Stratford High School - Mnemosyne Yearbook (Houston, TX)

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ln a metropolis the size of Houston, crowds were inevita- ble. ln a school the size of Strat- ford, the same was true with lines and gatherings everywhere from the center stairwell to the Astro- dome. With over 14,000 excited fans showing up for the Stratford vs. Plano game, more than half of the Astrodome was filled for the state finals. Masses of green and gold pom poms and giant hands waving number 1 occupied the Spartan side of the Dome. ln fact, on the freeway coming to and from the state games, it was apparent that even in a city as big as Houston, Stratford could create a traffic jam. druh Back on Fern Street, the masses caused their own traffic jams. When lunchtime rolled around, the snack bar and cafeteria lines were long. Sophomore Barbara Bauman remedied the situation, commenting, l just bring my lunch every day so I don't waste twenty minutes just trying to get my food. Another way around the long lines was just getting someone in the front of the line to buy something, according to Freshman Natalie Teft. Taking advantage of off-cam- pus lunches, Seniors and many underclassmen found that get- ting away from school lunch lines didn't solve any of their traffic problems, L.. 14 crowds Imagine the time is 12:26, anc 525 seniors, not to mention oth- ers are trying to get out of the two parking lots. All are hoping for enough time to not only orde their meal at the place of thei choice, but also to have time tc actually eat it and be back a school by1:08. Senior julie Miller describec the happenings of a regular day at lunchtime by saying, Every- one tore out of the parking lof like maniacs. What l really hated though, was when the people pulled into the left hand lane anc blocked the entrance intc school. Then, even though yot were in the lane you were sup posed to be in, they went aheac S On one of the less crowded occasions freshman Danny Hamilton ascends the center staircase to the third floor Danny does not like the center stair case, because it takes so long to get ut them, but he uses them anyway so hm can see his friends. Itfs the only time get to see some of them, said Danny. After another day of school, Stratforr students make their way to the parking lots which are usually full. junio Dianne King complained, You have tc arrive before 7:45 so you can get. decent parking place. She also stated Lining up to get out is even worsel' The situation is also bad during B-luncl because of the large number of senior who exercise their privilege of open campus lunch.

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is-:vs l o, l l t the Westchester pep rally, not only las Mr. Fitch taken away, but also Mrs. ierrill Fisk, twelfth grade principal, irs. Virginia Hill, cheerleader sponsor, pd Mr. Gordon Utz, Senior Boys Spon- ir. Mr. Fitch commented that he was eated very well by the Senior Boys, ho took him to McDonald's for break- st. On February 15, greeted by standing rom only fans and Channel 'll news tmeras, the -l-A State Championship ophy arrived, and the Varsity football ayers were honored to the strains of ie Fight Song in the auditorium Mrs. Emily Branum, a Spartan Booster emcees the Memorial pep rally skit. The Booster Club and coaches held a beauty pageant in which Mr. Tom Bittner took the crown. Senior jeff Flinn, who escorted Coach George Saenz, said, I was pretty embarrassed, but it was still fun. Holding the victory flag high, Princi- pal Dale Stafford, surrounded by accomplished football players and proud coaches, ended a remarkably tri- umphant season. The baby week pep rally let everyone become a child again if they so desired. Seniors Mary Taliaferro and Lester Heckman dressed up for the occasion in their Raggedy Ann and Andy costumes. resenting an award to the varsity foot- them to come. Scott said, I saw Mayor all team, Councilman Louis Macey and McConn at an Oiler game, and asked layor lim McConn are presented by him ifhe wouldliketo come. heerleader Scott Witt, who invited iuiovt Shedding his conservative shirt, Con- gressman Bill Archer ioins his Senior Boys' Club constituency in wearing their familiar yellow t-shirt to the delight of Cheerleader, Charles Lloyd. pep rallies I l

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d pulled out right in front of u. Another way to avoid the time unch was solved by Robert Jlt who recommended, lust an to meet your friends at a ecific place and really get out ere fast. There won't be any ng lines to sit in and waste time th During school, students con- egated in their favorite spots. Jnquering the third floor mid- e stairs for example was a feat itself, as one dodged conversa- mns and couples. junior Wade Reese said, l've been looking over these stairs ever since my freshman year and it's right near my locker. Of course, all grades gathered near their respective lockers as they waited for friends or just wanted to socialize. Finding a parking space was another problem in the course of a regular school day. lt was apparent when 7:50 a.m. rolled around. Screeching cars, brave walkers and bike riders filled the vast parking lots. Late arrivals were stuck with parking in the if QQ rear of one of the parking lots. lf you're running late, the time which you're being late by is nearly doubled by the fact that you have to walk so far just to get to the school. This can be a prob- lem especially when it rains. Because so many people drive to school, it gives you an incentive to get to school earlier just to avoid the crowds, said Linda Crimsby,junior. Living in Houston, crowds were everywhere, and at Strat- ford, everyone was a part of the crowd. Listening intently to separate conversa- tions, Sophomore Simms Duncan enjoys his ice cream sandwich as Senior Bob Rielly drinkshis iced tea. Both with- stood the long lunchlines before their meal. These lines were usually shorter during B-lunch, though, because many seniors left campus to support fast food businesses or eat at home. Leading the crowd out the door next to the gym, junior Kathy Sparks and Senior Elaine Divita leave for home after a day at school. Tired smiles and a hurried pace were characteristic of the mad rush home. Preceding the final game, the State Championship against the Plano Wild- cats in the Astrodome, a crowd of coaches, teachers, and alumni gathered to welcome the team. The crowd then formed a path from the locker room to the run-through sign on the field to show their support for the team. crowds 15