Chapter 4- Welcome Back
Friday, November 18, 1983
Miss Foote's Advanced Drama Class
Music- "Hot for Teacher" by Van Halen
Miss Foote was an attractive teacher. There were rumors connecting her with everyone from Mr. Rosso the Guidance Counselor to Mr. Kowechevski, math teacher turned McKinley Dean of Students just this year. Bill Haverchuck had a crush on Miss Foote ever since freshman year, which is why he joined drama, even though he as no talent in that area. On stage he usually ends up in the background, but his usual tasks lie in set construction.
Bill was busy working on coming up for props for 1984, the groups winter play. The play by George Orwell was chosen for reasons obvious to anybody who owns a calendar. He was stage manager, and the voice of Big Brother-- his biggest role yet. Sam Weir was playing the part of Winston Syme, Maureen Sampson as Julia, and Neal Schwiber was cast as O'Brien. This was in spite of Neal repeatedly protesting 'do I look like an O'Brien?.'
Miss Foote announced to the class, "Class, Dean Kowvcheski would like us to report to the gym to do final set up for the assembly."
The class groaned. Sam complained "Miss Foote, we need the practice, 1984 opens in less than two weeks,"
Miss Foote countered with, "Funny you weren't complaining about practice time when you took half my cast to Ann Arbor yesterday." Sam shut up. He knew he was beat.
Enter the McKinley Gym.
Music: "Tom Sawyer" by Rush
Cindy was acting like a drill seargent, ordering around Young Republicans, Student Council, the AV Squad, and the drama group. Red, white, and blue was everywhere.
"Come along people" Cindy shouted, "we have less than three hours until Nick gets here. Drama group, where are we with the microphones?"
"Almost online," Bill replied.
Sam and Neal exchanged looks and smirks. When they were done, the gym looked like they were hosting the Republican National Convention instead of an Air Force E-4 who never really saw combat.
Bill Came over and reminded the two, "You guys are coming to my wrestling meet tomorrow?" Neil and Sam nodded and return.
The students entered the gym, later came the spectators. The front row was reserved for Nicks family. Many were in full uniform. When Nick entered in full uniform, the band broke into the Air Force Hymn.
Cindy Sanders got on the PA and made a brief speech. "Last Friday was Veterans Day, next Thursday is Thanksgiving. We are thankful for the service our honored guest has done for our country. Ladies and Gentleman, Senior Airman Nicholas Andopolis, United States Air Force, McKinley High Class of 1982!"
Nick came to the stage to loud applause, and a lot of hooting and hollering from Daniel, Kim, and Ken. Nick smiled at them. Nick was very apprehensive, but had prepared remarks. "I just did my job, and I really appreciate the recognition. But there are people here that deserve it more." Nick paused. "Will Major Andopolis, and Mr. Kovcheski please come forward?" The three looked puzzled but came forward. Nick went on. "These two men fought for you in Vietnam, but no parade was given for them, I just figured it was about time." The crowed broke into applause.
That evening, things seemed like the old days at the Weir dinner table. Sam, Lindsay, Jean, and Harold were all at their usual seats.
"I thought the assembly was very nice." Jean said.
Her husband agreed, "The military really taught that boy respect."
Lindsay countered with, "You don't need to join the military learn respect."
Harold looked exasperated and said "Is that what they teach you at that college."
"Have you decided on a major, dear?" Mrs. Weir asked.
"Political Science, I'm thinking of going into Law" replied Lindsay. Harold made a face. "Oh, and Sam, I was chosen to be a Vice-Chair for the Model U.N. Program."
Sam protested "Mom! that's my club"
Harold interjected, "Great, both my kids are learning to be commies. There were a bunch of commies in Korea. Guess what. They died!"
At that both of the Weir children laughed... and much to Harold's aggravation, Jeanne joined in.
Later that evening, McKinley students, teachers, and alumni started arriving at the dance. Nick was there as an honored guest. Bill Haverchuck and Cindy Sanders greeted the airman. Ken, Amy, Lindsay, Millie, Daniel, and Kim were there for their friend. Neal, Sam, and Maureen, came together as friends.
The familiar notes of Styx's "Come Sail Away" started floating through the gym. Cindy looked at Bill.
Bill said simply "Go."
Cindy came up to Sam, "Can I have this dance?"
Sam looked at Maureen, who nodded. He then took Cindy out on the dance floor.
During the slower part of the song Cindy told Sam, "I know you seeing me with your friend is awkward. I was a silly girl as a freshman, and I know I treated you wrong. I hope I learned some, and can still be your friend." Sam looked in her eyes then nodded. The beat then picks up, Sam and Cindy start laughing and having fun on the dance floor. Lindsay looks over, and couldn't help but feel a strange sense of deja' vu.
Friday, November 18, 1983
Miss Foote's Advanced Drama Class
Music- "Hot for Teacher" by Van Halen
Miss Foote was an attractive teacher. There were rumors connecting her with everyone from Mr. Rosso the Guidance Counselor to Mr. Kowechevski, math teacher turned McKinley Dean of Students just this year. Bill Haverchuck had a crush on Miss Foote ever since freshman year, which is why he joined drama, even though he as no talent in that area. On stage he usually ends up in the background, but his usual tasks lie in set construction.
Bill was busy working on coming up for props for 1984, the groups winter play. The play by George Orwell was chosen for reasons obvious to anybody who owns a calendar. He was stage manager, and the voice of Big Brother-- his biggest role yet. Sam Weir was playing the part of Winston Syme, Maureen Sampson as Julia, and Neal Schwiber was cast as O'Brien. This was in spite of Neal repeatedly protesting 'do I look like an O'Brien?.'
Miss Foote announced to the class, "Class, Dean Kowvcheski would like us to report to the gym to do final set up for the assembly."
The class groaned. Sam complained "Miss Foote, we need the practice, 1984 opens in less than two weeks,"
Miss Foote countered with, "Funny you weren't complaining about practice time when you took half my cast to Ann Arbor yesterday." Sam shut up. He knew he was beat.
Enter the McKinley Gym.
Music: "Tom Sawyer" by Rush
Cindy was acting like a drill seargent, ordering around Young Republicans, Student Council, the AV Squad, and the drama group. Red, white, and blue was everywhere.
"Come along people" Cindy shouted, "we have less than three hours until Nick gets here. Drama group, where are we with the microphones?"
"Almost online," Bill replied.
Sam and Neal exchanged looks and smirks. When they were done, the gym looked like they were hosting the Republican National Convention instead of an Air Force E-4 who never really saw combat.
Bill Came over and reminded the two, "You guys are coming to my wrestling meet tomorrow?" Neil and Sam nodded and return.
The students entered the gym, later came the spectators. The front row was reserved for Nicks family. Many were in full uniform. When Nick entered in full uniform, the band broke into the Air Force Hymn.
Cindy Sanders got on the PA and made a brief speech. "Last Friday was Veterans Day, next Thursday is Thanksgiving. We are thankful for the service our honored guest has done for our country. Ladies and Gentleman, Senior Airman Nicholas Andopolis, United States Air Force, McKinley High Class of 1982!"
Nick came to the stage to loud applause, and a lot of hooting and hollering from Daniel, Kim, and Ken. Nick smiled at them. Nick was very apprehensive, but had prepared remarks. "I just did my job, and I really appreciate the recognition. But there are people here that deserve it more." Nick paused. "Will Major Andopolis, and Mr. Kovcheski please come forward?" The three looked puzzled but came forward. Nick went on. "These two men fought for you in Vietnam, but no parade was given for them, I just figured it was about time." The crowed broke into applause.
That evening, things seemed like the old days at the Weir dinner table. Sam, Lindsay, Jean, and Harold were all at their usual seats.
"I thought the assembly was very nice." Jean said.
Her husband agreed, "The military really taught that boy respect."
Lindsay countered with, "You don't need to join the military learn respect."
Harold looked exasperated and said "Is that what they teach you at that college."
"Have you decided on a major, dear?" Mrs. Weir asked.
"Political Science, I'm thinking of going into Law" replied Lindsay. Harold made a face. "Oh, and Sam, I was chosen to be a Vice-Chair for the Model U.N. Program."
Sam protested "Mom! that's my club"
Harold interjected, "Great, both my kids are learning to be commies. There were a bunch of commies in Korea. Guess what. They died!"
At that both of the Weir children laughed... and much to Harold's aggravation, Jeanne joined in.
Later that evening, McKinley students, teachers, and alumni started arriving at the dance. Nick was there as an honored guest. Bill Haverchuck and Cindy Sanders greeted the airman. Ken, Amy, Lindsay, Millie, Daniel, and Kim were there for their friend. Neal, Sam, and Maureen, came together as friends.
The familiar notes of Styx's "Come Sail Away" started floating through the gym. Cindy looked at Bill.
Bill said simply "Go."
Cindy came up to Sam, "Can I have this dance?"
Sam looked at Maureen, who nodded. He then took Cindy out on the dance floor.
During the slower part of the song Cindy told Sam, "I know you seeing me with your friend is awkward. I was a silly girl as a freshman, and I know I treated you wrong. I hope I learned some, and can still be your friend." Sam looked in her eyes then nodded. The beat then picks up, Sam and Cindy start laughing and having fun on the dance floor. Lindsay looks over, and couldn't help but feel a strange sense of deja' vu.