Valparaiso High School - Valenian Yearbook (Valparaiso, IN)

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The moaaic stained-glass windows of the Valpar ' aiso University Chapel set a solemn mood lor BaC ' calaureate services on the Sunday prior to Com ' mencement, May 31. Following the Salutatory address by Steve Ikeda, Valedictorian Sara Thompson speaks to her fel- low graduates about past, present and future goals. Although earlier in the year commencment was scheduled to be in the gym, the weatherman co- operated and the Class of ' 81 received diplomas on Viking field. O n April 12, 1981, an estimated one half million spectators gathered at Cape Canaveral, Florida to watch the space shut- tle Columbia roar into space to begin its SAVz hour mission which, NASA expected, would open a new space fron- tier. After 12 years of con- struction, its possibilities will span years, for as Time magazine wrote, “the future rides with this vehicle and it will be re- sponsible for settling a new territory.” Like the mighty orbit- er, members of the Class of 1981 remembered 12 long years of preparation and, also like the shuttle, wondered where they would land and what the future held. With the last exam over and public school- ing ended, students en- joyed a few days of freedom and relax- ation before graduation activities be- gan. On Sunday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m., the class met at the V.U. Chapel to participate in Baccalaureate services featuring keynote speaker. Rev. John Wolfe of the Methodist Church. Although the parents, relatives, and friends of the 430 graduates didn’t to- tal a half million, the evening was grati- fying for the 3000 member crowd which filled the stadium on Wednes- day, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. to attend the Commencement ceremonies. Ceremonies got underway with the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” followed by an invocation by Pastor Gale Newman of the Liberty Bible Church. After Valedictorian Sara Thompson and Salutatorian Steve Ikeda had re- flected in their honorary speeches on memorable high school experiences. Principal Garth Johnson, assisted by Class President Mike Kluth and Guid- ance Director Don Dick, awarded each student his long-awaited diploma. The Faculty members dressed in caps, gowns and hoods of their college alma maters, were also formally includ- ed in the program this year. “This real- ly upgraded graduation a notch for the teachers played an important role in each students education,” explained Mr. Johnson. — Kim Ferrall Graduates attending Baccalaureate listen as the Reverend John Wolfe of the Methodist Church gives the Keynote address. Class President Mike Kluth and Vice President Angie Ranalli assisted in the services. 24 — Graduation

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or some, spring break . meant taking off for Flor- ida. Mexico City, or some other fun-in-the-sun place. For many, however, spring break was also a time to start think- ing about Prom: What to wear, where to have dinner, and most importantly who to go with. As preparations advanced, students began to wonder what this year’s theme would be. Typically an evening of fantasy and romance. Pacific Paradise held Friday. May 15. offerred students the chance to escape their everyday lives with the excitement of the 1981 Junior-Senior Prom. Although couples could have pictures taken at 6 p.m.. the festivities did not begin un- til 8:30 p.m. As they entered, couples strolled along a path surrounded by palm trees, wild flowers, and thick foiliage. Down to the waters edge, the path led them below the sur- face. j Once below, the 540 prom- a goers viewed underwater J| scenes of mermaids, deep-sea divers and lost treasurers, H while others danced to the music of Northside Station. Couples wandered into the old pirate ship to relax and enjoy some refreshments. Upon leaving the paradise at 11 p.m., couples headed for the V.U. Union where the theme “Magic Kingdom” reigned over the post-prom. Sponsored by junior class par- ents, th post-prom party was co-chaired by Mrs. Judy Shurr and Mrs. Judy Lynch. Until 4 a.m., couples ate a smorgasbord dinner in Cinderella’s Castle, watched the Country Bear Jamboree, danced to the music of Eliza Jumal, and even dared to enter the Haunted Mansion. At the end of the evening, prizes ranging from gift certificates from local merchants to a car donated by Hal Heuring were raffled. Although this is where the formal evening ended, many students spent Saturday at Marriott’s Great America or the Indiana Dunes State Park. Others opted to stay home and recuperate by sleeping. Junior class officers and faculty sponsors Lance Leach and Ruth Williamson, decided the theme, and planned fund raising events such as bake sales and a car wash mara- thon, in May, 1980. Laura Neis, junior class president, commented. “A lot of hard work, time, and effort went into Prom, but now that it’s over I know it was worth it.” Diana Heat and her date Chuck Donaldsun of Hobart High School grab a Mickey Mouse bal- loon from the entrance of the Magic Kingdom. Mickey (Mrs. Sue Peloso,) Dumbo (Mr. Al Pe- loso) and Pluto (Mrs. Peg Walls) greet Daryle Keller, Maggie Delumpa, Bill George and Starla Spoor as they enter Cinderella’s castle. — Janet Dombrowski Susan Risk Prom Post-Prom — 23

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After having his name read by Guidance Director Don Dick, Jim Benton receives his dipioma from Principal Garth John- son. Senior Class President Mike Kluth assists.