Medina High School - Medinian Yearbook (Medina, OH)

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mmrr Far left: To the tune of “In the Heartland,” supporters of Gary Hart, who was portrayed by Kristin Blair, parade down the aisles of the conven¬ tion after hearing the speech which nominated Hart for president. (B) Top: Whenever a dispute arose over how each delegate of a state cast his vote, a polling of each delegate could be requested by another delegation. Ken Wisniewski is seen here casting his vote for Jesse Jackson as fellow Indiana dele¬ gates wait their turn. (B) Center: The pep band, which played during demonstrations and breaks, strikes up another chorus of “Happy Days Are Here Again.” (J) Bottom: During a break in the convention, Mr. Valen¬ tine, organizer of the convention, gives some advice to chairpersons Jennifer Chidsey and Jim Shields. (J) Mock Convention i6f

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Jim Shields Chairperson “It was learning by doing in the truest sense of the words. Our political system is complex, but I feel everyone now better understands and appreciates Jesse Jackson (portrayed by senior Darryl Ma¬ son) became the Democratic Mock Conventior candidate for the presidency to the cheers of the assembled delegates. This same process begar over for the vice presidential nomination whicf ended after two ballots with the nomination o Jimmy Carter, portrayed by Eric Krepp. Overall, the mock convention had been a sue cess. Much was accomplished and much wa learned during the two day event. Students hac seen first hand how politics in our countr worked and at the same time, they had enjoyec not attending classes and being able to partici pate in something as unique as a national con vention. Although everyone was involved with som aspect of the convention, there were those wh did more than others. These include the remain ing candidates who were Zivana Jovanovi (George McGovern), John Crooks (Georg Wallace), Tim Hulvey (Reuben Askew), Mat Eaken (Ernest Hollings), Scott Elligott (Ala Cranston), Margie Kobak (John Glenn), Krk ten Blair (Gary Hart), Jacquie Navratil (Ed ward Kennedy), and Scott Sanford (Waite Mondale). Other officers included Jim Smolko, clerl Christy Davis, rules committee head; Mary Lin da Cragar, rules; and Nancy Smith and Trish Valentine, secretaries. Politics. Prot To Elect Je D emonstrators protesting the deployment of nuclear arms in Europe. The appearance of a Ku Klux Klan member. Signs proclaiming certain persons were as¬ sociated with the Communist Party. Disputes over such prob¬ lems as unemployment, inflation, foreign affairs, education, and the defense of the United States. Criticism toward the Republican Party and the nomination of the Reverend Jesse Jackson for president. Do all of these things seem like what might have happened at the 1984 Democratic National Convention held in San Francisco? Perhaps some could have happened there, but these events actually took place at Medina High School’s Mock Convention held November 15 and 16, 1983. The primary function of the National Convention is to nominate presidential and vice presidential candidates, to draft the party platform, and to unify the party. The primary function of the mock convention was to help nth grade American History students and 12th grade Civics students better understand the political system they study in class. All juniors and seniors were involved with the mock conven¬ tion with the majority being state delegates while others por¬ trayed candidates or made up the officers of the convention. Students drew up the platform and campaigned and nomi¬ nated the candidates. Civics teachers Mr. Jim Davis and Mr. Jim Valentine organized the convention. They felt that the convention was a good learning experience, because it gave students a practical first hand knowledge of politics. est Combine sse, Jimmy The convention began with a Keynote address by Cleveland Councilman and former mayor Dennis Kucinich. Kucinich stressed the need to do something about the economy and unemployment and stated that, “The American citizen is looking for a leader to solve their economic problems.” The economy was just one of the issues debated when it came time to adopt the convention platform, which was drawn up by the candidates and platform chairpersons John Meier and Tracey Egan. Many students wanted things added, amended, or omitted from the platform, but finally after more than two hours, the platform was approved. With the platform out of the way, the next order of business was to select a presidential candidate. Each candidate had another student give a nominating speech and another seconded the nomination. After each nomination was a dem¬ onstration where the band played, confetti was thrown, bal¬ loons were released, and supporters paraded around the con¬ vention carrying signs for their candidate. After the nominations, the roll call of states began as state chairpersons cast votes for each candidate. When the first ballot was completed no candidate had received enough votes for the nomination, but Jesse Jackson and Ernest Hollings were the two main contenders for the nomination. A short break was taken in order to let the two front runners campaign for votes. On the second balloting one candidate did receive enough votes. The convention grew silent as the vote totals were read and VADA N

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s Sue Gifford, junior, Kelps an Achievement Center youngster enjoy the annual Halloween party sponsored by the Youth Association for Retarded Citizens (YARC). (C) “Clubs in our school give the opportuni¬ ty to all students to participate in activi¬ ties without the pressures of grades and competition.” Chris Hughes, President of Key Club The 1983 Yearbook Staff proudly displays their Buckeye Award. The “Be¬ tween the Lines” theme earned the Medinian 1085 points out of a possible 1 200 in competition sponsored by the Great Lakes Interscholastic Press Association at BGSU in October. Pictured are (row 1) J. Coyle, J. Chidsey, N. Smith, W. Neal; (row 2) L. Ocepek, D. Giovinazzo, K. Hazelwood, L. Swain, J. Bailey, C. Czajka; (row 3) C. Davis, J. Shields. (C) During the Homecoming Spirit Week, sponsored by Student Council, junior Chris Price participates in a Chinese Fire drill during lunch. Student Council is also responsible for Teacher Appreciation Week and numerous activities throughout the year. Band member Fred Harrison enjoys a moment of relaxation at the Wads¬ worth competition. The band went on to capture second place. (E) Concert Choir performs at the Southwest Area Choir Festival in Berea. After standing for over five hours that day, Amanda Garrett remembers, “My feet hurt.”