Fairmont High School - Maple Leaves Yearbook (Fairmont, WV)

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Brightly decorated presents sat invitingly under the tree. The aroma of mom's freshly baked cookies lingered in the air. Frosty and Scrooge were back on television and the kid s were home from school for a two-week break. It seemed like heaven...or at least Christmas. Even in September, students made special note of the dates of Christmas vacation, knowing that if they could make it through homecoming and football season that Dec. 23-Jan. 5 would eventually arrive. When it did, hallways and classrooms were arrayed in green and red and school spirit was obvi- ous as candy canes, cards and presents were tucked away in lockers. Christmas was usually considered a time for families and friends to be together. So- phomore Eraina Wolfe commented, I like Christmas because it brings home friends and relatives. Crowded sidewalks and long lines of con- tinuous traffic filled the streets. Students were rushing from store to store doing their last minute shopping. I usually save all my Christmas shopping for the last minute. I don't like to make plans for what I buy. That way, I surprise myself and the person I'm buying for, explained Junior Tricia Tropea. The end-of-the-year holiday was celebra- ted in different ways, depending on family background or religion. For some, Christmas wasn't a joyous time. One reason was shortage of money to buy all the presents needed or wanted. Sophomore Mary Burnell argued, 1 think people should think of the nice things at Christmas and not focus on the bad. Christmas is a happy time. I feel the true meaning of the season should be remembered and not forgotten when everyone begins talking about presents and Santa Claus. When Dec. 25 rolled around, so did the end of another year. People began thinking ahead, and some made New Year's resolu- tions. I did a lot of thinking about 1988 and what is in it for me and my loved ones, replied Junior Steve Ryan. All too soon, the tree was tom down, the last cookie crumbs eaten and undone home- work reluctantly finished for the return to school. Just like a storybook holiday though, it wasa Merry Christmas to All... And to All A Good Night! —by Lori Traoelslead Dancing Bears Participating in the annual Fairmont Christmas paradc sophomores majorettes Leigh Ann Vingle and 1 leather Martin and Junior Maria Coffman dance to the holiday carols played by the band. Enliglitening Experience In the Jewish tradition of the holiday season. Junior Julie Zasloff lights the family mcnorah. Zasloff joined her family in celebrating both Christmas and Hannukah. 24 Christmas

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. Operation e Continue lunch and three girls jumped onto the street comer and tried to grab my purse. Luckily, I got away when an Italian man across the street yelled at them, explained Senior Chrisi Hayhurst. On their first day in Rome, they spent their time touring the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon and the Viacoditti, home to the city's most ex- pensive shops. The next day was the most unforgettable one of the trip for students and teachers alike—an audience with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican. The highlight of the trip was our general audience with his Holiness John Paul II. Few people realize that he is one of the three (the other two being the President of the United States and the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the U.S.S.R.) most im- portant and influential men in the entire world. His ability to communicate in nine different and diverse languages was as- tounding, stated Mr. Cimino. After listening to the Pope's address and speaking with him personally, the rest of the day was spent visiting the president's home, the Sistine Chapel, the Trevi Fountain and the Tivoli Gardens for a farewell dinner. Spending Thanksgiving in Venice was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, but when the bus driver insisted on playing Country Roads, most students wished they were having the traditional turkey and dressing back in Fair- mont with their families. This was my first Thanksgiving away from my parents and it was really kind of lonely, commented Sophomore Dave Shackelford. After a quick stop in Garmisch, Germany, for an afternoon of shopping and a night at the disco The Green Tree, everyone was ready to get back to the good old United States where they would be able to commu- nicate without any trouble and eat real American food, even if it did mean also re- turning to algebra homework and after school practices the next day. I enjoyed my trip to Europe, though when I got there, suddenly I was not part of the majority but the minority, and every one was looking at me instead of me looking at them. In Italy though I learned that people are the same all over the world, remem- bered Senior Will Yost.—by Shila Shannon Closed Door After finding the exhibit of the German Crown Jewels closed, the weary Europe travelers plod back to the bus to continue their tour of Munich, Germany. Packing It In Arriving in Frankfurt, Ger- many, English teacher Carol Amos, Alumnus Richard Vig- lianco and Bus Driver Jean- Claude from Luxembourg. Europe 23

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Welcome Home Honoring past Phase IV Eng- lish students. Junior Tressa Mallamo selects a tempting dessert from the refreshment table at the Dec. 22 reception. Season's Greeting Dancing on the card-lined stage. Ensemble members en- tertain the audience during the annual concert. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year was the theme for the Dec. 19 performance. Harmonic Note As part of the Latin Club Christmas caroling. Junior Heidi Williams, Senior Gina E2ellc and Junior David Bai- ley sing with members of the group as they entertain classes. Christmas 25