Wilby High School - Wilby Yearbook (Waterbury, CT)

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CLASS H1STOR Y We entered the strange and unfamiliar halls of Wilby High School, with a suspicion as to what our course for the next four years will be. During our first few days as f reshmen some of us might be caught wandering the halls with that certain lost look as we searched for those illusive room numbers. We had to adjust to the fact that we were the lowest of students, and this was never to be forgotten by the upperclassmen. A few weeks calmed our uncertainties and each of us began to gel involved in the school’s clubs and activi- ties. W'ould be athletes began to seek out various sports, to try to make a mark for themselves. A big undertaking our first year was the W POP School Spirit Petition Contest. Although W ilby only took fourth place, this endeavor served to boost our school spirit. A major modification at this time was the institution of a new dress code. For the first time ties and jack- ets were not required at school. High in the nation's interest during this period was the Vietnam War. Although President Nixon was withdrawing thousands of troops, the war raged on. Final exams concluded one of the most challenging years we had faced so far. Now we look back on our freshman year as a certain memorable yesterday. The greetings of old friends, and finding of new ones are what made the first days ol our sophomore year memorable. After adjusting to our new classrooms and teachers, we again found ourselves endeavoring to make our way through another year at Wilby. Posters began to appear throughout the halls. After an exciting week of campaigning, we elected our soph- omore class officers: W illiam Matzkevich. President: Steve Meo, Vice President: Tracy Orkin. Secretary: Nancy D'Agostino, Treasurer. Our sports season began w ith our football team leading off the aelion. We had a tough team which proved itself successful at the conclusion of the football season. The Vietnam War was still being fought, and President Nixon was still withdrawing troops. Peace talks in Paris were being held but peace was illusive. Sophomore year atWilby was soon coming to an end. Class rings were ordered and each student eagerly awaited his. Perhaps the most controversial news that stirred in the halls of Wilby was the elimination of Final Exams. Because of a Student Council project, the exams we had taken as freshmen were the last we would see in high school. The year ended, and we once again departed from the halls of Wilby for our summer vacation. September, 1971 . We're upperclassmen!!! Our first action as Juniors was to receive our class rings, and everyone did their best to show them off. Soon posters began to fill the hall of Wilby, as we elected our Junior class officers: Bill Matzkevich, Presi- dent; Joby Bochicchio, Vice President; Tracy Orkin, Secretary; Carol Lefkowitz. Treasurer. Mr. Louis Ponzillo and Miss Claire Moynihan were chosen as class advisors and it was under their guid- ance we began to organize our next event. The Homecoming Dance, with music provided by the Pneumonics, not only gave the class a good start financially, but also was a social success. In sports this year our football team captured the City Championship and the basketball team also com- peted for a winning season, moving on to the tournament. This year Mr. Joseph R. Membrino, principal of Wilby since I960, and a teacher for many years previous, announced his retirement plans. Mr. Domenic Coviello will next year become the new principal. Our Junior year was coming to an end amidst plans for our Junior Prom. On June 3rd the sun set on a magnificent scene occurring in Harrison Inn. at Heritage Village, Southbury. The theme ot this most digni- fied night was “Friends”. Music and entertainment was provided by Sheffield Spring. I ndeed it had been a memorable Junior year and all of us looked forward to our final step. September. 1972, could offer the hope, happiness and anticipation each one of us had dreamed of. No year could boast of more promising experiences and treasured moments. Mr. Louis Ponzillo would return for his second year as our senior class advisor. After a vigorous cam- paign, student officers were elected as follows: Bill Matzkevich. President: Joby Bochicchio, Vice-President; Tracey Orkin, Secretary; and Chris Holmes. Treasurer. The sports season began with our football team capturing the City Title. The basketball team reached the Cl AC tournament, but was defeated in the second game of the series by Warren Harding of Bridgeport. For the first time, the Cross Country team sported a winning season and congratulations should be given to Mr. 134