Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 31, 1990 TAG: 9006010301
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOBBIE SLOUGH
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
As sophomores, the class won the two major homecoming competitions for hall decorating and class float. Until this group came along, the seniors had won both events every year since Northside opened in 1961.
Since they arrived at Northside as sophomores, this year's seniors have shared a spark of unity and momentum that has kept the senior class rolling.
"That has to unify you," says Freeland. "When so many people come together and work on a project and win, you've got to feel a certain closeness."
Mark Flory, this year's valedictorian, agrees. "It's kind of a chain reaction. When people come together and do well, they want to come back again."
"By this time, most classes have gotten tired of each other, but we're not like that," says Michele Allen, Northside student body president.
Flory says that many of the class' strongest memories are of the preparation times, the little things, rather than the big events. "Often, the preparation for events, decorating for homecoming or the prom or whatever, is as memorable as the event itself."
In addition to lessons about cooperation and unity - not to mention academic courses - the seniors at Northside have learned not to take their close friendships for granted. Two members of the senior class were killed this year in car accidents.
"It's sad that it takes such a terrible event to bring you together and realize how important each of us is," Freeland said.
The Northside class of '90 started out as a close group of freshmen at Northside Junior High and has gotten closer ever since.
"You walk into a classroom and you speak to everybody, not just to one or two people," says Tiffany Speaks, co-editor of the Northwinds newspaper.
by CNB