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

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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

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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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ovmmg 'ln an if 6 For those who were wise enough to turn on their television sets during homeroom every morning, sound advice and information were readily avail- able. More entertaining perhaps, than even Donahue , the morning an- nouncements, courtesy of the East Broadcasting System crew lifted away the homeroom blahs. The school com- munity was informed of the newest foods CHuskie Burgers, anyone?J and phenomina, such as the flushing of the Green Wave. Spirit and pride stirred in every student who witnessed the birth of the new Eagle. Black History Month in February also brought add- ed insight to the news. The morning announcements were a vital part of planning one's daily agenda. Each member of the EBS team had his responsibilities. Behind the scenes camera and audio work was handled by Tom Burleson and Ion Williams. Michelle White and Cristie Caronis were to be commended on the fine jobs they did, such as on judging ICC's Paint a can contest . Sports Corner 's success on letting students like Ross Saldarini know when the girl's Varsi- ty played stemmed form the talents of Tamara Iarret and Kirk Hardee. Much credit was owed these Eagles for making Channel 7 such an organized station. Applause also went for the folks in front of the camera. The familiar faces of such celebrities as Heidi Sloan, Greg Nivens, Ricky Reid, and Ray- mond Tom often thrilled the student body On Senior Days, the reigning class was allotted an extra five minutes of break by Iohn Shipway or Buff Marcus. Mark Mueller, Misty What- 24 Morning News ley, and Matt Hughett also occasional- ly privileged their audience with their natural charm and wit. Debbie Wal- drop and Glen Saperstein interpreted for the hearing impaired. Everyone in Student Congress had the chance to read announcements, depnding on their jobs, explained Greg Nivens. Morning news informed teams, clubs, students, and faculty of meet- ings, special events, practices, and un- expected changes. It entertained, pro- moted spirit, and prepped students for the day to come. A barrel of laughs: Gene Morgan and Greg Nivens delighted the crowd with their early morning enthusiasm.