now, students can choose from courses such as, Consumer Math, Ecology, and Economics. Obviously, the courses can only be as good as the teachers. Classical has always had good reason to be proud of its staff. For the teachers to stay on top of their subjects, however, they must continue their own studies, and through the years, a good number A 4“ 1. Today’s courses prove to keep’ Bonnie Weckerly busy along with just about everybody else. 2. Science labs are still based on the same principles that they were in 1918, learning by doing, but today the equipment is more sophisticated. 3. Using the overhead projector, Mr. Guzowski explainsalesson that every- body can see. 4. The cornerstone on the front of the building is a constant reminder of our school’s age. 5. The 12S English discussions are in a cir- cle, where everybody can see every- body else. 6. Classical in 1975 — its dutward appearance has gone virtual- y unchanged since 1897. of teachers have taken night school and summer courses, inservice workshops or have studied on their own to keep up with the changing school program. Some teachers say that they are now teaching more than they originally learned in college. Classes themselves have been modified, too. Since just about every desk has been unbolted, teachers are able to move the furniture to suit the type of work being done. The standard rows are fine for lectures, but by moving desks into circles or small groups, teachers and students can experience a more personal class. Another addition the teachers have made is the use of audio-visual equipment. By making use of movies, records, tapes, and overhead projectors, students get a clearer understanding of the subjects.