Munster High School - Paragon Yearbook (Munster, IN)

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As they eyed the clock waiting for that magical 2:40 p.m. to finally arrive, some stu- dents impatiently squirmed in their seats an- ticipating the short jaunt home, an inviting box of Hostess cupcakes, a comfortable couch, and a favorite Flintstones rerun on television. Others, however, would have to delay this relaxing lifestyle as they stayed after the fi- nal bell in order to attend a French Club meet- ing, basketball practice, or even to spend time on the computers. Free time, whether school related or re- laxed, provided time for varied student inter- ests and activities. way from school, free time activities ged from writing poetry to composing igs. I write poetry a lot because it seems jelieve tension from the everyday pres- s, explained Lisa Lutz, sophomore, though not writing poetry, junior An- e Arent used her free time for creative ests as well. I spend my free time play- a guitar. I practice popular songs and try make up some of my own songs,” Annette explained. Some students just wanted time to relax fter a long, hectic day at school. In my free ie after school, I usually relax and watch for awhile. Relaxing helps me forget „t all of the pressures of school,” stated alynn Regeski, junior. Similarly, junior Lisa Montes explained, “I k the thing I do most often in my free ne is sleep.” While relaxing with the television set or □ iching a few extra hours of sleep filled free rr.t for some, others had to rush through leir day to an after school job. ”1 do have a Gathering data. To ensure a good report, sophomore Brett Robbins devotes many hours of his time to re- searching and writing his paper. lot less time to go out now and I often have to stay up much later to get my homework done,” explained Natalie Shimala, senior. Although not paid for their time, other stu- dents filled free hours with volunteer work. I help at the bible school for the handicapped at my church,” explained junior Julie Kieft. For the students who stayed after school to actively participate in extra-curricular clubs, sports, or school-related activi- ties, they, too, spent time doing what they enjoyed. Volleyball and tennis took up most of my free time; if not the games, then the practices,” junior Kim Hittle said. “During the spring, tennis practices took up a lot of time and I had less time to relax after school,” stated Geralynn. A new option for free time developed as Room 323, alias, the “Apple Orchard, pro- vided 29 Apple II Plus computers for stu- dents to program. Lisa Montes explained, “when I have free time, I usually like to play around with computers. I like writing pro- grams and finding out more about the com- puter itself.” Sometimes, free time activities interfered with school work. During Homecoming, stu- dents often came to school half asleep be- cause of the late hours spent building floats and folding tissue paper flowers. The 2:40 p.m. bell finally blared through the room and students dashed out the door. For some, Fred Flintstones and Twinkies im- patiently waited at home. For others, free time was not just for lounging anymore — computers, work, meetings or athletic prac- tices kept them beyond the school day hours. How do you spell relief? Spare time. Finally getting a quiet moment to himself, Body building. To improve his physique, junior Roland junior Mark Lorenzi relaxs as he spends his time playing Murillo works out in the weight room after school. a game of Atari. Free time 17

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Reaching the heights. Striving to get the ball, fresh- man Patty Hittle participates in a volleyball game during her free time. Getting the beat. Practicing guitar chords, junior An- nette Arent enjoys playing and composing songs during her spare time. 16 Freetime

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18 Working Rewards, sacrifices . . . all in a work Service with a smile. Providing a helping hand, senior, Mike Dernulc helps a loaded down shopper with her groceries. It is 6:30 a.m., the alarm clock blares loud- ly in Ann ' s ear. Slowly she reaches out to turn off her alarm, feeling that familiar pain penetrate throughout her arm after frying fritters from 4 until 9 p.m. the previous night. Ann ' s notes from Chemistry lie right beside her, untouched. Her head throbs from fa- tigue. That familiar question runs through her head once more, 1 is having a job really y S w ° rth it?” Students showed mixed feelings to having a job. On the posi- tive side, senior Natalie Shimala, who works at Thon’s carry out, explained, it’s a place where I can forget about school work and all of the pressures I have for a few hours.” In agreement, junior Terri Check, a Ken- tucky Fried Chicken worker, explained, we have a very small crew at work which results in everyone being close.” She added I also feel that it is a great experience for me be- cause I can relate to the customers and I can get working experience which many kids my age don’t have.” On the other hand, some students took no pleasure from their work. Junior Jeff McNur- Ian honestly admitted that he did not enjoy working due to laziness and had a job only to pay for college expenses. Reasons for attaining jobs differed. I got a job in order to earn extra spending money for college next year. It also helps out in saving for a trip to Florida for spring break,” said senior Reggie Zurad, aerobic instructor. However, junior Lisa Trilli explained that having a job gave her something to do on the weekends. Although most students found having a job advantageous, parents worried about suf- fering grades, lack of extra-curricular activi- ties, and a nonexistent social life. “My par ents wanted me to have a job during the summer but they weren’t to thrilled about having it during school, since grades were very important, Lisa said Some parents, however, accepted and even encouraged the idea. “My parents were happy to see that I was ambitious, ex claimed Bill Cuban, sophomore. Besides parents’ objections, students also found drawbacks to attending school and having a job. My weekends were taken and I barely got by doing my homework, ex- plained Denise Derow, senior. “I have noticed that working does deprive me of some after school activites. I work from 2 to 5 p.m., which keeps my afternoons busy, but my evenings are usually free,” stat- ed Suzanne Lasky, senior. While some students found difficulty in coping with the pressures of school, a social life and a job, others found that they could handle it without too many complications. “My job does not affect my school work or my social life because my hours are flexi- ble, said senior Chris Rodriguez. As she snuggled under the cover, Ann thought about her second hour Chemistry test and her unfinished five paragraph theme due fourth hour. Tiredly yawning, Ann real- ized that she had to pay a price to maintain a job and school. If only I didn’t work last night ... Southern hospitality. While working at Kentucky Fried Chicken on Ridge Road, junior Terri Check serves the customer with a smile. Sitting on the job. To provide a comfortable fit, junior Monica Kernaghan searches for the perfect size shoe for her customer at Big Red.