Port Huron High School - Student Yearbook (Port Huron, MI)

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All photos in this section courtesy of Loft Studios 23

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At first it was an impossible dream, but as band members began to work, the dream became reality Some people thought it could never be done. They said, “How can one band from a little town like Port Huron raise $130,000? Even if it is for the Olympics?” But as you know, the band proved people wrong. The Marching Machine played everywhere trying to raise the money so desparately needed. Although some kids were ready to give up, Mr. Payton kept the morale up. But soon the day came when the money was counted and all the work and effort was worthwhile. In addition to the money raised by the band, a contribution of $50,000 from two Detroit foundations help put the band over the top. Over 200 band members helped raise the money to make the memorable trip to Munich and the Olympics. It seemed like the band did just about everything to raise money. They played and performed in parades, at dinners, and in concert. They washed cars, sold candy, sponsored a teeter-totter marathon, and worked at various area businesses in return for financial assistance. The kids at school became so ac- customed to the band’s fund raising drives that they soon wondered what the band would be doing next. 22

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We were numb, we chattered and whispered quietly hut we still couldn ' t believe it Q Do you really know how it feels to be on an airplane? For some of the Bands- men, it was a first-time thi ng. Getting a passport and then vaccination shots— ouch! And imagine getting your suit cases ready only to have the customs open them up just after everything was packed so nice and neat. Arriving at Metro Airport in De- troit was an experience for kids who have never been there before. The TV cameras were on the band students as they walked up the ladder to greet a different side of the world on a new and strange continent. The plane trip was long but no one was bored because we were so excited to see something new and different. Only a few bags were used behind the airplane seats. No one got so sick they couldn’t enjoy the excitement. We had arrived in Amsterdam and were ready to greet our bus drivers and couriers.