Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: September 26, 1996

SEPTEMBER 26, 1996

There are changes on the wind at Whitehall High School, Principal Barbara Thronson said Monday night, and she realizes not all of the changes are popular with the students. But, in the long run, the students, their parents and the whole community will benefit from the changes, she promised. Thronson said the changes would be based on the national “America Goes Back to School” program. The program is intended to encourage a wide diversity of people to get involved in education, according to an overview prepared by the federal Dept. of Education. The 5-year plan to be created by the community needs to include a self-assessment of the curriculum, the community involvement, communications between the school and community, a review of assessment measures used in the schools to evaluate the students, and numerous other items, she said.

U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley, who heads the program, says, “Better education is everybody’s business.” The program has seven main goals, as stated in a handbook. They are: 1) Making school safe, disciplined and drug-free; a pre-condition for learning. 2) Encouraging parent and family involvement. 3) Helping America become a reading, literate society. 4) Reaching new levels of excellence by achieving high standards and real accountability. 5) Making technology available so all children will succeed in the 21st century. 6) Preparing young people for careers: A strong transition from school to work. 7) Making college more accessible: Keeping the promise of the American Dream.

Looking for a good time? Look no longer! “Events to Remember” has arrived to make good times in the Whitehall area even better. “Events to Remember,” is the brainchild of Whitehall residents Janet and John Webster. Following years of catering, they say they knew they had a genuine love for all aspects of a party and party planning. From the decorating to the last detail of planning, “Events to Remember” will provide all with a perfect party for every occasion, the Websters say, adding that size or age is no obstacle for them. They say they have catered parties for as few as 10 to as many as 600, and party packages are available for all ages.

Trojan Educator of the Week is school secretary Mary Ann Larsen who has been with the district 22 years. Mary Ann was nominated by Mrs. Thronson for her outstanding service to students and her non-stop work all day with assisting both staff and students.

Trojan Student of the Week is Rose Lofftus. She was nominated by Carole Cogdill because of her promptness and thoroughness and her positive attitude in Vocational English Class. She is the daughter of Sharon and Dave Lofftus.

Trojan Athletes of the Week are Brian Sears and Megan Strom, both juniors at WHS. They were picked by Diane Dolan because of their leadership and willingness to work with, encourage and support their cross-country teammates. Brian is the son of Ron and Janet Sears. Megan is the daughter of Don and Judy Strom.