Grafton High School - Re Echo Yearbook (Grafton, WV)

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—polishing life TREADING DOWN MAIN STREET, Tammy Rogers, senior, portrays an elf in the Christmas parade in downtown Grafton. ‘‘CLOWNING AROUND, Mr. Gregory H. Cartwright, principal, (in purple) represents the Grafton chapter of the Shriners. AWAITING THE HOUR, Trent Hostler, sophomore, prepares for the Family Living class mock wedding. 6 — Student Life

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. . Pure Gold “The school spirit which had seemed practically non-existent in the years before now loomed before us in great proportions.” new schedule shortened classes to 45 minutes, thus increasing the number of periods from six to eight. This made classes a little less tedious and gave the underclassmen, whose graduation requirements necessitated more core classes, a chance to take electives. A shift towards academics seemed to be occur-ing, as more sections ot college prep classes were added to the schedule. With the shift in classification, sports looked brighter than ever. The greatest success enjoyed in many years in the Tygart Valley came during the basketball season. Playing a schedule of tough AAA opponents, Coach Mike Crutchfield said he would have settled for a .500 season, but instead his cagers won 20 games, took the Regional Championship, and played in the state tournament against perennial powerhouse Northfork. Six wrestlers also made it to the state finals in Petersburg, with Donn Layhew, senior, capturing runner-up. Things seemed to be coming together. A comradery instantly developed when someone could be identified as a Bearcat. It suddenly seemed right to be from Grafton. No longer was the student body four distinct units. It was now united with everyone laughing, cheering, and crying together. The school spirit which had seemed practically non-existent in the years before, now loomed before us in great proportions. It was there all along, we just needed to pull it out and “polish the gold.” HAMMING IT UP IN THE HALLS AGAIN. Richard Ellington, sophomore, poses while talking to a friend. Introduction — 5

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September, after classes had begun, students realized there was more to going to school than just books. Now students had a chance for a shining new beginning to attend dances, concerts and sports events. They had a chance to show off their talent, and to participate in activities that made their 8:45-3:30 schedule bearable. It took a variety of different lifestyles to make the year complete, and this polished the good times and turned them into bright memories. No one will forget the antics of the characters in the class plays, or the drastic changes in the choirs. These activities brought recognition to many, and fond thoughts of the past year to others. Almost everyone looked for- ward to these activities which were highlights throughout the year. For the musically inclined, there were the overwhelming sounds of the band, the enchanting melodies of the choir and the dazzling acting in the musical. For the incurable romantics, there was the swinging rhythm of the Homecoming, Varsity Ball, and Prom. Then for the anxious seniors there was graduation. All brightened the lives of the students. After school was not the only time the students enjoyed themselves. They could be seen laughing and giggling at their lockers, or telling deep, dark secrets in the cafeteria. Just en- joying the company of their friends in classes wasn’t enough for some. “I enjoy good times with my friends in the halls, during lunch, and track practice. I also enjoy most of my classes because of the people, and some of the subjects that we study,” stated Rachel Pysell, senior. There were no chances to get bored if the student took advantage of all the opportunities to participate in class tournaments and intramurals. In June, the students looked back and realized it was an eventful year, one that had been polished to shine like pure gold. Student Life — 7