Northeastern High School - Aerie Yearbook (Elizabeth City, NC)

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“In times I wonder why it (muscular distrophy) had to happen, and I wish it never had, but since it did I'm here, I just deal with it. Thomas Heath “I'm not going to let this stop me. Sonie Freshwater It (the halo) was like a cage where I couldn't get out and no one could get in. Julie Riley by Stacy M arrow phutot J. Buyer I never before thought of handicapped peo- ple as being quite like me. I was afraid of the comments I made when speaking to them, afraid I'd offend them with my gestures. I was afraid that conversations and confrontations would be akward and embar- rassing because of my inhabitions, but I have been fortunate enough to meet many of the handicapped students at Northeastern High School, and I have now lost the social handicap I had because of my fears. I too want you to meet some of the handicapped students of North- eastern High School, my new friends. The bell rings. George Heath turns around to see the mob of people beginning to fill up the narrow halls of Northeastern. He walks as quickly as he can to one of the spaces in between the vast rows of grey lockers and leans up against the cold wall. He knows he can t con- tinue walking until the halls have cleared be- cause his pace isn't fast enough to keep up with the other students. He knows if he falls, then he won't be able to get up on his own. The crowds will only make it harder for him to get to his next class. As he rests he hears a conversation that two girls are having on how unfair it is that they are on restriction and can't go to Friday night's homecoming dance. George thinks while he's patiently waiting, Those problems that people have in everyday life, that's how they're different than the problems 1 have . . . They can make their problems better. I can only deal with mine. The lights come on. The last note echoes through the coliseum and the faithful fans of Alabama leave their seats and head towards the exits, another concert over with only memories left. Thomas Heath is overwhelmed with ex- citement and joy as he too, exits through the doors like the others but not to leave, Thomas is on his way to the band's dressing room to meet his biggest idols. With a queezy stomach Thomas makes the final turn of what seems like an endless journey and can now clearly view the entrance to the room. He squeezes the arms of his wheelchair to make sure this is truly hap- pening. He passes the crowd and makes his way to the enormous door. As Thomas enters he hears the remark, The only reason he gets to go in is because he’s in a wheelchair.” The door opens. Julie Riley enters the doc- tor's office with high hopes and expectations ready to hear her prognosis from the doctor. She imagines the doctor saying her fractured neck has mended and she can have the halo , screwed into her skull to support her head and neck, removed. The memories of the tragic car accident could be put behind her, and she could again take a normal shower or drive her car. She sits down and feels overwhelmed with fear and excitement as the doctor speaks, Julie I hate to have to tell you this, but the bone has not healed at all. I'm sure six more weeks will do it this time. Julie cries. 14 — Wheels And Wills Of Steel

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 by Christian Swain and Jeff Lane The sun sets and the lights begin to brighten up the town. The cars are lined up bumper to bumper on Ehringhaus Street. The weekend has begun in Elizabeth City. As the wheels squeal out of Sonic and the horns blare, crowds begin to gather at Waterfront. With the park now closing at eleven o'clock, people arrived even earlier. For those with enough gas money, many ventured outside the area to the resort areas of nearby Virginia Beach and Nags Head. With few things to do in the city, the student body voted on the proposal of building a teen nightclub. The students voted for a teen center, but it will be up to the city administrators to make the final decision. As the weekend sun fades, we all begin to head for home and wonder what we will be doing the following weekend. We imagine there may be a party or just hang out. No matter what, we looked ahead to 3:05 Friday. e make Elizabeth City socially enjoya- ble, and when it’s eventless we have only ourselves to blame. Stacy Marrow. Senior A the soccer team gains in the match, ecstatic students cheer them on. Social Security — Catching rays and guarding lives, Amy Bryson spent her summer days at Meads Pool.

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1 The game ends. Sonie Freshwater stands sol- emnly overlooking the football field. The team runs off to the locker room after an impressive win over Perquimans. Sonie thinks of how last week he was the one carring the ball down the field to the fans screaming, Go, Sonie Go! His future was going to consits of many victorious high school and college football games. He wouldn't be stopped. He would be an invincible player. He walks over to the 35 yard line and looks down at the spot where in a simple pre- season scrimmage game his dreams were shat- tered. His knee permanendy damaged. He sighs and thinks as he walks to congratulate the team,” It really hurt me because it was my senior year and I hoped to shine, but says as he approaches the team, Good job, guys.” A cool October wind gusts. Anthony Griffin keeps his hands busily working as he puts the finishing touches on the canvas of his graf- fiti art. The fimiliar smell of spray paint engulfs the air as the last hiss of the can materializes. Anthony smiles as what he thinks is one of his “Those problems that people have in eve- ryday life, that's how they're different than the problems I have . . . They can make their problems better. I can only deal with mine. -George Heath greatest pieces of an. He feels the sweet pleasure of success at a job well done. In a daze of pride, Anthony is startled when one of his friends taps him on his shoulder. His friend looks at Anthony and proceeds to ask him how he can always be so cheerful and optimistic when he is physically dis- abled. Anthony chuckles and says, I thank God for what I am. I just thank God that I'm here, I'm living. These handicapped students are no differ- ent than we are. They possess a courage, a determination that most can only dream of achieving. For them it’s the only way to reach the unlimited opportunities that “I thank God for what I am. I just thank God that I'm here. I'm living. - Anthony Griffin await them out in our vast society. For Sonie and Julie their injuries will heal with time until mem- ories are all that will be left. For George, Thomas and Anthony they must find the strength to accept and deal with their handicaps everyday. Their bravery is truly expressed in their wheels and wills of steel. Wheds And Wills Of Seed