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

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 Horses are usually seen grazing on an open green pasture or running around a race track. Janet Cast and her horse, Mickey, often enjoy spending a quiet day together. Most people would be repulsed by the idea of a snake curling around their neck. However. John Gardner finds his friend a pleasant com- panion. Exotic animals require as much love and care as any standard pet does. Mike Zahralban is deeply involved in the life of his tarantula. Fin- ster. The best things in life often come in small packages. Despite the differences in their sizes. Carl Deissler s salamander is as important to him as any large animal could be Pets 21

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ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL In all sizes, shapes, and forms they share one's life completely. Some are cute, some are cuddly, some are beau- tiful, some are unusual, but since beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” all appeal to someone. They are all special to at least one person—they are pets. The majority of students with pets have either a dog or a cat. Rarely does one encounter pets as unusual as the one owned by the Munster family. Al- though their animal Spot’s species has never been revealed, it is safe to as- sume that he is not your ordinary poo- dle. From the outside the traditional pet seems very ordinary, but deep down unique qualities can be found. Cats on TV can dance the “Chow, Chow, Chow and dogs talk thanks to sub- titles. In the everyday world, in spite of having to be cared for daily, dogs and cats are a pleasure to have around. Nancy Licursi, freshman, comment- ed, My dog, Shadow, is really super and well behaved. Taking care of a pet is sometimes an unpleasant necessity. Some, such as dogs, require only feeding and walk- ing; others, like birds and gerbils have to have their cages cleaned—a less than enjoyable task. Serena Carter, a senior who lives with her parents, a sister, and nine cats said, “The cats are pleasant and really don’t take up space or require much care. Another household that was invaded by many animals—twelve rabbits—is that of Sandy Von Thadens, junior, They run around the house after my brother lets them out. They’re really cute!” Some unfortunate people can’t have pets because of allergies. The most common problem is a reaction to ani- mal hair. However, some allergies are bizarre. Kris McDonnell, freshman, re- veals, I’m allergic to goldfish gills!” All pets are friends whether they are common, like dogs and cats, or unique, like snakes and tarantulas. Many people swear their pets know their feelings. Most pets, after living in a home, take on people-like personal- ities and become as much a part of the family as a brother or a sister. Charlie Brown has served as an ex- ample to all of us, as he and Snoopy have been pals for years. Truly all pets are man’s best friends. Eye contact is important in capturing one's attention. Judy Mitchell and her parakeet. Joey, stare, mesmerized by one another Every rabbit enjoys nibbling on a good garden carrot. Sonya Kaestner helps Honey Bun satisfy her hunger pangs. 20 Pets

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fl TOUGH OF SPARKLE 'Twas the season to be jolly, yet somehow things were not the same as they were many Christmases before. The belief in the bearded man dressed in a red suit, flying through the sky on a sled pulled by reindeer, was no long- er present. The anticipation of waiting for Santa Claus to come down through the chimney bringing gifts had long since vanished. Everything then seemed special and new; as a child one had few worries. Things tended to change, though, as everyone grew older. The meaning of Christmas was looked upon in a differ- ent light as children became teen- agers. The spirit was still there, only different things took priority. Anne Marie Burmeister, junior, stated, When the holidays come around ev- eryone counts the number of days un- til vacation. The whole school be- comes very tense with anticipation. Most people would agree that the holidays change people's attitudes throughout school. Everyone gets ex- cited and friendly about things,” re- marked Shanni Reine, senior. One of the reasons for the differ- ences in moods was the many holiday activities that took place. The Honor Society sponsored blood drive added to the feeling of doing good for others. Mary Winterfeldt, senior, admitted. I felt better after I gave blood. It made me feel good that my blood was given to someone in need. For all I know my blood could have gone to my grand- mother, who received blood right after I gave. Certain people were not able to give blood or just didn’t want to. I was very upset when my doctor told me I couldn’t give blood, especially be- cause Miss Lindeman always needed so many blood transfusions. I would have loved to have been able to help her by giving blood, recalled Steph- anie Kaufmann, senior. The Head Start party, given by the Key Club and the Honor Society, was one way of sharing happiness. Nick Barone, senior, stated, I loved being Santa because all the little kids came over and hugged me. What a feeling it was seeing their eyes light up at the sight of Santa. The only part of the activities that disappointed many people took place during the last two periods before va- cation in the Commons. The whole school was invited to join in and get into the spirit, but not many people bothered to stay. Some took this as an opportunity to go home early. I found it very disappointing that more people didn’t stay and get into the holiday spirit, stated Ellen Katz, senior. The Jazz Lab performed in the Com- mons as usual. The only difference was that the Dalerettes didn’t do their routine. We really weren’t sure that there were even going to be two free periods the last day before vacation so we didn’t bother practicing for it. We decided to use that time to practice for the competition, stated Melita Froux- ides, a senior Dalerette. A sparkle of happiness shone throughout all the activities. The jin- gling of bells worn on shoes, heard by all, tended to remind everyone that this was indeed holiday time; many Santa hats were also in evidence. The whole feeling of the season could best be summed up by the shouted wishes of friends to one another for a happy holiday and a well spent vacation. 22 Holidays