West Valley High School - Aurora Yearbook (Fairbanks, AK)

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With dimples that add cheer to the morning, Jim Roth hangs up his coat as Katie Fellows smilingly accompanies him. Perilously perched in the commons, agile Gretchen Kind observes the hustle and bustle. Cheerful and ready for anything Mr. Rogers arrives at school with a smile. 138 PHOTO STORY WEST STUDENTS BEGAN EACH DA WITH OPTIMISM A D RE EWED E ERGY Throughout the West Valley district, alarms are ringing and students are dragging themselves out of bed. Approximately an hour later they bundle up and venture out into the artic climate to fight with their cars or trudge to the bus stop and hop on the big yellow limousine. They arrive at West sometime after 7:30 a.m., some early enough to talk with their friends, and some don't quite make it before the 8:00 bell. 9 Another day has begun for the West l student. l Taking advantage of spare time Nathan Hawkins uses the library to catch up on the news.

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ways involved, Mr. Walker takes time out to fresh himself at the N.H.S. Faculty Tea. eacher's Assistant Randy Talvl jests with Mr. Walker. 44' 0 6' C6 fs The end of the 1980-81 school year saw the departure of the science department's mysterious invisible cat. Gruesome disections won't be as wickedly carried out since the beloved James Walker left the staff. lt is his kind of personality that makes West Valley an ideal educational atmosphere, and he will be greatly missed. Mr. Walker's teaching career started early in Altoon, Pennsylvania, where he was brought up. While still in the 8th grade, he taught the second, third, and fourth grade reading. He graduated from Altoon High School in 1950 and completed his education by attending Penn State where he became actively involved. He graduated with a B.S. in education, majoring in Biology and minoring in Geography. ln August of 1960, after four teaching offers, he chose Fairbanks. Teaching at Fort Wainwright, Mr. Walker transferred to Lathrop in 1966, and then to West Valley, which he describes as the best school l have had the honor to teach in. Mr. Walker is often thought of as just a Biology teacher but he has taught many other subjects including reading, algebra, history, poetry, general science, zoology, and botany. His advanced placement biology class was the first in Fairbanks. wever, it was not just his experience and how that has enabled him to teach so we sense of humor made the hard work asier to bear. Mr. Wa r urned to Pennsylvania last June but he 'l aws remember how good the state of has been to him. He didnlt sell his ho so hopefully he will come back and igiirbanks and the students at West someday. 6 Z AW. :rnvnrg ur um 4913 Q .1- gg WALKER 137

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