Goshen Central High School - Yearbook (Goshen, NY)

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Dedication Goshen Central High School, Goshen, N.Y. For years each Goshen Yearbook staff has followed the tradition of dedicating the yearbook to one special teacher or administrator. Traditions are made to be broken, so this year we are dedicating the yearbook to a group of people. These are the people who have supported our class throughout the years. They have served as role models, given us guidance and more importantly they have taught us the ideals and values that make life meaningful. They have raised us and protected us from simple random growth as they gave us direction toward adulthood. These are just some of the reasons why we hereby dedicate the 1983 Reflections yearbook to all the people who have helped make the class of 1983 what it is now. To all the teachers, administrators, and especially our parents who were always there when we needed them, our great thanks.

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Reflections I find reflecting on eighteen years as principal of the Goshen Central High School a relatively pleasant process. Initial thoughts about such a review conjure ideas of comparisons with then and now, or where we were and where we are. As important and valuable as statistical averages are, they seem to take second place to those more significant memories which involve people — their ideas and concerns. Most members of the Class of ’83 were born during the year 1965 which marks the beginning of these reflections. That particular time was the early part of a very active and vocal period among students everywhere and did not exclude Goshen students. It was an era of emotional stress and political dissent. Our faculty, administration, and students had to meet new challenges — socially, morally, educationally. New emphases were given to concepts relative to rights and responsibilities, demands and privileges, and relevant education. We were faced with social unrest, demonstrations, and moratoriums. From then until now our students and staff contended emotionally and intellectually with Vietnam, the hostage situation in Iran, and other Middle-East crises. At home there was an increased awareness of minority rights, individual rights, the need for the protection of our environment, and concern about the poliferation of nuclear weapons. In the midst of all this we experienced a Watergate. No further evidence is needed to say that these have been volatile and stressful times for all. Communication became a most important ingredient of our efforts to deal with problems of the period. Students, parents, and school staff joined together on many occasions to cope with some of the problems cited above. The school’s role seemed to take on greater significance to many people. It was an era during which many people in the community representing a variety of views and backgrounds came together. We had to cope with the diversity of views and emotions and at the same time retain stability and dignity — not always an easy task. In an effort to deal with some of the pressures of the time, we stretched our imaginations and provided not only a more flexible scheduling approach but also introduced many new programs. Such an approach encouraged our critical review of existing courses and or contents. It was a period during which our philosophy broadened considerably. Many more students were encouraged to reach beyond their immediate educational grasps, and did so successfully. We responded to our students’ requests for involvement and relevance with just such opportunities, including responsibilities. I remember well, and with good feelings, the evening rap sessions [discussion groups] both in school and in my home during which we dealt with many of the conflicts that had surfaced at that time. Emotions were sometimes quite close to the surface, but considerable growth for all took place. Part of that growth included improvement in our understanding of and appreciation for one another’s views and cultures. Although we have returned to the more traditional type of schedule, I recognize that a number of lessons that we learned earlier are still with us. We seem to face the reality of our problems as an educational institution more openly and in step with the times. Students and staff demonstrate greater concern for one another. There is a willingness on the part of some of our students to move out into the community, and without recognition, assist those less fortunate. Our student government has become a more viable body in recent years. Student participation in sports and other school activities this year has reached the highest point in the last eighteen years, and probably considerably longer. This factor complements the earlier comment relative to the increased numbers of students who have accepted the challenge of broader more demanding academic programs with statistically supported success. Much remains for us to accomplish, particularly in that area referred to under peer pressures. Numbers of students still struggle to resist the pressures to be peer clones, others Dr. Robert E. Leslie succumb. Also, we must continue to try to wear better our natural attributes and attained successes. Being a worthwhile winner is sometimes more difficult than being a good loser. Education should help make it possible for our students to be discerning citizens, separating fact from fiction and the acceptable from the unacceptable. I think our students in general have reached that level. Finally, I believe the members of the Class of ’83 like their predecessors owe a debt of gratitude to their parents, a highly competent and professional staff, and to a community that continues to believe solidly in the precepts of good public education. I hope there is appreciation by the graduates for the many factors involved in the development of a substantial educational program, and more importantly, that this foundation will serve as personal support in your meeting the many challenges that lie ahead. Dr. Robert E. Leslie, Principal Goshen Central High School

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The Board of Education Seated (left to right): Mrs. Joyce T. Cook, Mrs. Diane B. Markowitz • President. Mrs. Sally Littlefield. Standing: Mr. James English, Mr. Ronald Purcell, Dr. Carroll B. Knowlton, Mr. David E. McClain. Missing: Mr. Murray Morrell, Mr. Newell Miller. Administration Mrs. Mary DeMilt Secretary, Principal’s Office 20 Mrs. Mary Besaw Guidance Office