Thomas Dale High School - Reflector Yearbook (Chester, VA)

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Ps Understanding the Present Thinking of the future, Prince Rogers Nelson knows he is not going to stop until he reaches the top. Seeking a Path to the Future wo decades have passed since the Class of 1965 gradu- ated. In those twenty years, the school has undergone many changes in the faculty, the stu- dent body, and in the appearance of the school. The construction has final- ly been completed and the new addi- tions are open for use. This includes the debut of an auxiliary gym, a com- puter wing, new music rooms, and a better guidance office. Besides a face lift, the academics have changed also thanks to President Reagan’s ‘‘Nation at Risk.”’ Nationally, President Ronald Rea- gan has started his policies and has turned the country around from its eco- nomic decline. The Middle East has erupted into boundary disputes, reli- gious clashes, and racial difficulties. The worst situation is in Lebanon where Americans have been under ter- rorist attack. Furthermore, a new Cold 8 1985 War has developed with the U.S.S.R. causing great concern for everyone. However, eighty-three gold medal vic- tories by the Americans in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles gave patrio- tism a shot in the arm. And, in the midst of a Presidential election, Geraldine Ferraro stunned the political world with her decision to run for Vice-President. The music revolution has been sweeping the country. Prince, the newest pop star hit big with his album, “Purple Rain.’’ Sharing the spotlight with Prince is Michael Jackson and his brothers as they perform their Victory tour across the nation. Billy Idol stunned the nation with his spiked hair and his radical songs ‘‘Rebel Yell’ and “Eyes Without a Face.”’ Students, the most optimistic of the nation look carefree in their jeans, Nikes, and OP shirts. New hairstyles such as rattails and spikes are the rage. However, the narrow ties and penny loafers of 1965 are making a comeback into the styles of America. In education, students are confront- ed by tougher standards concerning ‘‘Time on Task’’. Most students agree that enough emphasis is currently placed on education and if more pres- sure is put on education, it would mean the drowning of the student body ina sea of grades, as well aS enormous amounts of homework. Teachers, how- ever, believe that more time learning new material is good and teachers must stop accepting ‘‘average”’ work, thus pushing the student to his poten- tial. Educators also are pushing for wage increases so they can feel re- spected. Regardless of any troubles facing the lives of the students and faculty, the Knights are able to find the silver lining in any cloud and turn it into a rainbow.

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Reflecting the Past Two Decades of Memories year of beginnings! The first class graduated from Thom- as Dale at its present loca- tion. Nationally, the turmoil abroad in Vietnam was growing. The first combat troops from the U.S. en- tered Vietnam beginning a long and controversial war. The great sorrow over John F. Kennedy’s assassination was deeply felt by the people world wide, especially the Americans he governed. In office for only six months President Lyndon B. Johnson was try- ing to pick up the pieces with ‘‘The Great Society.” A great musical revolution began in America, as the Beatles became the current kings of pop. In addition to that British group, there were the Beach Boys, the Byrds, Bob Dylan, and Sonny and Cher. The Rolling Stones made hits of their songs — ‘‘Time Won’t Let Me” and ‘‘Last Time’. Also popular was the folk music performed by such artists as Peter, Paul, and Mary. The fashions of this era were differ- ent from that of today. The average teenager would not wear jeans to school, instead Khakies, buttondown and tab collar shirts, with narrow ties, and Bass Wejins (loafers) were the at- tire of most guys. The girls wore pleat- ed skirts, (no pants) knee socks, and their boyfriends’ letter sweater. The Pre-Kennedy era marked a giant step forward in the television world. The Early Bird, the first commercial satellite, was launched into orbit, al- lowing broadcasts from all over the world. The ever-popular shows — ““Get Smart’’, ‘‘Hogan’s Heroes”’, “Green Acres,” and the ‘‘Beverly Hill- billies’’ were at the top of the charts. At Thomas Dale there were several new beginnings. The first Drum Major- ette lead the Marching Knights. For the first time the Majorettes twirled flam- ing batons. At Baccalaureate, the sen- iors wore their caps and gowns for the first time during the service. 1965 was a year of beginnings and fresh starts. Thomas Dale got a new start in a new school initiating the long line of changes that created the pre- sent. Surrounded by a world of chang- ing styles, beliefs, and politics, the tra- dition of excellence in education has prevailed. The Beatles display some of their awards. 1965 7 Not yet realizing the legends they will become,

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The Senior Privilege of cutting in the lunch line is As each day passes students realize, one day still alive in 1985 as Jill Stanfield takes advan- they will reflect upon pleasant high school ex- tage of it. periences. With its recent facelift, Thomas Dale still re- mains the same in the heart of all who have been a part of its ‘‘hallow hails.” Current principal, Jimmy Sublett, publicly dis- plays his feelings about ‘‘TDHS”’. 1985 9