Valdosta High School - Sandspur Yearbook (Valdosta, GA)

Page 19 text:

Community groups recognize many winners Although Mr. Bill Duke, the official yearbook photographer, failed to capture all of their story, represen- tatives of clubs and other communi- ty groups did come to present awards during the first part of the program. These honors included those given by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary to students chosen to attend Boys’ State and Girls' State programs. Both the Daughters of American Colonists and the Daughters of the American Revolution recognized patriotism and good citizenship. STAR Student John Furey and his STAR Teacher, Mr. Mike Rogers, received checks and certificates from the Kiwanis Club. Earlier in the spring John and Mr. Rogers had en- joyed a week-long tour of Georgia as the award given to John, who was District 2 winner in the state com- petition for STAR Students. From Moody Officers' Wives Club a member came to announce that Sue Oliver had received their scholarship. Recipients of the administrators' special awards listen as Principal Mims explains their merits: Jim Tunison. Tim Pitts. Grant Nichols. Lex Culbreth. David Harrison. Kerry Beaver, and Joann Gore may be seen in this shot But the camera did not include ten others. LEFT In the climax of the evening. Senior Superlatives take their places on stage Rob Sullenberger. Cynthia Trautmann. Amy Wilson Mary Farley. John Furey. Alfred Aguero. Bill Holland. Henry Gilmore. Lynne Pulliam. Cynthia Cooper. Dante Jones. Roseziner Jackson. William Dipper Davis, and Lisa Jones. 15

Page 18 text:

ABOVE: On behalf of the Kiwanis Club. Mr. Frank McDaniel presents checks and cer- tificates to John Furey. STAR Student, and to Mr. Mike Rogers. John's choice for STAR Teacher. RIGHT: Mrs. Harry Wohnski. English department chairman, tells Mary Farley that the English department can only give her a certificate for excellence in composition. Mary had already received a check for $100.00 as the winner of the Elks Americanis Essay Contest. Doug Frank, best ninth-grade English student; Kim Gandy, best junior English student; Mary Taormina, best sophomore English student; and Sue Oliver, best senior English student wait their turns. 14

Page 20 text:

John Federico takes first'Cut' award Probably no seniors and few teachers were surprised when Mr. Mims announced that Dantfe Jones had received the most votes for Best-All-Round Senior. Dante had excelled in academics, athletics, and extracurricular ac- tivities for four years. He received eighty-nine of the one hundred and fifteen votes cast for this position. But all students, teachers, and guests were surprised — and delighted — when Mr. Mims, after a slight apology for his choice of words, announced that he had decided to present a very special Gut'’ award to senior John Federico. Everyone in the Little Theater rose to ap- plaud as John went to the stage. For this young man, they knew, had erased the word han- dicapped from his vocabulary and from his life. When he moved through the areas from one class to another, no one noticed his limp- ing gait. Rather everyone saw his constant smile and noted his pleasant voice. When classes ended for the day during the fall. John went to the gym to dress out for foot- ball practice. Instead of thinking, I can’t play ball; I'm crippled, this tough young character went out and played. Coach Nick Hyder said that John served as a catalyst for the other players. His constant en- couragement and his presence gave all of them extra drive. TOP. RIGHT: Dante Jones casts his shadow on the curtain, just as he cast his image on the entire school, while leaving the stage with his Senior Superlative plaque RIGHT: John Federico. 66. yells directions. Other sideliners remain stolid 16