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

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Think. Think how much more you know now than you did four years ago. Most students barely recall the 1984 election when former President Ronald Reagan defeated Democrat Walter Mondale. However, the re- cent election, Bush vs. Dukakis, hit closer to home for most students. “The mock election was interest- ing and it made me aware of the real election,” said junior Tommy Rew. For every national election, the high school holds a mock election. However, for this election, both Poquoson High and Middle Schools joined schools across the peninsula and the results were broadcast on WHRO-TV. Junior Michele Kolet acted as phone captain. Republican Candidate George Bush and Dan Quayle, his running mate, defeated Mike Dukakis and Got A Minute? Recruiting is senior Becky Bradshaw’s specialty. Becky’s job was to try to get students to the mock election polls and get them to vote for the candidate of their choice. Lloyd Bensen by an overwhelming margin. In the high school alone, the students voted 89% Bush and 11% Dukakis. These results paralleled those of the community and the na- tion. Students were permitted to vote only if they had registered. They registered in their history or govern- ment classes or during lunch. Many government students made posters and announcements in order to publicize the event. Senior Mel- issa Rohrer said, “I made a poster and we carried them around lunch encouraging students to ‘Vote Bush’.” Juniors Brian Sander and Amy Long dressed up as the candidates and paraded around the school cap- turing votes. “Oh Say Can You See?” The band performs outside the school on the morning of the elec- tion. “The Star Spangled Banner” was one of the songs played by senior trumpeteer, Larry Grigg and the rest of the band. Suffrage It’s Your Right to Vote “This is the first year that I’ve ever paid attention to or really even knew who the candidates were,” con- fessed senior Cheyenne Hoadley. “T was unusually surprised at how conservative the student body voted...with the exception of para- mutual betting, which the students voted for. The whole mock election was very successful,” said Ms. Bar- bara. Keech. This was the general feeling among the students. Sophomore Beth Jones agreed, “I thought it was very well organized and got a lot of people involved.” This election year proved valuable to the students. “I believe I’ll be more prepared to vote in the next election — it was so realistic,” said junior Don Joyner. Mock Election 19

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What qualities do youlook | § “ for in a presidential candi- | date? “T look for an honest, hard-working person who’s willing to do anything for his or her country.” — sopho- more Kim Morrell “I don’t vote for a party, I vote for the issues. My issues concern edu- cation and ecology.” — Coach Ed Spain “The choices this year were total opposites. I usually lean toward someone who shares the same views of America and values that I do.” — junior Betsy Borders “I'd look for the candidate who shows the leadership qualities to get this country going in the right direc- tion — morally I mean.” — senior Jenny Smith “I would vote for the candidate who works to achieve goals that aren't impossible.” — freshman Debra Rice “I like a president who is down to earth. Someone who can under- stand the problems of today.” — junior Shantil Putzulu An X Marks The Spot. While taking a quick mo- ment out during his lunch, sophomore Robert Check votes for the candidate of his choice. “A really impor tant thing is that Robert was also an election official for the they have everyone’s best interest at sophomore class. heart. They really have to care about the citizens and not just themselves.” — senior Deb Katz Meet The Next President Of The United States. As students get off the buses, they are greeted by Dukakis’ surrogate candidate, junior Amy Long. After shaking Amy’s hand senior Kevin Vernall headed toward Bush’s “T look for honesty. He should sup- surrogate candidate, junior Brian Sanders. port religion, military, the homeless and every aspect of American society. He should be very open- minded. — senior Jenny Ross “Somebody with good ideas. Some- body who is going to pass laws and do what’s good for the people.” — junior Crystal Lemmons 18 Mock Election

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Bonsai. Ring Dance night is the time for doing new and exotic things. Junior Barbara Hol- land and her date, senior Matt Mendez, per- formed a Japanese ritual before their dinner arrived at the Nara of Japan restaurant. 20 Ring Dance Next, Please. The day that every junior looks forward to is finally here. Juniors Danielle Or- rack, Robin Struck, Shayla Swank, and Holly Umstead waited for their turn to see the Herff Jones representative and receive their rings. Patience Is A Virtue. Upon their arrival at the Nara of Japan restaurant, juniors Sherry Baugh and Teri Van Meter wait patiently for their dates, Travis Rice and Jamey Diggs, to check their reservations.