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

Page 9 text:

: b , ecisions — those unavoidable decisions! They greet ev- eryone everyday — small decisions, big decisions, hard “8 decisions, simple decisions — every kind of decision imaginable! And options always accompany them, sometimes as numerous and complex as the decisions themselves. But what would life be without choice? If everything were programmed, regulated, regimented until futures ran a single, pre-plotted course — how boring life would be! At Classical, decisions abounded with unrelenting regularity, escorted by their troop of options, in as many ways, shapes and forms as there were people. As in previous years, decisions ranged from those important ones confronting governments such as armaments treaties, relief of hunger, and conquering the fuel shortages to the ones facing the average student who, at the blare of his alarm clock, had the option of jumping out of bed, flinging off the covers joyfully, smiling a happy good-morning, or (as was the more common choice) groping for the nasty alarm, snuggling deeper into the warmth of his bed, and snatching another few minutes of precious sleep. While choices are present all the time, this year, 1980, the beginning of a decade, seemed to accent their presence. It was 1980, with a whole package of ten years stretching beyond it — ten years to create and to produce, to strive and to win — ten years to do anything, to accomplish everything, to be anyone. By offering a wide selection of activities,Classical became a fine place for students to find their interests and discover their abilities and latent talents. An acclaimed athlete may have suddenly discovered he had brains as well as brawn, and joined the Senate in addition to the football team,or a shy, withdrawn girl may have decided to break out of her shell and try for the cheer- leading squad. The opportunities were there. Besides electing many of their courses, students had quite a selection of clubs and sports and organiza- tions to pick from, ranging from joining a special homeroom such as Student Patrol or AVA, to trying out for any one of Classical’s sports team, or becoming a member of a choral group, or the Foreign Language Club, or the drill team Classical may have provided many opportunities and options, but the year could never have ended in fun and productivity without each student deciding to help make it such a year. Classical students were challenged to make the most of their school year, be they seniors, juniors, sophomores, or freshmen. This book is a record of Classical in this 1980, this beginning of a decade. Just which options did the Bulldogs choose this year? Where were they going? Whom were they seeing? What did the Classical Bulldogs do? OPENING 5

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1. ‘“‘Here, let me see those beautiful glasses, Judy Wright!”’ laughs Todd Ezold. 2. “Mmm! This looks delicious, doesn’t it?”’ compliments Jeff Lyons. 3. You devil, you, Brian Kirk! 4. Smile, girls! 5. “Hey, you got the answer?’’ asks Benny Lawrence. 6. Which option will YOU choose? 4 OPENING

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s Classical students sat in their classes, their attention often strayed from their teachers, homework, and class- work. They stared out windows reflecting on the past and anticipating the future. Students’ hopes and expectations for the future were always on their minds; whether it was deciding what college to go to, what subject to major in, or how to pay their tuition, it was never forgotten. Some students dreamed of the far away future concentrating on their careers as not only scientists, journalists, and teachers, but professional athletes, musicians, or models. Others may have imagined themselves married with families of their own. Some students dreamed about the many good times they spent at Classical. As a refreshing time out from their hectic schedules, they thought about the rallies where everyone screamed and proclaimed, ‘“‘Classical is 1”, they watched Classical’s athletes display their talents; and they dreamed of the pleasant times spent with friends between classes. Underclassmen dreamed of being seniors when they could rule the school but it was the seniors who had the most to look forward to. The Class of 1980 dreamed of senior hats, early dismissals, the banquet, the prom, and of course- GRADU- ATION. Graduation, the day that everybody looks forward to, when the daydreaming in classes is over but the reminiscing of Classical is just beginning. 6 STUDENT LIFE