Plattsmouth High School - Plattonian Yearbook (Plattsmouth, NE)

Page 22 text:

Politics Heads News The presidential election and the deaths of foreign leaders were top news items this year. On November 6, President Ron- ald Reagan won reelection carrying the biggest electoral vote in history. Reagan came out the winner against his Democratic dpponent, Walter Mondale, everywhere but Minnesota and Washington D.C. This election was important in an- other way in that Democrat Geral- dine Ferraro was the first female major party candidate for vice presi- dent. Indira Gandhi, the prime minister of India, was assassinated in Octo- ber by two of her Sikh bodyguards. She had been the leader of India from 1966-77 and 1980-84. Her son, Rajev, succeeded her in office. The Soviet Union lost two leaders in the past thirteen months. Yuri An- dropov died in February of 1984 and Konstantin Chernenko died in March of ’85. Mikhai Gorbachev be- came leader of Russia. One story constantly in the news Since it wee an election year several political candidates visited PHS. Listening are Junior Mi- chelle Sorrell and Sophomore Merri Woodward. PHS library triea to provide up-to-date re- search facilities for students. English Instructor Virginia Paap supervises Freshmen Jeanne Car- michael. Kris Fornoff and Lisa Cubrich. was the starvation of millions in Afri- ca. Over 27 countries are affected by a draught. Some places have had no rainfall in three years. A pro- longed military conflict also affected this area. Twenty-three countries sought emergency loans. Bhopal, India was the site of a poison gas leak at a pesticide fac- tory. This industrial accident killed over 2,500 people. Space was in the news a lot this year. The space shuttle, Discovery, had its maiden voyage and the Challenger took up the largest crew ever, seven members. President Reagan's “Star Wars” program caused controversy at the arms control talks. “Star Wars” is a de- fensive shield system in outer space. The bright spot of the year was the Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles. PHS Coach and Mrs. Cecil McKnight attended the Olympics. They were accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Caverzagie. 18

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Shane Thorstad works at Ruback’s Super- market and is also enrolled in Distributive Education III and IV this year. Brian Beckman puts in an average of 20 hours a week bagging groceries while attend- ing school. Adding the finishing touches to a cake log is Shelley Dasher who was employed at Dairy Queen this year. Local restaurants in Plattsmouth offer good employment for students. But, in this case. Senior Bill Wagner is spending money at Pizza Hut. 17

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To put a teacher in «pace was one of President Reagan's goals. Chemistry Teach- er Tom Kappas applied for the job in space but then decided to withdraw his application. Also pictured is Senior Debbie Lepert. FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) sponsored speakers throughout the year such as this singer lecturer who discussed problems of youth. Taking time from his campaign. Congress- man Tom Cavanaugh spoke to students in- cluding Sophomores Jodi Prassel and Jodi Draper. Lectures are one of the issues involved in upgrading today's education. Mr. Don Free- burg teaches many of his biology classes in this manner. 19