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

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Spring 17 SPRING 1981

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Changes, Challenges and Goals BIGHT: A! her last NHS induction ceremony as SWMHS principal, Dr. Parnell and Miss Sowa discuss memories of past honor students. When Dr. Marie Parnell left SWMHS last year, the high school lost a special person. However, the entire communi- ty was fortunate in gaining her as assistant superintendent. Instead of devoting all of her time to the high school, Dr. Parnell is now able to familiarize herself with the aspects of all the schools in the community. Cur- rently, she is focusing on the cur- riculum in order to create a thorough and efficient program for all students. She is also involved in revitalizing the community newsletter and revising the elementary school report card. Although Dr. Parnell is enjoying the challenge of being assistant superintendent, she readily admits that she misses the students at the high school. Over the years she has noticed a change in the way students react to school. She feels that today’s student doesn’t put school above all else. Instead they see it as a functional base for later life. She doesn’t feel that this new attitude has in any way hindered the students’ performance. However, students have to meet this change, and she offers advice on how to do so, “Set goals, even for unrealistic dreams and don’t limit yourself.” Meeting challenges has been a big part of Dr. Parnell’s life as she moved from teacher to principal to assistant superintendent. Dag Hammerskjold stated, “Never measure the height of a mountain until you climb it, because only then you will see how low it is.” Dr. Marie Parnell is one person whose career truly typifies this idea. With I stnsi of grtit satisfaction, Dr. Parnell reflects upon her long career at SWMHS. 16 Introduction

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As they reach the bell lap Darrin Russo, Walt Tomkowski and Steve Biancamano begin their kick in hopes of overtaking the lead from their JFK competitor. High hurdling is one of the more difficult of the track events. Marybeth Jones' natural ability makes it easier. Lightning Struck Twice Bringing home a trophy every Saturday is no common occurrence for an ordinary team, but for the Spring Track Team, this phenomena is commonplace. Without break- ing stride, the trackmen achieved their second undefeated season in a row with an overall record of 11 and 0. Among this season’s more memorable highlights was winning the County Champion- ships. Individual performances dominated the win which was aided by Mike Wasko, taking first in the 100 meter dash. Tom Brady, win- ner of the 110 HH and Joe Longo and Gene Smith who participated in the champion 1600 meter Relay team. In addition to their Relay honors, Longo finished second in the 400 meter run and Smith completed the 800 meter race with second place. Coach Bill Doll attributes the team’s 21 straight victories to an outstanding corp of veteran runners. Joe Longo, Gene Smith and Tom Brady anchored the squad while John Kiernan, Steve Biancanano, Mike Reagan, Joe Seminaro and Charlie Nieves added the stability that made the team a consistent win- ner. Although Coach Doll described this year’s group as the best in school history, he is looking forward to many successful seasons to come. Underclassmen Walter Tomkowski, Tom Reagan, Ed Mahalik and Paul De’Arpa along with Ralph Howardson are expected to carry the Bomber trackmen for the next few years. BELOW: An Olympian effort is displayed by Doug Ryan in this classic Olympian sport. Winning seasons and broken records in most every event have become the im- pressive trademarks of the Girl’s Spring Track Team. Each of the girls put forth great effort and proudly ended their 11-0 season with a victory at the Middlesex County Athletic Conferences. The team also attained the titles of Middlesex County Champs, Cen- tral Jersey Group IV Champs and Co- champions with Madison Central in the MCAC relays. Along with the team which functioned skillfully as whole, several members achieved individual honors. Julie Brady and Lisa Mitrosky made first team All Conference, and also did well in the state and county sec- tionals. Mastering technique in the field events were Cheryl Neilson and Cindy Allman, both of whom hold school records in the shotput and javelin. Ms. Mauer, who has coached the team successfully for several years, boasted, “Super! Total team effort! Great individual performances when it counted! I’m proud of each team member for her contributions to the team’s effort.” 18 Boy's Girl’s Track