Lake Central High School - Quiver Yearbook (St. John, IN)

Page 27 text:

Winter brings disasters Along with below zero temperatures and high-piled snow, this winter in¬ cluded blazing flames and suffocating smoke. Both disasters, the blizzard of 79 and the gymnasium fire, brought about the closing of school. January 17 was accompanied not only by a few more inches of fluffy white snow, but also blazing flames in the upper level of the gym. At 9:37, the fire alarm buzzed its warning as stu¬ dents were filed out of the building just like so many fire drills before. But this time the complaints about snow and cold weather were quieted as si¬ rens of fire engines were heard and flames above the gym roof were sighted. After buses were loaded and person¬ nel cleared out, the only injuries were the $125,000 $200,000 worth of dam¬ ages. Because of the mysterious begin¬ ning of the eight to twelve minute fire, arson experts were called in to investi¬ gate the area and question suspects. Complaints by students during the fire were not the only ones registered against the snow. The new record snowfall of over 87.4 inches caused school closings and postponements of student activities. ‘Winter Fantasy” the N-Teens winter formal was post¬ poned three times before finally being held on February 16. Although the winter months were long and cold, sledding, ice skating, tubing, snowmobiling, and skiing helped students make the most of their extra free time. Cabin fever became a feared state of mind as blizzard after blizzard piled up the unmelting snow. Below zero temperatures greeted both students in coats and P.E. classes in shorts and tennis shoes. Finally, the buses came to their rescue. A fireman takes reprieve from battling flames to ponder where the damaging fire started. Lake Hills, along with St. John. Dyer and Sche¬ rerville fire departments arrived as quickly as possible to jointly extinguish the flames. Firemen and administrators gathered around to examine the final damages in the upper gym. Disasters 23

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Snow removal equipment was not considered helpful by everyone as it pushed the snow aside no matter what was under it. Battling the wind and hurling snow was a near- impossible task attempted by very few brave in¬ dividuals. Most stayed in their warm homes. Shiny snowflakes, each one different in shape, settled on grass and trees to create a type of Win¬ ter Wonderland. Drifting snow and icy roads caused hazardous traveling conditions. Cars stalled along the side of the road were also unwelcome obstructions. 22 Disasters

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Formal-goers make the final decision concerning queen and court. Nicolette Mathews and Joe Ma- tura use their ticket to cast a vote. Floppy snow bunnies were the favors that could be bought for souveniers. Rich Ogden selects a rabbit for his date. Romantic music set the mood for ’ Winter Fan¬ tasy 1979. On the floor, Rhonda Hammond and Chris Rutherford swayed to the sounds. To preserve corsages, some girls waited to pin on their flowers until they were at the dance. Sean Hawk does the honors for Shari Sears. 24 Winter Formal