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

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 'A tremendous success! It gave the staff an opportunity to concentrate on school improvement without the hassles of day to day activities. We put together a positive package of improvements for the school,'’ enthused Principal Greg Cartwright recalling the Alpine Retreat. In the minds of the faculty and staff, parents, and Central Office Personel that attended the Alpine Retreat on June f6-18, 1987, lie memories of heated discussions, long meetings, lack of sleep, and most of all a desire to improve the school both structure-wise and attitude-wise. Not sure of what to expect, the group of 26 members left for Alpine on June 16 for their 3-day conference. The retreat concerned six categories: the previous year's successes and failures, the physical plant, the curriculum, staff behavior, student behavior, and ways to put new ideas into action. World Cultures instructor Brenda Gerkin commented, “I think the retreat was a really good experience for all of us. I like the fact that it wasn’t all rules and regulations—we tried to concentrate on making the school a better place. The group was divided into four committees. Each day the committees would meet to discuss their particular area of concern. Later, a meeting of all members was held so that each committee could present its ideas to everyone and further discuss them. The retreat was an opportunity to share ideas and perspectives on issues. recalled Judy Walker, English teacher. Because of this retreat, the faculty, staff, parents, and office members were able to talk out many problems and offer possible solutions. All members left Alpine with a sense of accomplishment and a positive outlook for the year to follow. To sum up his views of the retreat, psychology teacher Gary Hollingshead said, I think it was important to get away from school and family and concentrate on working together as a whole. Like Michelangelo said—You have to chip away in order to find the statue, in this case a dessirable solution. (By Robyn Ringler) During some free time Irv Braniff, Brenda Gerkin, and Penny Co-plin take a moment to stretch before their next meeting. (Photo by J. Taylor) 10-Alpine Retreat

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school vacation had begun. v, ?- With suntan oil and shades in hand it wasn't hard to notice beach season” was When school is out and the beaches are open ''they’re either out surfing or they've got a party going.” SurfBeach B°ys. -’“X- The lake provided entertainment for skiers, boaters, and picnickers alike. “If everybody had an oceanacross the USA then everybody would be surf ‘n like in Californ I.A. -Beach Boys. Junior Sandra Moyer said, I was excited because I learned how to ski.” Whether there was summer school in the mornings or cook-outs in the evenings there was always something planned to do. There were more things to look forward to like being able to date during the week, said Junior Cathy Sapp. The Taylor County Fair was also open for a week. Sophomore Andrena Frank said, I hated walking through the mud but I did enjoy watching the crash up Derby.” “Summer, summer, summer, turns me upside down. Summer, summer, summer is like a merry-go-round.” “Magic”-the cars. At summers’ end many students were ready to get back to school and reaccquaint themselves with their old friends. (By Heather White) Opening gifts at her farewell party is English teacher Judy Bar-rick. (Photo by R. Dean) Junior Scott Spring enjoys the day cruising in the sun at Tygart Lake. (Photo by C. Griffith) Student Life-9

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Members of the retreat take time out from their daily meetings to enjoy a leisurely meal in the resort's scenic dining room. (Photo by J. Taylor) English teacher Fern Thorn is “caught” by the faculty photographer. (Photo by J. Taylor) The faculty listens intently as Principal Greg Cartwright outlines the areas of concentration. (Photo by J. Taylor) Members of the retreat include: Front-Deann Weaver, Theresa Bruner, Mike Crutchfield, Greg Cartwright, Jane Bolyard, Dick Mercer, Glen Everly; Second-Brenda Ger-kin, Shirley Duryea, Gary Hollingshead, Becky Ringler, Vickie Crimm, Fern Thorn, Diane Colebank, Forrest Kelley. Penny Co-plin; Third-John Taylor, Tom Talerico, Nancy Lavender, Irv Braniff, Austin Upton, Norman Adlington, Lisa Myers, Judy Walker, and David Haines. Student Life-11