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

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ROTC 1984-85 On September 5, 1984, the ROTC started its 16th year at Technical High School. The ROTC started its second year of open enrollment with 40 students from Classical High School, 12 from the High School of Commerce, and 180 Tech students for a total enrollment of 232. This year’s program started without an old familiar face. Col. William Potter retired in June, 1984 after 12 years of outstanding service. Major Cyrus J. Merritt, a veteran of 21 years of military service, assumed the position of Air Science Instructor. Major Merritt comes to Tech as a veteran ROTC Instructor with previous service at Newburgh Free Academy, Newburgh, New York from 1976-79, and from Island Trees High School, Long Island, New York where he served from 1980-82. Major Merritt's military career spans 21 years of active duty. He served as a navigator from 1954-70, performing duties on board Cargo, Air Refueling, and Fighter Air Craft. He also served as a Weapons Systems Officer on board RF4C Air Craft in Viet Nam. While in Viet Nam, the Major was assigned to Headquarters 7th Air Force from 1967-68. The ROTC, as usual, had an ambitious program planned for the school year. On the weekend of the 22 of September, 40 cadets, along with Major Merritt and Chief Palmer, traveled to West Point, New York for a weekend of Leadership Training and Visitation of the U.S. Military Academy. The cadets stayed at the 5-Star Hotel at Stewart Field, Newburgh, New York. The cadets traveled to West Point on the Massachusetts National Guard Bus. They dined on Saturday and Sunday at the cadets’ Dining Hall-Washington Hall, and experienced helicopter flights up the Hudson Valley. On Sunday, 30 September, 190 cadets marched in their 1st parade of the year for Mayor Neal of Springfield - the Hungry Hill Parade. On 7 of October, 200 cadets proudly marched down the Main Street of Springfield in the Columbus Day Parade. On 30 of October, we held our 10th Annual Family Night, which was attended by over 200 family members and guests. The young cadets had the opportunity to present their families and friends to the Assistant Superintendent of Schools, the Principals from Technical High School, Classical High School, and the High School of Commerce, and the ROTC Instructors. The program, which lasted an hour and a half, was used for the instructors to brief the parents on what the ROTC program is about. On 11 of November, 180 proud cadets led the Springfield Veterans’ Day Parade Ceremonies, proudly marching through the torrential rain. After the parade, Chief Palmer and the Blue Bengals (male drill team-with Rifles) attended the first Veterans’ Day Luncheon at the Springfield Civic Center Exhibition Hall. The luncheon was attended by over 600 guests. This was the first luncheon sponsored by the U.S. Postal Service, honoring the Veterans of America. The Blue Bengals performed much to the delight of the guests. On 18 of November, on a cold blustery Saturday, 160 cadets led the Peach Basket- Basketball Hall of Fame- Parade down Main Street. On 19 of November, the ROTC Color Guard presented the Colors before the NBA Basketball Game at the Civic Center. The 5,000 spectators gave arousing applause. On 26th of November, received a letter of appreciation from the office of the Mayor of Springfield for the ROTC’s participation in the dedication ceremonies for Omiskanoagwiak at Forest Park on November 18th. Our unit presented the Colors. The day after Thanksgiving (25 November), 80 cadets proudly participated in the 2nd Annual Balloon Parade. The cadets met the Chief at 5am and participated in the inflating of the gigantic Macy Parade-type Balloons. At 9am, several gigantic balloons were skillfully manipulated around street lights, stop lights, and under the Bay State West overpass to the delight of the large crowd. The highlight of the parade was the gigantic Elephant getting stuck underneath the overpass. After frantic efforts, much to the delight of the crowd, the bulky elephant finally slipped through the underpass. On 8th of December, the Drill Teams traveled to Tiverton, Rhode Island and participated in the 1st New England Regional Invitation Meet. The Male Drill Team with Rifles, the Blue Bengals, as usual, took 1st place. The Female Drill Team with Rifles, the Brandy Flames, and the Female Drill Team without Rifles, the Blue Angels, took 3rd place respectively. Major Sigfredo Chiclana took 3rd place in the Male IDR. On Friday evening, 11th of January 1985, the 11th Annual Military Ball was held at the Westover AFB Club. Two hundred cadets and guests had a splendid evening. The ball was attended by special guests: Superintendent of schools, and the Principals from Technical High School, Classical High School, and the High School of Commerce. Miss Military Ball and her court were: Myra Sanders, Tanya Gavin, and Kelly Gavin, all from Classical. On 19th of January, 1985, the Drill Teams traveled to Madison Park High School in Boston, Massachusetts and participated in the 2nd Invitational Meet. The Male Drill Team, the Blue Bengals under the leadership of Major Michael Maldonado, took 1st place, as usual. The Female Drill Team without Rifles, under the leadership of Major Danita Hargrove, were super. These Blue Angels consist of 7 freshman, 1 junior, and Danita. They performed near perfect. The Co-Ed Drill Team, the Blue Eagles, Under the leadership of Juan Gonzalez, won 1st place in the event. This is a new team and had been praticing only 10 days. It has 6 male and 6 female members. On 1st of February, 1985, at 1:45 p.m. in the Technical High School Gymnasium, the change of Command Ceremonies for the school year were held. Major Michael Maldonado assumed the Group Commander’s position from Victor Villafane. Major Victor Villafane was reassigned to duties of Chief of Staff of the ROTC. At the ceremonies, the Outstanding Cadets Awards for the 3rd marking period were presented to Robbin Jones, Richard Thomas, and Rose Watson. Thekey Officer and NCO personnel were promoted. Richard Thomas assumed the prestigious position of group Sgt. Major. Honored parents and school officials were in attendance. On 17th of February 1985, 40 cadets, accompanied by Chief Palmer and Mr. Dutkiewicz invaded the nation’s Capital on their Annual Washington Encampment. The week was spent visiting historical sites, touring the White House, and placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. On 2nd of March 1985, the New England Regional 1985 Drill Team Championships were held in Billerica, Massachusetts. On Sunday, 17th of March 1985, 150 cadets marched the 2 42 mile St. Patrick's Day Parade before over 200,000 cheering spectators. For the 12th time, the ROTC has participated in the ceremonies in Holyoke, Massachusetts. On the first week of April, 125 cadets, under the leadership of Major Merritt and Chief Palmer spent a week at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey on their Annual McGuire Encampment. The cadets experienced a week of active Air Force duty. They received onsight briefings and orientation flights in the C141 Air Craft. During the encampment, the cadet officers and NCO’s were provided an opportunity to put their leadership instructions into service. In other words, the encampment was led and supervised by the cadet officers and NCO’s. On the 13th of May 1985, the 14th Annual ROTC Graduation Exercises were held in the Technical High School Auditorium. The largest Senior Class in the last 7 years graduated. 15

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