Weldon E Howitt High School - Hi Life Yearbook (Farmingdale, NY)

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Commons: A Showcase For Students There is no debate that the Commons is both the architectural and social center of the school, but it also has another more in- teresting role. It is the school’s biggest showcase, where the students, wheth- er they are conscious of it or not, are constantly on display to one another. The art of people-watching thrives in the Commons more than anywhere else in the school. Many students are reluc- tant to walk through the Commons because they feel they are being scruti- nized. Ann Marie Grief, jun- ior, admitted, I feel a bit insecure walking through because everybody is look- ing at me.” For the most part this examination of passers-by is not done to intentionally bother people, but rather to catch up on the latest romantic devel- opments. observe fashion trends, or make private ap- praisals of personalities. This can be so nerve- racking for the subjects, however, that some of them go out of their way to avoid crossing the Commons. Of course, there are other stu- dents who don’t mind being inspected. “It’s fun walking through the Commons; it makes me feel important knowing people are looking at me,” Tom Gennaro, jun- ior, stated. It is just as easy to stare at someone on a bench in the Commons as it is to stare at someone walking through, but most students don’t feel scrutinized when they are just sitting or standing around. The atmo- sphere is open and relaxed, and students can talk with friends, do homework, eat candy and pretzels, or pitch pennies across the floor. Yet, if anyone drops their books or laughs too loud, something normally only mildly embarrassing, sud- denly all the eyes in the Commons turn, and sinking through the floor becomes a very appealing idea. A few years ago, the Commons was character- ized by extreme segrega- tion, which increased its psychological effect on people. Different groups such as the Rockos, Freaks, Jocks, and non- conformists each had their own corners. Fortunately, however, this stereotyping has been on the decline in recent years. “Some people think they have an image in the Commons, but they really don’t,” Bruce Eisen- berg, senior, commented. The only obvious segrega- tion which exists today is in the corner by the boys’ bathroom where all the ath- letes and their friends gath- er, the spot Harry Jackson, junior, calls, “Jock City.” After school hours, when there are no students around, the Commons seems like just another large room. During the school day, however, it be- comes the most fascinating room in the building. There is no other place that at- tracts as many students, nor is there any place that plays on the emotions of the students the way the Commons does. Above: A new student in the school makes a new friend in Andy Kramer. Above: Joe Perettine observes Ronnie Heller as he enters the Commons. 10 Commons

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Left Wearing two high school rings is both a sign of devotion to a steady boyfriend and a status symbol. Middle Left Wayne Cisco and Sharon Cahill say goodbye before heading to class. Below: Derek Penn and Donna Frollanger share a few moments between classes. Bottom Left: Maria Maione and Bernie Haibich walk across the school grounds. Left: A couple walks together to their next class. Romance 9

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Below: Students cluster in jock corner. Middle Left: An exhausted student takes a quick snooze in the Commons. Below: Terry Lester, Mario German, Robert Berstein, Carol Bernaudo and Harroula Angelinas do their homework before going to classes. Above: In the Commons. John Booth catches up on some last minute studying while Pat Patrera finishes his lunch. Left: As Donna Camerano crams for a test. Donna Vaughn looks on. Left: Ready to leeave the Commons, Sue Domni has one last word with Karen Moore. Commons 11