Sayreville War Memorial High School - Quo Vadis Yearbook (Parlin, NJ)

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Vandalism — perhaps the most despicable crime to plague a community as a whole. The actions of one person can ruin some- thing for a class, a school, or an entire town. A sudden wave of vandalism has hit the high school four times in the past two years, causing hardships both financially and emotionally. It all started with the destruction of the stadium press box during the sum- mer of 1978. Following suit, this past August saw the torching of the conces- sion stand which forced the senior class to devise a temporary means of selling refreshments at football games. Pressure to complete the rebuilding of the stand in time for the Homecoming game lasted straight through until the eve of Homecoming. The theft and eventual partial destruction of the John F. Kennedy portrait, formally displayed in the school lobby, marked yet another crime committed by vandals. The gift of the senior class of 1964 was restored at a cost of about $250.00. Shortly after the tragedy, Dr. Parnell commented that she believed that it was not the amount of vandalism, but the atrociousness of the acts that was on the rise. Perhaps the most vicious assault was the burning of the 1981 senior Homecoming float. At approximately 1:30 a.m., a Sayreville patrolman noticed smoke and flames coming from the garage where the floats were stored. The act was suspected of being directed towards the class of ’81, because gasoline was poured directly on the senior float, but none of the other floats were even touched. The irony of vandalism is the fact that vandals, for a few minutes of so called “pleasure,” destroy the very things that give the more spirited stu- dents satisfaction and enjoyment. The effort and invaluable time devoted to the senior float went sadly unrewarded as the spectators of Homecoming 1981 sought to catch themselves up in the spirit of the day despite the tragic news that echoed over the PA system as they entered the stadium gates. The bare skeleton of the concession stand roof sprawls eerie shadows on its walls, reflecting the barren feelings of the Sayreville student body. Concerned students give their all to make up for the convenience lacking in a make-shift concession stand. The repaired stand brings the crowds and money rolling back into the Sayreville WMHS purse. Vandalism 23

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rucTion- A Hedonistic Action In an effort to give coverage to the people behind the scenes, the Quo I after Friday’s Pep Rally. He arrived when the float was completed and ironi- Vadis photographer was taking candids of the construction of the senior float | cally shot the only picture of the 1981 senior Homecoming float. 22 Vandalism

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=upsf4 DOWNS: Just Wastin' Time for some reason, it seems that hangouts are a necessary part of every school day. Whether it was next to a water fountain, in front of a locker, or at one of the designated smoking areas, students needed a place to get together between the monotony of lectures and classwork. A gathering of friends at any one of the dozens of hangouts around the school could prove to be the highlight of the day. Most students had a lot to get off their chests, and a lot of gossip to spread, too. Discussions could cover anything from history assignments to concerts. Hangouts provided informa- tion vital to every student’s existence — like who went out with whom, and where everyone was going on Friday night. The hangout was also a place to trade opinions on fashions, movies, sports, or even the weather. The con- versation sometimes led to friendly arguments which were abruptly ended by the class bell. Indeed, most students would have had trouble making it through the year without a place to meet and exchange ideas. Without hangouts, the year would have been ten months of never ending quizzes, teachers and home- work. With hangouts, the strife of stu- dent life became bearable. A borrowed” car provides adequate seating arrangements for students who just like to hangout. 24 Hangouts