Columbus East High School - Altis Yearbook (Columbus, IN)

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Individualism Sludent Life Choir, although a group effort, gave all involved a chance to work on their separate strengths and weak- nesses. Teresa Johnson, sophomore, practices with other choir members for the Christmas production. Time alone to become that true indi- vidual was important to many stu- dents. Melanie Kerkhof. junior, found the woods near her home a perfect place to enjoy herself. Standing out in the crowd with their unique hairstyles. Veronica Tack- ett, junior, and Mina Cook, sopho- more. relax in the Commons during a lunch mod. I refuse to give in to society's insecurities just because I chose to appear the way I do. Understanding is the key to secureness. If people could live without analyzing one another all the time, the world would be a much more peaceful place to exist in. — Mina Cook, Sophomore Vicohl Bird well 13

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ON TOP Styles, interests shape personalities C! parking up that ‘individual juice at a school as unique as East was easy for some, but others found it difficult when re- alizing they were just one in a crowd of 1,600. In order to stand out, students sought ways to ‘break into character . Students exhibited originality through such things as hair- styles, clothing, out of the ordi- nary collections, ways of think- ing, and even the style in which they choose to decorate a bed- room or locker. Known for her creative outfits and spiked hair, Mina Cook, sophomore, believed being her own person to be a prime objec- tive. “The more people encour- aged me to conform, the more determined I become in my ideas and beliefs. I refuse to be anyone but myself, Cook said. Others chose a less daring style of dress but added a person- al flair, whether it was antique clothing or Levi's and a T-shirt. “I try to wear different kinds of shoes and fix my hair differently than others, Chris Fleetwood, senior, said. Not everyone ran for the newest fad. “When a new fad comes out, I never feel as if I have to go out and get it so I am not left behind, Kathy Eddy, junior, said. Not as obvious as clothing, but still an outlet for self-expression, bedrooms and lockers were mu- seums for pictures of favorite rock groups, momentos of times spent with friends, and various other knick knacks. Others found diversion in be- ing collectors ranging from re- cord albums to key chains. Amy Holmes, sophomore, had a col- lection of antique hats of which she hoped to soon have two from every decade. Jim Frakes, ju- nior, admitted to being a pack- rat. “I have a filing cabinet where I keep momentos of most everything I have been involved in, Frakes said. Being alone to reflect on prob- lems and daydreams or just to become that true individual was important to many students. Melanie Kcrkhof, junior, found walking in the woods near her home to be helpful in working out her problems. Holmes ‘mel- lowed out' while listening to her “Doors tape in her room. by Rebecca Schuyler Nkohl Birdwcll V-V Robin Hendrickson, junior, found art class a good place to express her- self. Here she works on an art as- signment she created. Locker doors were great places to display a little creativity. Cori Da- vis, junior, searches for her books amidst her colorfully decorated locker. Nicohl Birdwcll 12 Student Life Individualism

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Perfect 10 body takes desire, fitness Jenny found herself sinking into the depths of the ‘fit- ness movement'. Meeting her boyfriend Rex in the hall, she is given an abrupt “hello”, as he hurried toward the gym to lift weights (hoping to change his 5’4” 100 pound body into some- thing resembling Hulk Hogan). Once at home, Jenny heard the pounding of feet only to find her mother acrobicizing to the en- couragement of Jane Fonda. Jenny couldn't even open her “Seventeen” magazine without finding some sort of diet plan. Desire for the perfect “10” body seemed to be in the minds of many students, but putting that desire to work was another story. Some students worked to- ward the body they hoped to have by involving themselves in sports, aerobics or morning jogs. Mental fitness and eating right, also contributed to concerns. One senior, Rob Doll, worked out in the weight room at school. “I enjoy staying in shape and working at it to see myself grow stronger,” Doll said. Others pre- ferred using a sport as their means of fitness. Eating the right foods could be drastically important to the weight one wanted to keep. Many students, girls especially, felt pressured to maintain slim figures. Glenda Shurman, soph- omore, sometimes felt very self- conscious about herself when comparing herself to skinny friends. “I'm afraid that I might not fit into my cheerleading uni- form for the next game.” Schur- man said. Without being mentally fit. having a top form body would not have been as meaningful. Stress could easily pile up and verge on explosion unless one knew how to handle it. Alison Peck, junior said, “I keep things from getting me down by going to drama club. It's fun and pro- vides a break from homework and worries.” Increasing health awareness seemed to grow out of the lack of fitness in teenagers. Studies showed that U.S. teens were less fit than 20 years ago. Only a few- students passed the fitness test given in P.E. class. “Youth just were not taking advantage of all the fitness opportunities around them,” said Dennis Sylvester, athletic director. by Rebecca Schuyler Reaching for ihe rebound Sopho- mores Aaron Jones-Bey. Jeff Beck- with. and Brian Fleetwood, perfect their shots during advanced P.E. class. Dominic Olivcrio 14 Student Life Fit ness FEELING ALL Junkfood, pizza, candy, and cookies, I eat it all. As long as I keep playing football, I won't get fat. -- Scott Seavers, Senior Burning off those lunchtime calo- rics, a group of students play tackle football on the school yard. Playing football also provided a chance to forget about the pressure of classes and to relax. Grctchcn Smuh