Back in the early 70's when we began Kindergarten we weren't much of a "class". None of us knew all of the kids in our grade because we were all split up in to different schools --- Greenfields, Mantua Terrace, Oakview, Colonial Manor, Red Bank, and Verga. The first time we ever got together was in the fourth grade. We had a Bicentennial Pageant that took place in the WDHS auditorium. That was the first time most of us were ever in the high school. It looked so big then-- How could anyone know where they were going.
Once that event ended, summer came and we were all about to take the big step to the Middle School. What a change from our old elementary schools. We stepped off the buses that very first day and found ourselves battling through hundreds of other kids. For What? To get to the teacher holding up sign with our homeroom number. Inside we had lockers, but no one knew in which wing the art rooms and music rooms were. Not only that but we had to walk on the rocks. That was supposed to slow us down in the hallway, but never seemed to work--It only gave us sore ankles. One good thing did come about in fifth grade, though, We were united and became a "real" class.... the Class of '84. Back then, it seemed like forever til we graduated. Most of us didn't realize this however. We just couldn't wait to walk around in the eighth grade wing and be big shots.
The middle school gave us some good times. Remember the fun films in fifth and sixth grade with the Three Stooges and Popeye? They were too much! The Campbell Soup label drives gave us a break from school though. As fifth graders, however there wasn't too much enthusiasm. Sixth grade was just about the same way. That's understandable though. We didn't do too much that year.
Seventh and eighth grades were a lot different for us. They held the most memorable times from all four years in the middle school. In the seventh grade the big excitement was dissecting frogs. We were finally getting into something interesting instead of those written labs. We also competed in the Olympic Games, both in seventh and eighth grade. These events were held at the high school around the football stadium: just another glimpse of what going to school was all about--making it to high school. This made our final year at WDMS more exciting.
Eighth grade started from the very beginning, with a single cell in prehistoric dress day, and worked it's way to a time in which we can all relate. This was Egyptian day. Who can forget Scott Fahey doing the King Tut boogey and Stacey Zaslow as the Mighty Iris! This was such a success that we followed it up with Medevil day. There were kings, queens, knights, jousts, dances, and displays to highlight the day. Finally, we ended the year with the eight grade trip to Washington D.C. I think the bus ride took longer than the visit itself. Well, that was our finally farewell to the middle school. We spent that summer feeling good, knowing that we only had four years left. Towards the end of the summer, that feeling changed to one of fear. What were those big seniors going to do to us lowly freshmen? Well, later, we found out-absolutely nothing!
We started high school with Freshman Orientation. This small session seemed of little value to us at the time. The tour that the upper classman gave us got us even more confused and scared. All the did was show us how lost we were going to be on the next day. Believe it or not, though, we made it through our first day of school (with our little maps in hand, at least). Once we were settled in we had to select our class officers. We decided upon Lisa Martz for President, Dawn McDermott for Vice President, Mariellen Murray for Secretary, and Bernice Ferris for Treasurer. Our first taste of Eagle Pride came when our footall team defeated Deptford 10-8, on thier own field. Next was the big uproar over going to the Phillies Parade when they won the World Series in '80. Before we knew it, though, our Freshman year was over....and we actually survived it.
Feeling a bit more confident, we came back the following year as Sophomores. President, V.P., Secretary, and Treasurer for that year were Gina Martin, Dawn McDermott, Stacy Zaslow, and Mariellen Murray respectively. Our class became the guinea pig for the Gettysburg trip--the first and last class to go there. The year wasn't a total flop though, Our "Class or '84" pride really came through that year. We, as little Sophomores, beat the mighty Seniors in a spirit contest at a Pep Rally. We were also the first class to sponsor the WDHS Faculty vs. the WCAU Hot Shots basketball game. People finally began to take notice of us. Then it was time to move on.
Upperclassman....at last! As Juniors, we became involved in so many activities. First there was Fantasy Island Homecoming Float to complete. It took a lot of work, but the final product turned out to be the best float the school has ever seen and will see for a long time. Immediately after this, we had to begin preparations for the prom '83. Class officers that year were President: Dawn McDermott, V.P.: Phil Fisher, Secretary: Jenny Wardrop, Treasurer: Mariellen Murray. This year was one for champions---The World Champion 76's and our own State Champion Soccer Team. Powder Puff was a different story--they beat us 18-0. We didn't give up though.
As Seniors, we slaughtered the Juniors 30-6. That started off one of the most memorable years of our lives. It helped us forget about the football teams "0-9" one more time!too. To make this year the best ever we elected Dawn McDermott for President, Phil Fisher for Vice President Jenni Wardrop as the Secretary and Mariellen Murray as the Treasurer. So far the year has been successful and fulfilling. We chose Mariellen Murray as Homecoming Queen and Dawn McDermott, Jami Duffield, Denise Hall, Stacy Ficher, and Dana Friars as her court. We also decided on the Senior Superlatives and of course, chose Walt Disney World to spend our Senior trip. There is still a lot to come, though, the Senior trip itself, Prom, Baccalaureate, and finally, Graduation. Throughout the past twelve years, we've created friendships and memories that will last forever. This may be the end of high school for us, but it is the beginning of a brand new life. We'll never forget the years we spent here together. A hearty farewell to the Class of '84 and the best of luck in the future.