Cuyahoga Falls High School - Cuyahogan Yearbook (Cuyahoga Falls, OH)

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22 Homecoming The First Step Twas the night after Halloween, and all through the town. Each girl was dressing and prancing in a formal evening gown. The decorations were hung by the Tiger- backers with care. With hopes that dancing couples soon would be there . . . This was the scenario as approximately twenty Tigerbackers met at 9 a.m. on November first to transform the gymnasium into an oriental garden. Armed with streamers, fans, lanterns, and enthusiasm, they worked until 2:00 p.m. to perfect the theme, “Oriental Magic.” By 8:00 p.m.. Homecoming ’86 was underway. However, there were several changes from previous dances. Many participants were pleased about having a d.j. Mrs. Kelly, Tigerbacker ad- visor, stated that, “Because everyone com- plained last year, (about the band), we decided upon a d.j.” John Matthews of WKDD was called to host the dance. Laura Schmittsaid, “The d.j. played just enough slow songs to make it romantic, but the fast songs got everyone psyched up.” TOP: 310 couples such as Rich Glanville and Kelly Busey share thal special moment as the d.j. plays the theme song. “Friends and Lovers. by Gloria Loring and Carl Anderson. RIGHT: The 1986-87 Homecoming Court is Heather Kcnncmulh. Eric Earvin, Tari Wallace, Travis Dryden, Danielle Wood, Rob Smith, Mona Ewing, Jennifer Testa. Steve Sebastian. Tina Sellers, Scott Keller.Lora Hawkins, Bob Cochrane. Jerry Arnie, Jenny Greenwood, and John McClure. Court members are nominated by their own classmates and the male and female students with the top votes then represent their respective class on the court. There are five couples for the senior class and one couple from each of the other classes. Another change from previous years was the crowning of the king and queen. It took place at halftime of the football game against archrival Stow, instead of at the dance itself. Michael Bell felt that this “took away from the suspense of finding out at the dance.” On the other hand, Travis Dryden said that he “thought it was neat because the people saw the activities of the court because everyone had their uniforms on,” such as football, band, and cheerleading. Perhaps the most memorable event of the night occurred when the d.j. set off a few fiashpots for a visual effect. A varie- ty of explanatins for the event started shortly after. “The speaker blew up” and “A streamer hit the lights” were just a few of the rumors. For the most part, many enjoyed Homecoming. “The slow dances were the most memorable event,” remembered one student. Mona Ewing probably summed up the opinion of most students when she said that her most remembered feeling was “The ex- citement of that first step into the gym.”

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 ABOVE: Homework again? Here arc Mr. Vanderlin’s A organized assignments for the week. This way students can look ahead at the upcoming assignments. TOP RIGHT: An unknown student takes time after school to complete some unfinished homework. BOTTOM RIGHT: Almost every student goes through their schedule at the end of the day to see wlial homework needs to be done. Julie Evans has already finished this pro- cess and is happy there is not much to be done. BELOW: Textbooks, notebooks, and folders are common place, as the students exit the building after the final bell. Same Old Grind 21

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Dances,such as Homecoming, had always been a common fixture at the high school. However, there were several changes between the dances of today and those of the past. For example, today’s decora- tions included streamers, murals, and many bright colors such as green and red. However, in the early 1900’s, more natural decorations were used. According to Terry Swain, a 1922 graduate, students used to go into the woods and gather leaves and branches for fall dances. She also said dial students appreciated the decora- tions more because they helped to make them with their own hands. Dance attire had also changed from the past. “Girls dressed very formally in long dresses,” con- tinued Mrs. Swain. She noted that guys, for the most part, wore suits. Presently, however, both guys and girls wore various styles. Girls dressed in both long, elegant gowns and shorter, less formal dresses. Guys wore either a sweater or sport coat with a tie . . . or even rented a tux. The idea of dancing itself changed as well. In the past, girls allowed guys to sign up on their dance cards for certain dance numbers. Through the years, this tradition had faded. Although dance cards had now vanished, the idea of varying dance partners still existed. One student commented, “My boyfriend was kinda upset because I danced every slow dance with someone other than my date.” TOP: Leaving their dates for awhile. Mindy Bland. Kelly Milush, Kim Fisher, and Heather Nelson enjoy some girl talk and try out some of the latest dance steps. FAR LEFT: What? No chairs at Homecoming? No, just a revived dance step. Wade Albertson and his date get as low as they can go while moving to “Shout by Otis Day and the Knights. LEFT: As many couples dance the night away. Diane Risinger and her date take a break and relax. Many girls at the dance wear very formal dresses, as Diane shows taffeta is the style. Homecoming 23