New Paltz High School - Huguenot Yearbook (New Paltz, NY)

Page 10 text:

High School Administration Dear Graduates: As Americans we have learned to uphold the rights of individual members of society. We are traditionally supportive of the individualistic spirit and achievement. We recognize, glorify, and award individuals in sports, arts, and academics. Ultimately it is the individual achievement which we approve that contributes to the strength of our society. There are countries in this world where individual achievement does not receive similar accolades. For the most part, individual achievement is subjugated to group gains. I do not propose to suggest one way is better than the other. I can only suggest as you achieve as an individual you will remember we are ultimately dependent upon generations to come, groups of friends and families, and our country. A society based on individual gain for group betterment can enhance the characteristics of life for us all. We hope as a school we have contributed to this sense of cooperation. Sincerely, H. Kenneth Salenger High School Principal Mr H. Kenneth Salenger, Principal Miss Jean Brownlee, Assistant Principal Mrs. Evelyn Abrams, Secretary

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JAMES OLIVEKO From The Fleart By Eleanor Martin Jimmy Olivero had a hard sinewy body with veins you could see that ran over muscles in his arms. He had a big toothy grin and shy uncertain eyes when 1 first knew him in his early years at New Paltz High School. 1 was a substitute teacher. An authority figure without authority. Fair game for any student with a gripe against teachers or parents or any other authority figure that he couldn’t get at. Or an easy target of ridicule for a would-be Woody Allen. I survived, slightly bedraggled, those early testings of my wit, patience and sanity. But I always remembered with gratitude those teenagers, and there were many, who had too much dignity or compassion to join the taunting crowd. Jimmy was one of those. He respected me - me! I could see it in his eyes, hear it in his voice. We talked a lot, during moments in the library, while I patrolled the hall, or as I sat, recovering in an empty classroom. He didn’t have the comfortable security of belonging to an established social group in those days. He was often alone. And what harebrained theories he had! But gradually. I became aware of a curious, groping mind seek-hi nderetan ifejjite ture usines gctice was an intelligent, unorthodox and moral mind. He was earnest and honest. I didn’t hear him complain much. He joined a track team a little later. He became an enthusiastic runner. He began to have success, acceptance. One day, telling of a victory, he was so excited he had to jump from his chair, pace the room sit on a table, jump off the table. 1 enjoyed his success, remembering those shy, uncertain, kind eyes. By the time he graduated in 1979 he had a public personna. He wore a new sheen of success. For the first time, he had a girlfriend. Happily, in that last year he went to track meets to cheer, even when he was not participating. And still we talked in the halls, at the library. Still I saw his earnest, questioning mind, and his sweet eyes. Jimmy Olivero is dead with a bullet in him. Shot in some senseless encounter in Germany. Nobody knows the details. After our tears, what is left? What sense is there to be made of it all? Only now do I find out that Jimmy was a foster-child, shunted from one home to another for much of his life. And yet he remained kind and curious. Maybe that’s the sense of Jimmy’s life. When I am tempted to retreat into dullness or unkindness. I'll try to remember Jimmy Olivero, his courage, and the good race he r'in

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Guidance Mr. Thomas Bcncnati, Guidance Director Mrs. G. Farrell, Secretary June 1981 To the Class of 1981 The Guidance Department would like to congratulate each of you upon your graduation from High School. You have attained a goal of which you should be proud. For some of you it may be the end of your formal education and the beginning of a vocation which I hope brings you much success, happiness, and wealth. For others, it may be the beginning of another phase in the educational process which will prepare you for a career which I hope permits you to make a significant contribution to society and also one which will bring you many rewards. Even though you will leave us, we still would like to serve you. If you ever need our help we hope that you will contact us. The best of everything to a fine class. Sincerely, Mrs. L. Schreiber, Secretary Mr. Joseph Helhoski Thomas P. Benenati Director of Guidance Mr. Marc Kamin