Manchester High School - Crest Yearbook (North Manchester, IN)

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The Manchester High School Class of 1986 graduated on May 22, 1986, but it was almost invalid. Everything was fine as the seniors marched to their chairs keeping to the beat of the infamous “Pomp and Circumstance. Scott Meyer, Class President and all-around nice guy, gave the welcome, after which the choir sang a lovely graduation type song. Speeches by Valedictorian Dan Bolinger and Salutatorian Scott Meyer were humorous while at the same time meaningful and best of all, short. The various faculty members, such as the good Doctors, Day and Eckert, spoke on the first day of our new lives and knowing something good about the graduates. All was going as planned. The graduates-to-be marched across the stage and picked up their diplomas then formed the usual circle around the gym. John Whitcraft played Don't You Forget about Me on the piano as the seniors sang with their now lit candles illuminating the gym. Krishna ©IPADUATICN 20

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On April 29, MHS participated in Spirit Day competi- tions to bring the year's spirit race to an end. Thanks to the organization of the Student Council and spirit chairman Mike Miller the day ran smoothly. The fresh- man were victorious over the seniors in a grueling tug- of-war match. Amy Dockter avenged last year's loss in the limbo by setting an unofficial record in the event. Curt Beery and Paul Besel started an innovative new tricycle-riding method. And Bridget Davis, whoever told you that you could walk on stilts? Other events included the car push, wheelbarrow race, sack race, two-liter water race, and the obstacle course. Ironical- ly, the final standings were the same as last year: sen- iors, first; winning a trip to Great America, followed by the freshman, sophomores and the juniors, last as al- ways. spirit i III i if

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Longanecker gave the benediction and it was all over. Or so everyone but the graduates thought. People began getting up as the lights came on, but the circle around them didn't move. Finally Scott ran up on the stage and over the noise of people trying to leave declared the Class of 1986 graduated, making it official. FINAL MOMENT Relief echoes through the crowd of spectators as young lives walk in synchrony like a Chinese dragon, to freedom from the pencils-and-paper building. Tears fall from parents' eyes like leaves from the old smoke tree while whispering secrets of the future fill their minds. Eyes of athletes, writers and singers glow with rushing memories of prom, old lovers, and wild weekends. Hearts begin to increase as realization of the final moment creeps upon them like a lion on its prey. The moment arrives. Familiar names in alphabetical order are read for the last time. They are now on their own. 21 by Todd Yoder