Robert E Lee High School - Legend Yearbook (Tyler, TX)

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Top Twenty Graduates Carlajo Bonner, Matt Conrad, Rachelle Sheffield, Shel-I ley Pasierb, Stephen ! Stallcup, Morgan Smyrl, Todd McClusky. Caryn Green. Paul Kirkpatrick, Jer- emy Hollenshead, Rachel Cohen, Heidi Zeigler. Jack Cur-rin, David Locke, Dinah Bronaugh, Carrie Caton, Hoi-lie Hillis, Scott Hager, Diane Bandy, Rodney Symcs Salute to a Salutatorian Graduation On the night ot June 3. the Gass of '88 finally walked down the aisle in their robes and mortar boards to the tune of Pomp and Clrcumstanee” to receive their high school diplomas. The floor of the Oil Palace was filled by six o'clock and the students began their long-awaited walk (graduation was moved back one week due to snow days). After the welcome by Mr. Hall, an Invocation was given by class president. Karl Loftis, and the pledge was led by Carlajo Bonner. Several members of the REL Choral led the Alma Mater. Voted by fellow class members, senate president Rodney Symes gave the commencement address. Soon, the graduates received their diplomas and following the benediction, given by Matt Conrad, tossed the mortar boards in a final goodbye to REL. When asking for a description of Matt Conrad, one might receive such responses as “well-rounded,” “funny, “determined,” “athletic,” “biggest flirt” (he was a finalist voted by fellow classmates), or “Most likely to Succeed” (which he won in the Senior Assembly). The most prestigious description, however, would be “Salutatorian” as he finished his four years at Lee with a 104.819 average. Conrad swept the Awards Assembly by winning the M.E. Sadler Merit Scholarship, Mathematic Department Award, Bausch and Lomb Award, American Legion Award, and Rotary Award. He is also a National Merit Finalist. With all these honors, it seems Matt would stay couped up in his room, studying. This is not the case, however. He finds the time to be Jcts Jas President. Senior Senator, Latin Club member, on Principal's Student Advisory Committee, and a member of Junior Civi tans. He has also been on the Varsity Tennis team for four years and helped them to their first ever state championship. Along with the Valedictorian, Conrad will be attending TCU and will major In Biology. Graduation 25

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l-ance Barbin. David Booth, an Allison Lowry is all broken up about Chris Cooper give Graduation Spencer Forsyth at Graduation. thumbs-up. With diploma in hand, Natalie Roosth takes a step towards the future. Jennifer Chambless and Lanier Hughes can barely stand the excitement of Graduation. Cedric Oliver points Leslie Kuria in the right direction. Kelly Gilliam listens intently to last-minute instructions given by Ms. Chennault. “The Head of the Class” another honor to cap off her four years at Robert E. Lee, that of Valedictorian. This distinction won Bonner many additional awards as well. She will attend Texas Christian University on the M.E Sadler Award, which is a full scholarship of $25,000 for four years. She also received a $300 scholarship given by American Association for University Women, plus she earned the Rotary Award and the English Department award. “Only I can make myself reach the standards I set,” remarked Carlajo on her many achievements. “I set my goals and work as hard as I can to achieve them.” In Bonner’s academic future, she will continue to strive for success as she will double major in computer science and mathematics at TCU. After being “Sophomore of the Year,” National Merit Finalist, Academic De-cathalon member, in Key Club, Jets-Jas, NHS, the Red Raider Band, and Flag Corps, Carlajo Bonner received yet 24 Graduation

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pages are those winners from Spring Festival. Although we chose only to feature these few people Lee is very fortunate to be full of standouts and Wave Makers . Near the close of the school year, each student had the opportunity to nominate their choice for class favorites, beauties, and handsomes. A special panel of teachers and students were responsible for the nominations of Mr. and Miss Robert E. Lee. At a later date, everyone voted on the finalists and from that, three winners were chosen in each category. After much debate and controversy, the announcement of these winners took place at Spring Festival, along with the introduction of the cheerleaders for the upcoming year. Although many parents became concerned with the feelings of those who lost, students rallied together to remind all of the honor of being a finalist, and the tradition of Spring Festival survived. The people in the following