Patrick County High School - Archive Yearbook (Stuart, VA)

Page 16 text:

PCHS Dances Make a Series of Nights to Remember There were numerous dances and sock hops held at PCHS during the year, and each one held its own special memories for each person who attended. Students were entertained at these events by both live bands and disc jockeys. The DJ’s came from various radio stations throughout the area, including K-92 and K-99. Be¬ ginning with the Back-to- School Dance in September, dances were enjoyed through the Spring Dance in March. Students decorated the cafeteria or gym for all of these occasions, and some even had special attractions during their hours. There was an alumni room at the Home¬ coming Dance and the an¬ nouncement of Mr. and Miss Senior was made at the Sweetheart Dance. The SCA and the classes who sponsored the dances put a lot of time and energy into each one and hoped that their efforts were successful in giv¬ ing each person who attended a wonderful evening. Ann Moye and Daryl Tilley sit out a dance while talking with junior Mark Owens. Dancing the night away at the Sweetheart Dance are Linda Edwards and Ronnie Lawson. Rhonda Lawson and Jerry Frankum, Donnie Knight and Teresa Hubbard, and Sandra Thomas and Lee Clark dance as Russ Brown plays a slow song. 12 Dances

Page 18 text:

' Let Me Win, But if I Cannot Win, Let Me Be Brave in the Attempt .. ... This was the slogan of the 1982 Special Olympics held on April 5, in Patrick County. Despite the cold and rainy conditions under which the Special Olympics were held, the day proved to be a success. The Special Olympics is a competition held between the physically and mentally handicapped individuals of the county. All of the com¬ petitors were not children, however. In fact, many of the competitors were adults. De¬ spite their ages, all competi¬ tors were rewarded for their efforts. The PCHS Special Olympics works in co¬ operation with the PARC Workshop and other agencies and schools throughout the county. Co-“chairladies” Lori Banks and Debbie Cochran both felt the Special Olym¬ pics was a rewarding experi¬ ence for Monogram Club members as well as for the Special Olympians that com¬ peted. Lori summarized her feelings, “Their smiles meant SO much. When they (the Olympians) got their ribbons, it put them on top of the world and just knowing that I was able to help them to reach that point of happiness was my equal and just reward.” Debbie expressed her feel¬ ings by saying, “The entire day was very meaningful for me. I really felt super just in knowing that I was helping people who are too often ne¬ glected.” The Monogram Club spon¬ sors the Special Olympics and each club member is expected to participate; either as an es¬ cort to the Olympians or as a time-keeper of the events. David Ratliff, a junior, had this to say about his exper¬ iences with the day, “I escort¬ ed three little boys that day, and I was able to feel their ex¬ citement as they competed. It was very rewarding for me to share in their happiness when they ran back to me after they got their ribbons.” The Special Olympics have become an annual event for the Monogram Club and the Olympians. By competing in the Olympics held at PCHS, the Olympians can then ad¬ vance to regional and state Special Olympics competi¬ tions. Junior Randy Lawless commented, “I really enjoyed the day. It felt really good knowing that I was being helpful and making them (the Olympians) feel good. The day was really fantastic.” Sandra Howell, a junior, summarized the entire day, “It taught me that everyone deserves a chance. They (the Olympians) showed so much love and respect for one an¬ other. They all tried their best to win, but if they didn’t, just the effort they put forth seemed to be enough reward for them. The entire day made me feel like a much bet¬ ter person and it gave me a super new perspective on life; I realized that everyone has some good in them. I can’t wait until we have the Olym¬ pics again next year!!” Displaying their banner from the Special Olympics are Roger Pack, Roger Dale Parrish, Cindy Penn, Jo Ann Marshall, Jamie Marshall, Regina Guynn, Charles East, Thelma Lawson, Roger Martin, and Jim Marshall. 14 Special Olympics