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

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W n. 1. energy, vigor, vitality, spirit 2. smartness, style, flair 3. dynamic, spark, dazzle, kinetic, pa- nache, oomph, etc. AFZA4 m MF Ugggh! Remember the pres- sure of assignments, grades, and exams? How many hours did you spend daydreaming while buried under a pile of un- finished homework? Did find- ing the energy to survive until the weekend become the pri- mary goal on a weekly basis? Although our studies were often forgotten in the maze of these 'more important events - Saturday nights, football games, and 'goofing off with the gang, we eventually learned the lessons of responsibility, hard work, and achievement. After only 12 years, we under- stand the purpose of education - to be prepared for what the future would bring. For we would soon lose the familiarity of our high school experience. Behind us remained the formu- las, equations, and classics - blurred by time. But within each Eagle is carried the knowledge, insight, andvitality installed by East Mecklenburg. Because of our school we could step to- ward tomorrow and reach for our goals with . . . PQZAZZ.

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There is at least one thing everyone at East had in common this year. Of course! lt was the three years of English required. Each year after successfully completing the course we advanced to a different class where we learned new ideas. For example, the average English class of a sophomore focused on reading to improve comprehension, speed, and vocabulary, and SAT preparation. Soph- omores also studied short stories, myth- ology, research skills and English usage. Mrs. Strickland, a sophomore teacher, hoped her students gained more posi- tive values that made them better peo- ple through their lessons in literature. For juniors, English branched into a study of the development of American Literature from the Native Americans to the present day melting pot society. According to Ms. Smith, 'The writing juniors did in class related what they were learning to their own thinking. Not only was literature stressed in Ms. What's this doing here?: lt was a rare occasion when Ms. Grain misplaced a paper in her unique and usually flawless filing system. .., . ' . f' Evan Bernstein lt s pretty sad a classic is labeled as trash Brent Grove Lousy because Lord of the Flies is a good book Smith's class but also the idea that hard work is rewarding and to ask something of yourself is to expect results. Most of all, though, students learned that each human being has a place, a plan, and a purpose to fulfill. Finally, for seniors, English meant pre- paring for college. Learning to write clean, organized pieces with a definitive voice and demonstrating good critical thinking skills all were part of what Mrs. Rosser's students gained. Seniors studied British and World literature expanding from the Anglo-Saxon period to the modern period. Beowulf Macbeth, and Gullivers Travels are just a few examples of the works seniors read and studied. According to Mrs. Strickland, teach ing was made worthwhile when shi touched each student's life in some wa' so that he or she would be a better per son. For Ms. Rosser, teaching was madi enjoyable when she saw the pride in 4 student's face for a job well doneg the laughter of her students, and the look that showed a student 'lgot it. To Ms. Smith, the excitement of discovery and the joy of being a part of the growth and development of young people was the most enjoyable part of teaching. After completing the three years of English, all students had a great back- ground they carried with them in what- ever path of life they chose to follow. How do you feel about the banning of literature in our schools? Craig Lane l think its wrong but the books are put out by conservative adults and they dont care what the students f . 0 I i X . . . , an 1 in . -- -i'.iiT'i5ii5f5' 28 ENGLSH