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

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| Community discovers the positives I Communities develop a variety of ideas about their high schools. East is no exception. The people of Columbus continue to change their perceptions. Despite some negatives, more people are discovering the positives about East. The school colors stink! Who in their right mind would pick orange and brown as their colors? True, East colors are different but they’re supposed to be! Leroy Nelson, East's first principal, appointed committees to think of the school colors, mascot, and publication names. Altis, Oracle, and Olympians are all terms in greek culture or mythology and were appropriate since 1972, the schools opening year, was a year for the Olympics. Nelson wanted something that could not be duplicated, something no other school had. Those kids at East are all hoods and druggies. Remember that big bust in 1987? The whole school must be filled with bums. Yes, East was involved in a drug bust in 1987, but after these arrests, the majority received help for their problems. The guidance department along with the Koala Center provided drug and alcohol rehabilitation for teens. Just as any school across the nation faces problems from drugs to vandalism to poor grades, East makes every effort to solve these problems, not sweep them under the carpet. The school is backward! Just drive to Coovert Street and look at it from the back, it's obvious someone messed up. East does look like it was built backward but it wasn't. The terraces were put behind the school for the purpose of decoration. The commons' doors that open onto the patio look like the main entrance. The entrance into the offices are located there also. But actually, students who need a break gather at the commons and the patio. During the fall this commons area between the mezzanine and ground level received carpeting. The free time at East is just that, free ! Students spend their time goofing off, talking, sleeping, and doing everything but homework in resource. The resource floor could easily be mistaken for a goofoff area, but spend 42 minutes watching students and it becomes obvious that this time is not free . Each class has extra work to do, such as learning packets, labs, and resource assignments, which are to be completed on the students unscheduled time. All of these make it difficult to waste time. There is no purpose for the large and small group sessions, nor the two day schedule. The kids must get confused. East's purpose for the large and small groups is to help acquaint students with college procedure. The lecture rooms give students the opportunity to get a glimpse of the next days subject, while giving teachers a break from preparing class plans for each day. Large groups appeal to teachers because they enable them to watch other teachers and share ideas. Large groups benefit the students in that they are not required to listen to the same teacher each day. The small groups are more student- centered and give them a chance for discussion. At first, students do get confused, but they soon catch on to the way the system runs. . - by Sherri Arthur and Stephanie Smith Aiifie Oorbctl Jolinda Buchanan First year arl students worked on a variety of projects to better understand different media and styles. Jason Hill, freshman, concentrates on the details of his tempra wash. Distpbution of the '87 Allis gave students a chance to break the hum drum of summer. Brandi Shipp, sophomore, browses through her yearbook before the autograph party in early August. 16 Siudenl Life!Perceptions

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Jolinda Buchanan Included in the traditional Homecoming week activities was a spirit window painting contest. Senior Tracy McCracken concentrates on completeing her entry. The entries, designed to show support for the football team, added color to the cafeteria. Union Station, filled with specialty shops, small resturants, and night clubs, gave students another alternative for weekend fun. Senior Christina Martinez looks over a selection of tote bags and T-shirts. I've learned to cope with my homework better than when I attended Central Middle School. Resource time is useful because teachers are helpful with my studies. Freshman Kerry Utterback ”1 like the open concept you can take as many classes as you want I like the freedom on the resource level and access to teachers at the resource desk. If you need help it’s always there. Sophomore Mihir Patel The Olympian Spirit Marching Band performed during the half-time and pre-game shows at varsity football games. Richie Howell, sophomore, plays a trumpet solo during one of their half-time performances. Typical Days Student Life 15

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ChriiTualc Nearly forty students participated in Jump Rope for Heart on November 16. David Gross, junior, and Ron Doll, senior, concentrate on keeping their feet out of the rope. Looking perplexed, Kerry Utterback, freshman, struggles to get the right measurement. Labs were a vital tool in biology class. Perceptions!Student Life! 17