Spring Valley High School - Saga Yearbook (Columbia, SC)

Page 14 text:

Junior marshals Cathy Austin and Eiizabeth Gabe! prepare to escort Greg Branham in the graduation ceremony. Branham graduated with honors. Graduate Sabrena Digby happily receives her diplo ma during the graduation ceremony. Mary Anderson gives the valedictory address at the graduation ceremony. She graduated with highest hon- ors and won four scholarships. graduation ,,-. .,

Page 13 text:

Senior Rob Cooper and his date, Sharon Underwood, are enjoying the punch at the prom. Cooper says, I thought it was great, the only problem I had was with the heat. The couple went to Yamato's a chinese restaurant, before the prom and to a party at a triend's afterwards. Senior Maria Stalzer and senior Dean Mabe take a break from the prom activities. The prom was real nice. Dean put one ofthe paper parrots in his coat tor me to have as a souvenir from the prom, Stalzer said. wine What a night to remember! Almost Paradise was the theme ofthe '84-'85 prom. More than 500 students attended Among them were graduate Terri Eller and senior Dan Phillips. They take a minute to review the program. prom

Page 15 text:

On May 31, 1985, Claudia Beck, Michael Beachurn. nd C ' ' ' hristrne Battle got together with 363 other Valley graduates to sing the Alma Mater for the very last time. graduates Valerie Canzater, Wanda Green. Althea Branch get ready for their walk across stage at the Carolina Coliseum. Graduate Mark Collins prepares with David Knight, Viking Shield sponsor, for the 1985 graduation cere- mony. It can't be over now As I watch the graduates walk across the floor of the Carolina Colli- seum I feel a pang ot sadness go through me. This might be the last time I ever see some of these peo- ple. The year has gone by too quickly and these young men and women on the floor shouldn't be graduating now. lt's too soon. Suddenly everyone is seated and all becomes quiet. My favorite Pe- dro, John Synn, gives the welcome, followed by Brian Albrecht who says the invocation. After they are seated Jennifer Dargan leads the pledge of allegiance and everyone sings the national anthem. Kevin Mills, my favorite boyfriend, starts his salutatory address. Sitting on the floor as an honorary guest of his, I have a spectacular view of the stage. Trying not to let my emotions get the best of me, I try to hold back my tears, but they fall carelessly down my cheek. I make no attempt to wipe them away. I say to myself, 'lt's alright to cry. lt's graduation. The Viking singers remind me, lt's time for moving on. Another tear jerker. Graduation is supposed to be a happy and joyous time - or is it? The audience is speechless ex- cept for a few sniffles and rustling programs. The graduation ceremo- ny is a reverent occassion. Erin Thigpen gives the class ad- dress. Her stage presence reminds us that this is opening night. The most time consuming part of graduation and the most precious to parents, the presentation of the class of 1985 and the diplomas be- gins -- some walk across the stage with joy and some with fears, but all the graduates walk with pride. Mary Anderson's valedictory speech emphasizes the pride of all the students as well as the fierce competition that many have exper- ienced at Spring Valley. These quali- ties that have started at Spring Val- ley will continue to develop in the real world, she says. Jimmy Larsen gives the benedic- tion. The ceremony is almost over. All of a sudden the band strikes up the alma mater. No, graduation can't be over. lt's too soon. Ann Gill