King High School - Clarion Yearbook (Tampa, FL)

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I am the big. bad. cool Ison 1 Since the early seventies, stealing the King Lion and bringing it back painted another color has been a senior tradition. Throughout the years, the once tawny lion has been brought painted in the school colors, either red, blue, or an occasional combination of both During the 1983-84 school year, after the lion had been successfully stolen and returned to his throne painted red. tragedy occurred Another group of students decided to repeat the crime and proceeded to steal the lion again. Crossing 56th street, the 200 pound lion came to an ultimately, tragic death. Dropped, the lion shattered into pieces instantly scattering across the pavement, as horrified onlookers watched To revive his regal spirit, the silver seniors dug deep into their funds to produce the whopping sum of five hundred dollars needed to purchase a new lion, continuing on the fierce sense of pride our school so effortlessly displays They presented the new lion to the entire student body, proudly painted blue and silver, to commemorate the school's twenty-fifth anniversary This tradition has prevailed for so long because of the symbolism existing behind it. Seniors, overwhelmed with pride, long to leave behind a reminder of themselves to the school which has given them so much to be grateful for Painting the lion effectively fulfills this desire Melissa Messina Melissa Leah Lott Lyman Jacquelyn Victor Maddox Maholik Christy Stephanie Maraman Marchese 178 Seniors

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1 James Lee Steven Christopher Levinson Lewis THE NEW BEGINNING Eldred Shawn Lewis Lewis As King began its 26th year it brought about a sense of awareness for some students, especially seniors. It gave them a feeling of accomplishment, not only to be graduating, but also to be the 25th graduating class. It was during graduation when people began to realize that one part of their lives was almost over and a brand new part was just beginning Some eighteen years ago these smiling faces entered the world, not knowing they would one day be a part of the Lion s pride Now. once again they were blindly entering a new life, uncertain of their future. But despite uncertainties, students appeared to have an optimistic outlook on where their lives were headed Seniors 177

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Stephanie Sam Charles Lonnie Phyllis Anthony Martin Mason Masson Mathis Mathis Matos Grace Coretta Lishia Bryant James Joanna Mattschei McAlmont McCalister McClintick McConnell McCormick Colleen Richard Hunter Alison Shawn William McCoy McElveen McFalls McGillivray McGlinchy McLeod Christine Bryan Thomas Paul Catherine Shannon McMillan McNatt McWade McWhite Mehlrose Melvin Seniors 179