Grants Pass High School - Toka Yearbook (Grants Pass, OR)

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REIGNING QUEEN for Homecoming 1987 is senior Debbie Shelley escorted by senior Dan Wendle. Holly Moline, senior, organizer of the newly founded dance was given the honor of crowning Shelley. Building a classic The climax to a very exciting Spirit Week was fast approaching. It was an unusually warm night in early October, when something that was earlier just a thought, became reality. Thanks to a small group of people, guided by Holly Moline, a semi-formal homecoming dance was established. This dance turned out to be a great success gathering over 170 couples to the newly established “Fall Classic.” Smiles filled the Girls Gym as the curiosity built in wondering who would be the 1987 Homecoming queen. The crowning was held in a very classy style as the princesses were escorted to the front of the dance floor and introduced. The crowd cheered loudly as Debby Shelley was crowned Homecoming queen. Debby and her escort Dan Wendle danced in the gazebo placed in the middle of the floor, as the princesses and their escorts danced around them. The general consensus was that it was the best dance in recent history. Jennifer Ausland stated, “It was great having a dance this early in the year; the school’s spirit was great!” Bill Lowery called it, “The best Rock and Roll dance ever.” Shoji’s Japanese restaurant was a very popular place to eat before the dance along with Eric’s and R Haus. The dance itself was like “a breath of fresh air compared to the weeks beforehand that were spent planning, decorating, and worrying,” stated a wornout Moline. Thanks to her, Jim Savard, Bill Lowery, Jodi Parrish, Felicia Megdall, and the dance committee. HOMECOMING COURT 1987 Each princess and escort line up for the crowning of the new queen. The crowner passes in front of the line and back before the queen is crowned. LIVING IT UP are (from left) Angie Ap-porson, Matt DeForest, Lisa Xenos, and Johnny Kochis at the first annual Homecoming Dance. SLOW DANCIN’ Junior Debbie Paulson, Homecoming princess, and escort Eric Smith dance during the queen’s dance. This is Debbie’s first year living in Grants Pass.

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FINISHING the spectacular Redwood Empire run through balloon arches are six graduates of GPHS. The congratulation ceremonies were held on the football field on October 12, 1987. Spirit week activities Monday - Grubby Day Pie throw Redwood Empire runners leave San Francisco Tuesday - Hat Day Big Wheel races Wednesday - Pin and Button Day Cakewalk Thursday - Blue and white day Balloon toss Megaphone giveaway Powderpuff game Friday - No school GP vs. Roseburg(football) Saturday - Homecoming Dance Monday - Redwood Empire runners return to Grants Pass POINTING out a little senior strategy, Julie Neukom along with fellow gridder Lisa Bell prepare for their turn on the field. Both seniors played on the offensive team for the seniors. INTENSE describes the GPHS football team as they prepare to meet the Lebanon Warriors during the playoffs. Coach Tom Blanchard and senior Mike Staley discuss some defensive strategy. Spirit Week

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DETERMINED to even up the score is senior Melanie Pearson. The seniors had many spirited attempts to tie the score, but came up short. VICTORY for the elated junior team and coaches at the 1987 Powderpuff game. Though this is the first victory for a junior team in the history of GPHS, it may be last game of the yearly tradition. Seniors bomb, juniors explode This year’s Powderpuff game brought many turnabouts. For the first time since anyone can remember, the juniors won as they shut-out the seniors 6-0. The game was also played during school on Mel Ingram field. The senior defense couldn’t stop Tamara Co-peen from scoring on a handoff early in the first half. From then on nothing went right for the seniors. Senior quarterback Janna Se-quira replied, “We were over-confident and our defense didn’t perform; that’s all I can say.” The seniors didn’t take the loss easily and it will be remembered. The game will not only be remembered because the juniors won, but also because it could have been the last “traditional” Powderpuff game. For many years, the all female contest has been a highlite of “Spirit Week”, although the question whether the Powderpuff is spirit or not is yet to be determined. Principal Greg Ross stated, “It was more a grudge match between juniors and seniors.” That is not the kind of class competition he’d like to see. “I’d like to see Spirit Week be something where the whole school can get involved.” Mr. Ross would still like to see class competition, but competition that will build spirit about GPHS, not make enemies between classes. DEFENDING their territory are seniors Darcie Christensen and Jolai Wells against junior Tamara Copeen. Even with experience the senior defense could not hold back the junior offense. Powderpuff 13