West Montgomery High School - Warrior Yearbook (Mount Gilead, NC)

Page 13 text:

School doors opened as the days got shorter and we prepared to begin another year. Freshmen got under foot as they began the struggle through the halls of West Montgomery. The usual faces ap- peared and amidst them a soft- spoken, Spanish-speaking Latin American could be seen and heard-Elmer. A U.S. president was forced to resign. Ehrlichman, Halderman, Dean, Mitchell. Government of- ficials were tried and convicted just as ordinary citizens. Water- gate resolved? Gerald Ford was sworn in as our new president while Rockefeller filled in the space for vice-president. Forthe first time in history neither pres- ident nor vice-president was elected by the people. Reevaluation kept the faculty in a frenzy as they prepared for the February visitation committee. Reaccreditation by the Southern Association of Schools and Col- leges was invaluable to West. Industries closed down and lay- offs were frequent as unemploy- ment soared to 7 and 805. There was talk of another depression as food prices continued to rise. Food stamps were issued and unemployment checks were vital. There was turkey on the table as Thanksgiving brought the usual two day vacation and televi- sion broadcast the big parades. Wilbur Mills and Fannie Fox made their debut while Evel Knievel vainly attempted to jump the Snake River. December brought rain, rain, rain, exams, and Santa, who wasn't as generous because his customers had less to spend. Christmas was more meaningful and not as commercial because of price hikes and unemployment. The bloodmobile was lost to East but West Montgomery pro- duced the first female Morehead nominee. ' ' Chrissie Evert and Jimmy Conners made the sports news with their lovematch. Jack Benny died at 39 and Elvis turned 40. Parties and a T.V. Chicago con- cert rang in 1975. Resolutions were made only to later be broken as the year preceding the bicen- its of Warrior Talk tennial officially began. Catastrophic movies kept the the- ater business booming. Long lines waited for tickets to THE TO- WERING INFERNO, AIRPORT '75, and EARTHQUAKE. Burt Reynolds starred in THE LON- GEST YARD, while twoallbeefpat- tiesspecialsaucelettucecheese picklesoniononasesameseedbun, pizza, and cokes were consumed daily. Redwood red livened up the dull yellow color scheme of the restrooms and provided a wel- come change. Television came on with THE GODFATHER, THE STERILE CUCKOO, World at War, Rhoda, Chico and the Man, Hee Haw, and That's My Mama, while vibra- tions of Elton, Chicago, Doobie Brothers, Eagles, Led Zepplin, Chi-Lites, Sly, and Paul Anka drifted from every radio. Sausage, pork chops, ham, and tenderloin were the result of Mr. Field's future farmers and present hog-killers of America. The Jan- uary hope for snow lingered but the rain kept falling and cloudy skies and cold days deluded us. Two week philosophy courses added a touch of Greek wisdom to senior English classes as they explored the minds of Plato and Socrates. Then Valentine's Day came with hearts and flowers breaking the monotony of winter months. Foreign Language Week kept Latin and French classes busy with posters, tennis matches, skits, and bike hikes. Mr. Virgil Miller gave special programs and Jean Perez amazed us with his knowledge and numerous de- grees from French universities. East and West came together for French club meetings andjconver- sation classes. Easter gave us a welcomed vacation and a chance to enjoy spring while seniors counted the days until graduation. And we were caught up in the midst of ballgames, books, friends, and teachers -living our youth, being ourselves, and for- getting that time was passing by.

Page 15 text:

As we climb toward wisdom, seeking strength and guidance, more and more, we become individuals. We celebrate our youth with shouts and laughter, but tomorrow never escapes our minds.