Poquoson High School - Islander / York Chronicle Yearbook (Poquoson, VA)

Page 14 text:

SENIORS Since the eighth grade, the Seniors had set goals ranging from everyday events to their biggest goal — graduation. Throughout the school years they were lumped together by class. These class distinc- tions came about as a matter for records and evolved into a means of classification. At the expense of individuality they were labeled with their year in school. Seniors tended to be labeled as having a superior attitude and as being show-offs or fun-loving. Academically, Seniors chose harder classes, maybe just because they knew that if you took certain courses everyone knew only a senior could take them. This was an added some- thing to their senior status. Others filled their schedules with elective classes and planned to take it easy. Characteristic of the senior class was a large number of married students. There were more married students this year than ever before. Class meetings showed individuality among

Page 13 text:

The dress code became more lent” ent, allowing almost total individuality in student costume. Students were al- lowed to introduce each other to the iatest fashion and they were allowed to adjust to the vogue of the day by scru- tinizing the attire of their classmates. The Island Echo , previously mi- meographed by office aides during their lunch hour, became a real print- ed newspaper. Midterm exams were eiiminated to the joy of many students and the majority of the faculty let se- niors with A averages be exempt from their final exams. Many seniors felt that certain una- lienable rights of attaining the status of senior were being violated. There was no senior lounge, and many stu- dents were unable to leave school early because they were forced to take classes. Freedom of speech rang through most classrooms. Conversations could start with the history of Egyptian mummies and end with communes in 20th century Canada. Sometimes conversations went into debates, and debates shaped into arguments. Jeannie Louquet said, I found my biggest adjustment was to recognize everyone as an individuai and learning to be patient in listening to what they have to say.

Page 15 text:

the seniors, the end reuslt however was lots of talk and no results. Throughout the year the seniors led class competition at pep rallies. Other class compe- titions such as the Toys for Tots drive and the paper drive passed seniors with little notice. A senior must make many adjustments dur- ing his last year in high school. Their futures had become ever closer and some realized they had to plan for college, jobs, or both. The big- gest adjustment for most was getting used to being a senior and facing reality. Senior priveledges included breaks in the lunch line, going to lunch five minutes earlier, study halls, senior week, and serving as aids for teachers. There was no Senior Lounge due to a lack of space to facilitate one. The last year for the students of the senior class was filled with excitement, disappoint- ment, and adjustments. There was hope that their education and social life at school had better prepared them for their future.