Technical High School - Tech Tiger Yearbook (Springfield, MA)

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Drill Teams Techincal ROTC Drill Teams began during the school year 1976-77. At that time, the AFJROTC headquarters prohibitied the ROTC program to use real rifles. We were only authorized to use wooden rifles at the beginning. We were completely unfamiliar with drill team competition, rules and regulations, and rifle handling. The Army ROTC of New Bedford High School greatly assisted us with instructions and moral support during our beginning. The father of Cadet Leroy Thomas made a number of wooden practice rifles for us. The first year Tech attended all of the New England drill competitions as spectators. On January 14, 1978 our male drill team won third place at a drill meet in Newport, Rhode In 1979 we hosted the New England Regionals competi- tions at Technical High School. We did it again in 1981 and held it in the National Guard Armory in Holyoke. During 1980-82 we held a three year reign as New England champions through practices, pride, and dedica- tion. Our drill teams dominated all events to the degree that teams attending events were mentally and emotional- ly competing for second place. They had conceded first place to the Tech teams. The first team Captain for the male drill team was San- ford Dixon in 1978. Our first female team Captain was Cynthia Williams, and Leroy Thomas was the Captain for the co-ed drill team. Some of the real super stars of the past were: Maria Gonzalez, Paul Ratt, James Anderson and Joe Bassani. Once again, the drill teams of 1983-84 are working hard to make us champions. Sigfredo Chiclana Island. Also at the same meet, Cadet Col. James Ander- son won our first place in the male individual drill with rifle (IDR). During the school year of 1978-79 our drill teams won several second and third place honors, and in 1980 all three teams became a power in the New England Regional Drill Team Program. In 1980-82 Tech High School drill teams won a total of 32 trophies. From 32 trophies, there were 24 first places. The male drill team with rifles (Blue Bengals) won every meet from 1979-82. Females with rifles (Brandy Flames) took first place in all but three meets during that time. In 1978, the male drill team won second place in the New England Regional Competition (the Championship). In 1979 we won first place in the co-ed drill team and the males took first place. Tech won third place in the over-all New England Regionals. Technical High School ROTC drill teams were the first unit to win three consecutive championships in competi- tion history.

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24 scott Carpenter Visits Tech On Wednesday, October 26, 1983 at 1 P.M. in our auditorium, Tech experienced a great honor. Scott Carpenter, one of the seven original astronauts, was a guest speaker. The audience was made up of ROTC cadets, the students council and some select science students. Scott Carpenter retired in 1969 and now is a private citizen with business interest. He spoke to us on science and technical abilities. Before retirement, he was highly involved in space and ocean explora- tion. He envies todays youth tremendously because of the amount of potential of exploration in these areas. Dr. Carpenter had two major messages to deliver. One was to strive for excellence and develop potential because adventure awaits in space and ocean explorations. Along with this message, he encouraged us to study long and hard, because there are more demands for future explo- ration in both space and ocean. The second message was to stay away from drugs, because they can ruin lives. Dr. Carpenter was asked several questions by the Tech students. An ROTC cadet asked how he felt going into space and not knowing if he would return. Dr. Carpenter said that he had alot of confidence in his return because of the high technology involved. Besides, he was too busy to be afraid. There was some fear, which, as he explained, was a useful emotion. Curiosity overcame his fear and exhilaration came about because of discovery. Another student asked why he became an astronaut. His answer was that he wanted to fly in space because of curiosity. Also, he felt that the position of an astronaut was an extention of a test pilot’s action. Scott Carpenter told the audience that if they were interested in being astronauts, the skills to study would be physics, geology, chemistry, biology, physiology, medicine, and trades. A student wanted to know if there were any restrictions for women in space exploration. Mr. Carpenter said, ‘‘No, in fact, they qualified because of their weight and intelligence.’’ There used to be restrictions on females, but times have changed. Someone else wanted to know if he would go again if he had a chance. Dr. Carpenter said yes, but it really was someone else’s turn. He said that space travel was a closed book for him. Besides, he wouldn’t want to go through the 3 years of NASA’s training. However, he would be willing to ‘‘jump on board’’ should an offer to do so come along. Sigfredo Chiclana

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What Do You Want — Blood? The Bloodmobile, which was held on Wednesday, January 18, 1984 got off to a good start, thanks to the coordination of Red Cross Advisor Miss Kroll and a staff of student volunteers. Tech students have the reputation of donating more pints of blood than any other public school in the Springfield area. We are proud to say that this year’s drive was as successful as those held in the past. A total of 52 pints were donated at this drive by students and faculty. The Tigers of Tech are glad to participate in such a worthy community cause. The next Bloodmobile is scheduled to be held in April, 1984. Idalia Cintron