Merrillville High School - Merrillvue Yearbook (Merrillville, IN)

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MHS watches the people, events of 1983-84 Unique events made 1983-84 a unique year. Unforgettable and special people from Northwest Indiana made headlines as well as history. Michael Jackson, singer, along with his producer, Quincy Jones, made a number one hit album of the year, Thriller. Jackson broke the record of winning Grammies when his awards totalled eight. Jackson ' s fame helped him to be- come the star of Pepsi ' s series of New Generation commercials. In May, Jackson and President Reagan began a campaign to discourage drunk driving. Jackson was born in Gary, Indi- ana and began his musical career with the Jackson Five. The 1983 season of the Chicago White Sox was definitely a memorable one. Ron Kittle, a player from Gary, was named Rookie of the Year. Kittle batted home run after home run right over the walls of the park. The Sox played their way through the season win- ning the Western Division. The Sox learned to play UGLY. The Presidential primary race filled the country with excitement. Each month contained many campaigns, debates and primaries. Gary Hart, Jesse Jackson, and Walter Mondale were three of the Democratic nominees. All three visited Northwest Indiana. Hart won Indiana ' s Democratic primary vote. The controversial movie, The Day After aired in November. This made for television movie portrayed the effects of nuclear war on people. Many television talk shows followed the movie raising some important issues about nuclear arms. The Arms Freeze movement gained momentum in ' 84. The 1984 Winter Olympics were held in Serajevo, Yugoslavia. The United States had many talented athletes competing. Bill Johnson earned the U.S. its first downhill medal. Phil and Steve Mahre, the 26 year old twins from Yakima, Washington, par- ticipated in the skiing events. Scott Hamilton, a U.S. figure skater, won a gold medal. The Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles, California. Diane Durham failed fo qualify for the gymnastics competition. Durham began her gymnastics career in Merrillville, Indi- ana and then moved to California. The Olympics were overshadowed by the Soviet boycott. Over 10 countries decided not to participate in the games. — Tiffini Crownover Post Tribune photo The Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles in ’84. Northwest Indiana resident, Diane Durham, tailed to represent the U.S. as a member of the gymnastics team. American League’s “Rookie of the Year,” Ron Kittle, runs for the base as he hits another ball over the roof of Comiskey Park. 27 NATIONAL NEWS

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Senator Gary Hart and Walter Mondale, Democratic candidates for their party’s nomination, ran a close race during the ' 84 primaries. Both Hart and Mondale campaigned throughout Northwest Indiana. The third Democratic nominee in ’84 was Jessie Jackson. 26 NATIONAL NEWS Post Tribune photos

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So, you ask . . . What is there to do in Merrillville Laura Hanas, junior, commented, There ' s plenty to do, you just have to open your eyes and look around.” There are many attractions, new and old, in Merrillville that lure MHS students into having a great time. Watch us! Some of the student attractions in- clude the Holiday Star Theatre on Route 30, and the Family Fun Arcade on 61st Avenue. The Holiday Star includes a pool- side dancing area and bands providing the music. Mike Meschede, senior, stated, After taking in a flick, I enjoy going dancing at the Holiday Star to practice the ' walk ' and just relax. One of the older attractions, but still just about everyone ' s favorite is the Y W Drive-in on Broadway. Tim Riese, sen- ior, commented, After working and playing sports, I use my spare time to go to the drive-in to just have a good time. However, many students think a good party is the ideal way to spend their weekend. Matt Wilk, junior, stated, A party is the best way to relax and have fun, plus you get to get a little bit crazy with your friends. If you ' re really stuck trying to find some- thing interesting and fun to do, here are some ideas to help. Southlake Mall is fun for shopping or just walking around, and you may be able to meet new people while you ' re there. Chris Weiser, junior, stated, I go to the mall to walk around and to meet girls. There are many parks in Merrillville that offer different activities. Deep River on Old Route 30 has beautiful hiking trails and a nature museum with historic infor- mation about Northwest Indiana. Last but not least, good old MHS is al- ways there for after school and weekend activities. There is just about something for everyone. Theresa Navarro, junior, summed it all up, Go out, find something to do, and watch us live it up! — Shawna Eberle Mizerak Many MHS students attend the concerts of famous entertainers at the Holiday Star Theatre instead of driving to Chicago. 28 WHAT IS THERE TO DO? Kawlcki