Douglas Southall Freeman High School - Historian Yearbook (Richmond, VA)

Page 13 text:

The Line up. Seniors stand motionless while awaiting the opening of their graduation ceremony held at the Robins Center. Eager to begin. Senior speakers Tom Spangler, Rick Batten, and Anna Monis await the commencement of the graduation activities. Let the festivities begin. Seniors Anna Monis and Tom Spangler proudly lead the graduating class into the Robins Center. Graduation 9

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A Giant Step Forward As junior marshals Courtney Reid and Richard Orazi led the senior class towards the Robins Center steps, an ‘ atmosphere of excitement flashed a through the crowd. Friends and ees relatives scanned the long line of seniors searching for a familiar face. The seniors felt an air of importance as they were the guests of honor and the center of attention. Graduate Jill Hillmar said, “It was great and the Robins Center made it seem bigger and more important!” The Robins Center proved to be an excellent spot for the graduation exercises when rain was predicted. After class president Rick Batten gave a welcome speech, the Concert Choir sang “You Give to Me,” which was composed and directed by Deen Entsminger. Valedictorian Tom Spangler talked on “The Demand of Yesterday,” followed by Honor Council Representative Anna Morris, whose speech was titled “Joyful with the Sense of Becoming.” Spectators agreed that one of the high points of the ceremony was Bill Esposito’s acceptance of his diploma. Bill Esposito, an outstanding football player, was seriously injured during the 1977 season. Several parents stated that tears came to their eyes as he received the diploma. While reminiscing about the past and anticipating the future, the seniors nervously accepted their diplomas. Although graduation marked the end of high school, adulthood and the rest of their lives lay ahead for the gra duates. Waiting for the big moment. Listening to Anna Momris’s speech, the graduating seniors nervously anticipate the distribution of diplomas. 8 Graduation

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In the Summer Breeze The freedom brought by a few short months of warm weather enabled Rebels to neglect school work and begin their eagerly awaited summer vacation. Whether they spent time in the country, Virginia Beach, Kings Dominion, the pool, or at baseball games, students participated in many varied activities that filled their days. A break in the routine schedule allowed time for the planning of trips. A popular plan was for friends to meet at the beach during the week after graduation. This week was a time to get away from home life and school work and enjoy the sun and the beach. Although the gas shortage often altered and shortened plans, students also traveled with their families, visiting places across the country and world. Several French students visited France and England during the summer with Miss Carolyn Baker. Yet others enjoyed a week or two at Myrtle Beach or Nags Head with their families. Summer was not all carefree and easy living. Excuses such as too much homework no longer prevailed when mothers requested that lawns be mowed. Rebels who wished to apply for part-time jobs temporarily became secretaries, lifeguards, and other occupations. Some founds jobs as lifeguards at area pools or worked for a substitution lifeguard service. Other Rebels worked at Regency Square, at the Country Club of Virginia, and at local businesses. As school time approached, people began preparing for the end of their vacations and the beginning of another school year. Students had to leave many of their summer time activities and pastimes behind and adjust once again to their school work. ‘ ao y Home run king. Senior David Sampson whacks the baseball during a Tuckahoe Big League game at the Freeman baseball field. 10 Summer