East Mecklenberg High School - East Wind Yearbook (Charlotte, NC)

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aqdventwcfa qn ea'C -'Jig Weeks of fun, friends, and excitement prevailed throughout the summer for a privileged few Pro- ject Excel was a time for broadening the horizons of students who were selected to participate in this educational opportunity On june 8, 1985, approximately twenty students from East Mecklen- burg headed for UNCC or Queen's College for what was to become one of the most fun-filled three weeks they had ever experienced. Little did they know that there would be things to learn, friends to meet, and memories to share. Of course, this was Project Excel. In order to qualify teachers had to recom- mend each student in one of the fol- lowing areas: English, Science, Math, Spanish, Drama, Art, or Computers. Each person studied one subject in classes that met for three hours a day Monday through Friday Because the enrollment was limited in each class, students were able to broaden their understanding with more indepth studies and thus expand their knowl- edge. Mark Mueller, a senior partici- pant, explained, The spiritual depth and understanding of my world was greatly expanded. Although academics were the main focus, We got a real taste of the college life, exclaimed Micheal Stine. This life was attained through the dances, field trips, and talent shows, or by just plain kicking back in a friend's room. When it came time to close the books for the day several activities were offered. Leadership was empha- sized greatly, every other day students traveled to Harding High School for exercises to sharpen their leadership ability Also, sports played a major role in Project Excel. The dorm life was great! , ex- claimed Lisa Eilbeck, junior. It gave the chance for independence and to strengthen newly made friendships. Unfortunately not all Project Excel stu- dents were able to enjoy the hectic life of the dorm. These select few chose an alternate route, Washington Close Up. Instead of professors and college cam- puses, Washington D.C. was their classroom. During the week-long pro- gram, they visited the halls and com- mittee rooms of the U.S. Government. They met the men and women who run our nation. There were seminars, workshops and interviews. It was a chance to find out firsthand what was going on in America and the world. Through both Washington Close Up and Project excel, a certain bond was shared with the people who attended, and there were lots of fond memories that are held close in the hearts of many 22 Project Excel

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Folk singer: Kristina Lange brought a little Danish culture to East with The Heron Song and Danish Song . Rap-rap-rappin': The Q.C. lQueen City? Boys showed their talent in rhyme and rhythm with LaDeeDaDee . Harmonizing: Eight well-tuned voices from the men's choir combined to uphold POP'S POURRI's tradition of great singing. Www g259gQ:Q'i?YF5 mi. Qt fl? M 'Z L Tfgl' ,V . . f IV' f 4 f gf Q? . 1-AQ VKAV . V V2 fw KLVL , k,', 5 fiwgsfg N f 7, ,X Entertainment East Meck: Performers and stage hands worked together to produce a special show filled with future stars. All that jazz: Karen Fowler brought variety to the show in her jazz routine with Donna Mooshie. Pop's Pourri 21

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'Give us that, 'I'm bad look.' : Rick Moore explored our nation's capital at Washington Close Up '85. Look at those smiling faceslz The 1985 Project Excel par- ticipants at UNCC gathered for a group picture. What are you three smiling about?: Mark Harmon, Mark Mueller and Raymond Tom attempt a devious act. Here I am!: Robert Preston threw himself upon herds of unsuspecting females. Kick back, get comfortablelz Mark Mueller lounges with his entourage of women. Project Excel 23