Valley Forge High School Golden Anniversary Yearbook

2011
Archive
Golden Anniversary

Valley Forge High School
Valley Forge High School was known as the "Space
Age School". It opened in the Fall of 1961, and was
considered one of the most economical and efficient
high schools in the country. Its architectural design
shaved thousands of dollars from costs of traditionally
designed high schools. It cost the school system
$1,500,000 less to construct Valley Forge than it did
to build Parma Senior High in 1953.
Some of the interesting features were seven science
laboratories, a planetarium, language laboratory, a
congenial library, and two
open courts within the school
which seems to bring the outside
inside. The capacity of
the building was 2,000 students.
The seating capacity
of the auditorium was 1,256
and the seating capacity of
the gymnasium was 2,600.
The cafeteria seated 600. The
total cost of the building, including
equipment and supplies,
was $4,136,791.17.
~ 1 ~
Students entering the school in September of 1961
were Freshmen from Parma’s junior high schools
and Sophomores from Parma Senior High. Juniors
from Parma High joined them in January 1962.
Most of the Junior Class activities during 1961-2
were held in conjunction with juniors at Parma Senior
High. As VF became accredited in 1962, they
became the first Senior Class of VF in September
1962, and the first graduating class of VF in June
1963.
(Continued on Page 11
with the story of the Class of 1963)
A Message From The Valley Forge Alumni Association
The Valley Forge Alumni Association is very
proud to pay honor to our school and those
students that passed through its halls. This
is a milestone year with many events to bring
you back to the favorable experiences and
memories of those formative years.
The VFH Alumni Association was created in
1997. Our charter upholds the principal to
communicate activities to the more than
30,000+ graduating students. This organization
is the reference point of information to
help find each class reunion organizers, reunion
dates, reunion activities, and updated
information about current school activities.
Our beloved school has gone through many
changes in the last fifty years. Today‘s world
is a very different place than it was in 1961,
when the school first opened. The first years
had graduating classes consisting of from
500 to 600’ students. Classes, today, are
half the size they were from fifty years ago.
The building additions in 1975 and 1976 were
due to the baby boomers addition to our
population. Dress styles, fads, and music
have changed almost every year since 1961.
Yet, the Valley Forge High School spirit stays
alive, with the Alumni Association at the
helm. We are pleased to present this Golden
Archive as your trip down memory lane.
Keep in touch!
www.vfalumni.org

Ours is a heritage,
Living from age to age.
Help us thy honor bear
Through all the years.
Lydia Grafinger
Class of ‘64
Tune: “How Can I Leave Thee”
~ 2 ~
The blue and white will be
Our bond of loyalty.
Always we cherish thee
Valley Forge High.

David M. Smith
1961 to 1977
Steele Nowlin
1999 to 2007
Principals That Have Served VF
David J. Laurenzi
1977 to 1990
Janine Andrzejewski
2007 to Present
~ 3 ~
John D. Roberts
1990 to 1999

The Valley Forge Alumni Association is pleased to honor
the following alumni based on their accomplishments and/
or contributions to Valley Forge and its community in the
areas of Academics, Athletics, Cultural/Performing Arts,
Outstanding Career or Contributions to Society.
Candidates must have graduated at least five years prior to
nomination. In certain circumstances, “special honorary
inductions” will be made of persons that were not students
Elise Kummer-Kalika
Class of 1972
Inducted 1995
Catherine Matejka
Class of 1969
Inducted 1995
Kenneth E. Smith
Class of 1968
Inducted 1997
Valley Forge Hall of Fame
Karen Kircher
Class of 1967
Inducted 1995
Robert Soppelsa, Ph.D.
Class of 1964
Inducted 1995
Louis DiRienzo
VF Staff
Inducted 1997
Muhammed Socirbey
Class of 1974
Inducted 1995
Lynn Needham-Heitzman
Class of 1966
Inducted 1995
Roy A. Mlakar
Class of 1968
Inducted 1997
~ 4 ~
of Valley Forge High School, but were otherwise involved
with and contributed to the welfare of the school.
If you know of someone deserving of recognition in the
VF Hall of Fame, please download the application and
submit to Valley Forge High School, Alumni Association,
9999 Independence Blvd, Parma Heights, OH 44130. You
can also submit the information by emailing patriots@vfalumni.org.
David Kircher
Class of 1965
Inducted 1995
Barb Mucha
Class of 1980
Inducted 1997
Thomas H. Snitch
Class of 1972
Inducted 1997
David W. Toetz
Class of 1970
Inducted 1995
David R. Neiger
Class of 1974
Inducted 1997
Gene R. Rodgers
Class of 1973
Inducted 1999

Carol Cooper-Crowe
Class of 1965
Inducted 2003
James Kovach
Class of 1974
Inducted 2006
Steele Nowlin
Class of 1967
Inducted 2007
Robert Baisch
Class of 1965
Inducted 2008
Valley Forge Hall of Fame
Robert Clutterbuck
Class of 1968
Inducted 2003
Colleen Gallagher-Wilson
Class of 1983
Inducted 2006
Jim Wohl
Class of 1966
Inducted 2007
Donald Reiman
Class of 1967
Inducted 2009
Eugene Zayac
Class of 1964
Inducted 2003
Terry Wandt
Class of 1963
Inducted 2006
Melanie Radlick-Sabelhaus
Class of 1966
Inducted 2007
Quovada S. Bass
Class of 1992
Inducted 2010
~ 5 ~
Karen Metzler
Class of 1969
Inducted 2003
Lydia Grafinger-Bozeman
Class of 1964
Inducted 2007
Karen Shawan
Class of 1969
Inducted 2007
Kenneth J. Karbon
Class of 1984
Inducted 2011
Andrew Gissinger
Class of 1977
Inducted 2006
Timothy Dobeck
Class of 1979
Inducted 2007
Clark Dugan
Class of 1967
Inducted 2008
Michelle L. Pearsall
Class of 1985
Inducted 2011

Half Century of
Patriot Sports
By Coach Terry Wandt (’63)
The half century of Patriot sports history has been
highlighted by many stellar teams and individuals
and mirrored many American cultural changes.
Coach Mindek’s cross country team won the first
LEL championship at VF in 1963. Coach Fritzsche
guided the Patriot football team to their first title in
1964 followed by the undefeated 1968 team and
championships in ’74,’76, Coach McCleave’s ’88,
’89, ’91 teams, and Coach Cuilli’s 2002 team
which marked the first state playoff team.
The wrestling and golf teams had the most title
success. Coaches Rudo & Semary led the grapplers
through the 20 th century. Their teams won championships
in seasons ending in 1964, ’65, ‘66, ’67,
‘68, ’70, ’72 (first VF state championship), ’73,
’82, ’90, ’91 and ’92. 5 Patriots won individual
state titles.
The golfers, led by Coaches
Fritzsche and Wille were LEL
champs in 1964, ’65, ’67, ’68,
’69, ’70, ’72, ’74, ’75, ’78, ’79,
’80, ’81, ’82, ’83, ’85, ’86, ’87,
and ’92.
The men’s basketball teams lead
by Coaches Broski & Stavole
took league titles in seasons ending
in 1966, ’67, ’84, and ’88.
Coach Stavole took the 1988
team to the state final four as
well the regional bracket in
1992.
The VF tennis team was coed
when winning the LEL titles in
1977, ’80, and ’94 led by
Coaches White and Martins.
~ 6 ~
Coach Vicek’s track men won the LEL meet in
1975. Coach Taylor’s track men won all their pc
division meets in 2003.
Coach Cangelosi piloted the Patriot baseball teams
to LEL titles in 1981, ’84, ’85, and Coach
McCleave was the mentor for the 1997 champs.
Coach Rock’s Patriot men swimmers were the first
teams to win championships in all three leagues
standing on the top rung in seasons ending in 2003,
’07 (undefeated), ’08, ’09.
Coach Bebenroth took the cross
country men to the state meet in the
fall of 1977.
The hockey and soccer teams were
born of popular demand in later decades
with the icers winning titles in
1975 (Coach Hovey), ’79, ’89, and
’97. The soccer teams lead by
Coaches Zupancic and Griffin were
champions in 1994 , 2008 and 2010.
Title IX in 1975 brought a major cultural
change as the young ladies’ program
evolved from club teams and
intramurals to equal interscholastic
opportunities. The softball team with
Coach Malone (Miller) won the first
Patriot ladies’ LEL title in 1976 followed
by another in 1995 guided by
Coach Stavole.

The VF lady hoopsters with Coach Konchan won
titles in seasons that ended in 1979, ’86, ’89, and
’94. They advanced to the regional tournament in
’79 and ’82. Coach Leuschel’s cross country ladies
won consecutive championships in 1982 and ’83.
Coach Bertolo’s volleyball team won the LEL title
in 1984.
The soccer ladies , lead by Coach Janicek, were
consecutive champs in 1992, ’93 and ‘94.
Several individuals earned or were honored by
media as All State in their sports. Although team
sports, wrestling, swimming, track and cross country
reward talented competitors a chance to reach
the state meet level.
Media All State recognition was earned by Bill
Sasse (’82) & Dave Kajanich (‘82) in baseball and
Nancy Rogers (’81) in basketball. (There might
be others whom the author wasn’t able to find). In
state competition, Rich Steinfadt (3 rd ) (’65), was
the first All State Patriot in cross country.
The seven VF State Champions were: Wrestlers
Woody Barry (’67), Bob Lade (’68), Dennis
Coupe (’68), Ken Masica (’82), Kyle Bentley
(’92) and Track & Field athletes Sherry Pastor
(’81) and Natalie Sako (’03).
Swim qualifiers who were All State are Jimmy
Dixon (’92), Chris Filut (’87) and Kevin Lancki
(‘10) (2 nd ) place. Track members are THE 1968
1600 m relay members – Tom Graham (‘68), Dan
Milinkovich (‘68), Mark Stiffler (‘68), & Howard
Watts (‘68) (4 th In State); Mike Tretiakow (’75),
Karen Kusanke (’83), Coleen Gallagher (’83),
Margie Kabat (’81), Karen Kot (’82), Leslie Ritter
(’82), Michelle Scotch (’87), Robin Dezuba (’89),
Jesse Bihary (‘95), Ann Marie Martin (’94), Jamie
Frasolak (‘95), Adrienne Dinapoli (‘99) and Ashlee
Negrey (’06).
State reps in cross country are Gary Gross (’75),
Mike Savage (’76), Jeff Wagner (’79), Mark Stefanik
(’78), Kurt Leviseur (’78), Greg Nespeca
(’78), Mike Deyo (’80), Mike Wagner (’81), Rob
Gross (’80), Al Marcinonis (’79), Mark Stucky
(’78), Coleen Gallagher (’83), Kathy Martinez
(’84), Scott Bentley (’85), Dayna Felice (’89),
Deepak Sharma (’98), Adrienne Dinapoli (’99)
~ 7 ~
and Tracy Supp (’98). The Patriot rep in the Golf
State meet was Cheryl Pfieffer (‘96).
The 1969 state golf team members are: Mark
Fredrick (‘69 ), Dave Doktor (‘69), Jeff Gallagher
(‘69), Mike Kencson (‘69) and Marty Wladyka
(‘70).
The members of the Patriot Final Four Team in
1988 Are : Pat Akos (’89), Dave Berger (’88),
Craig Bobek (’89), Dave Clark (’87), Jim Hanna
(’89), Mark Laski (’89), Bo Lynch (’89), Joe
Markowski (’88), Larry McEwen (’88), Chuck
Monaghan (’88), Bill Riggle (’88), Barry Smith
(’88), Pat Teresi (’88), Joe Torok (’88), And Carmen
Vannello (’89).
All State wrestlers are Gary Barylski (‘64), Tom
Cahill (’65), Jim Thompson (’64), Ron Cooper
(’66), Fred Hague (’68), Mark Peterson (‘69), Rick
Singerman (’69), Dave Brunst (’69), Todd Cole
(‘70), Steve Kibler (’72), Skip Fair (’72), Greg
Young (’72), Jerry Thomas (’74), Mark Horvath
(’77), Dan Ehrbacher (‘84), Larry Lampa (’84),
Casey Yackin (’88), Todd Smith (’90), and James
Meder (‘09).
Chad Gross (’77) won an NCAA wrestling title.
Barb Mucha (’80) played professional golf. Andy
Gissinger (’77), Jim Fritzsche (’78) and Jim
Kovach (’74) played in the NFL. Tony Fontana
(‘99) threw pitches in the Red Sox organization.
This summary is the result of reference to yearbooks
and conversation with coaches & athletes.
Apologies to teams or athletes who might have
been missed in the recognition of their accomplishments
of league titles or state meet participation.

1961-1962
~ 8 ~

~ 9 ~

The 60s
� 1961 Cuban Missile Crisis after US-backed anti-Castro invasion
fails
� 1961 Berlin Wall built between East and West Germany
� 1961 Russian Yuri Gagarin becomes first man in space
� 1962 Death of Marilyn Munroe (actress)
� 1963 The Beatles rise to popularity
� 1963 US President John F Kennedy shot
� 1964 Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) formed
� 1964 Nelson Mandela jailed for campaigning against apartheid in
South Africa
� 1964 Civil Rights Act passed in US
� 1964 US becomes involved in Vietnam War
� 1967 Che Guevara, Cuban revolutionary leader, killed in Bolivia
� 1967 General Agreement on Tarrifs and Trade (GATT) formulated
� 1967 First human heart transplant performed in South Africa
� 1968 Black rights campaigner Martin Luther King assassinated
� 1969 British supersonic aircraft Concorde makes maiden flight
� 1969 Border disputes between China and Russia
� 1969 Provisional IRA, terrorist offshoot of IRA, formed
� 1969 Catholic vs Protestant "Troubles" resume in Ireland
� 1969 Moammar al-Qaddafi
(Gadafi) leads military coup in
Libya
� 1969 Neil Armstrong becomes
first man to walk on Moon
� 1969 US involvement in Vietnam
War peaks
~ 10 ~
What Did It Cost?
1960s
Pound of hamburger $0.66
Pound of butter $0.85
Six pack of beer $1.26
Pound of potatoes $0.08
Pound of sugar $0.12
Gallon of gas $0.30
Dozen eggs $0.63
Ounce of silver $1.20
New house $15,500

1962-1963 430 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: “You’ll Never Walk Alone”
Class Colors: Midnight Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “Knowledge is the treasure, but
practice is the key to it.”
The pioneering Senior Class, culminating their years of preparatory
schooling, stop often to view their accomplishments with
pride.
The beginning was their entrance into Parma Senior High
School’s cafeteria. They were greeted by a large sign bearing the
words, “Welcome Class of 1963.” The friendliness thus emitted
helped the sophomores to know that the years were to be profitable
and memorable.
The teachers and class, stimulating and demanding, the pep rallies
which pulled students into the excitement of the football
games, the variety of club activities, are only a few of the many
remembrances they will have.
It was in the middle of their high school junior year that the
group was transferred to Valley Forge High School. Here they
~ 11 ~
began a new life, pledged a new alliance and gained the honor of
being the first graduating class of VFH.
The Class of ‘63 helped to se the pace for future classes at Valley
Forge by formulating school traditions—the Junior Prom, “Deep
Purple,” held with Parma; the rousing VFH-Parma games; the
crowning of VF’s first football queen; Twirp Week; the senior
dance, “Silver Starlight”; and the Senior Prom.
As the final months sped by, friendship pictures were exchanged,
completions of plans for the future were made, and the seniors
suddenly found baccalaureate exercises upon them. Then the
most important moment in their high school careers arrived—
commencement.
From the start of their high school days at Parma Senior High to
their completion as the first graduating class of Valley Forge
High School, the Class of ‘63, because of their efforts and enthusiasm,
and the patience of an outstanding faculty, were graduated
with all their expectations fulfilled.

1963-1964 615 Graduates
Class Flower: White Orchid
Class Song: “Climb Every Mountain”
Class Colors: Royal Blue and Gold
Class Motto: “The book of knowledge has no ending”
In September of 1961, we the Class of 1964 entered an unfinished
Valley Forge High School and discovered that with only freshmen
and sophomores in the school, we would establish traditions to be
followed by future Patriots. When a group of juniors from Parma
Senior High joined us in January, 1962, we had already become
members of clubs an athletic teams.
In our junior year we became middlemen as more members of the
class of ‘63 were transferred from Parma. We did, however, continue
to play a major role in school activities. We were led in
cheers by a cheerleading squad which included seven juniors; we
were the first to send representatives to Buckeye Girls’ and Boys’
State; and we began the tradition of holding the Junior Prom in
VF’s cafeteria.
As our senior year progressed, our class became the first to defeat
Parma in varsity sports, and we continued to enthusiastically support
VF. With our commencement
we became
the first class to complete
three years at Valley
Forge and the first to be
graduated at Public Auditorium
Thus, from September
1961, until June
1964, we demonstrated
that we were truly first in
pride, first in spirit and
first in tradition.
Homecoming Queen and Court: (Back Row)
Sandra Schill, Queen Barbara Kent, Patricia Offtermatt,
(Front) Judith Zajac, Georganne Amon.
Valedictorians: Bonnie Havel
and Ronald Long
~ 12 ~
Officers: Vice Presidnt: Joe Dagata, Secretary: Pat
Offtermatt, President: Don Caravona. Treasurer: Dave
Rodgers
Ellis Moose, first Drum Major

1964-1965 775 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: “I Believe”
Class Colors: Navy Blue and White
Class Motto: “The future is not in the hands
of Fate, but in ours.”
As we, the senior class of 1965 walk out of the doors of Valley
Forge for the last time, we feel the effects of our accomplishments.
We are not only taking the memories of four brief years
with us, but are leaving traditions that will be followed in years
to come.
During the past three years our homecoming floats won first
prize; our top scholars triumphed in front of an audience of
Class Officers: Vic DiAngelo,
Donna Antonelli, Debby Caves
and Donna Costanzo.
“The World That Is To Come” titles
the courtyard statue which was
the gift from the Class of 1965.
~ 13 ~
thousands; this year our victorious football and wrestling teams
captured the Lake Erie League crowns. Whatever we attempted,
we attempted as a class, and we did it well.
Our artistic, academic and athletic accomplishments were a vital
part of Valley Forge these past years. Our achievements will
continue to animate
imaginations and
memories in the
years to come. As
we leave Valley
Forge, we know that
wherever we go, the
spirit of Valley
Forge will never
leave us: “Always
we cherish thee, Valley
Forge High.”
Homecoming Queen Donna Antonelli (center) and court:
Patricia Fenda, Barbara Fruits, Susan Hermanson and
Kathleen Schwan with their escorts.
Patriots Capture the
Lake Erie League Title!
VF 30 Garfield 8
VF 14 Lorain 22
VF 38 Toledo Whitmer 8
VF 0 Shaker 16
VF 20 Lakewood 0
VF 30 Parma 0
VF 6 Brush 6
VF 12 Shaw 6
VF 22 Heights 20
Champions 14 Euclid 6
Valley Forge Scholastic Team came from
behind to win on the It’s Academic television
show.
Who can forget
these gym outfits!?

1965-1966 786 Graduates
Class Flower: Red Rose
Class Song: “He”
Class Colors: Burgundy and Silver
Class Motto: "Today we follow, tomorrow
we lead".
Class of ‘66 Officers -
Brad Burgess, President,
Melanie Radlick, Vice
President, Gale Kulcsar,
Secretary, Leslie Dahn,
Treasurer.
LEE KAMPS
What was the biggest fad of your time? The Beatles
What was the favorite pastime after school? Not much, usually after school I went
home. Then when I was a senior I had an after school job so then I went to work.
What was the normal, everyday school dress for boys and girls then? That depended
whether you were a “collegiate” or a “greaser”. “Collegiate” boys wore
madras plaid shirts and white levis and “greaser” boys usually wore a white shirt
with black pants and a black leather jacket. “Greaser” girls has really big bouffant
hair dos and I remember the girls ratting their hair in the back of the school bus on
the way to school. There was so much hairspray going around that if someone lit a
match, the bus would explode.
What was the biggest concern or fear at that time? Being home by yourself or
your parents on a Saturday night. Perhaps Vietnam.
Who was your favorite celebrity or idol? I liked the Beach Boys, but the girls went
ga-ga over The Beatles.
What was the important historical event at that time as you look back now? The
assassination of JFK. It was a Friday before thanksgiving week and I remember I
was in history class when it was announced over the P.A. system and right before
the bell, it was announced that JFK was dead. I never saw the halls at VFHS so
quiet as I did after that announcement. There was supposed to be a pep rally after
school for the basketball team, but that was cancelled as was the basketball game
that evening.
~ 14 ~
Class of ‘66 gift to VF

1966-1967 834 Graduates
Class Flower: White Carnation
Class Song: “The Impossible Dream”
Class Colors: Navy Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “There is a past that is gone forever;
but future that is ours.”
Officers:
Sharon Koster, Treasurer, Sue
Schwan, Secretary,
Dave Parrish, Vice President
Tom Gartman, President
The valedictorians of the 1967 graduating
class are Dale Zadzilka, Mark Weber
and Laura Holms.
The Homecoming court enthusiastically cheers for the Patriots during the
Lakewood game.
~ 15 ~

1967-1968 765 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: “Born Free”
Class Colors: Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “The harder the conflict, the
more glorious the triumph.” Thomas Paine
~ 16 ~

1968-1969 885 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: “Somewhere”
Class Colors: Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “Let each become all that
he was created capable of being.”
Thomas Sahl ~ Class of 1969
Biggest concern or fear was the possibility of serving in
Viet Nam. Favorite celebrities were the Beatles.
Sports idol was Sam McDowell.
Important historical events were the assassinations of
MLK and RFK and of course those were preceded by
the killing of JFK 5 years before that. Those events
changed everyone's lives!!!
~ 17 ~

The 70s
� 1971 Rapprochement between US and China - Richard
Nixon's visit
� 1972 "Bloody Sunday" massacre in Ireland
� 1972 British impose direct rule on Northern Ireland
� 1972 Treaty recognizes East and West Germany as sovereign
states
� 1972 European Free Trade Agreement
� 1973 Second Arab-Israeli (Yom Kippur) War
� 1973 Saudi Arabia leads huge oil price increases - world economy slows
� 1973 US launches Pioneer II to explore outer planets
� 1974 South Africa voted out of UN for apartheid policies
� 1974 India explodes first nuclear device
� 1974 Watergate Scandal - Richard Nixon quits as President
� 1975 US pulls out of Vietnam War
� 1975 Communists finally triumph in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia
� 1976 Punk (rebel music cult) develops - Sex Pistols, Clash, etc
� 1976 Mao Tse-Tung dies - Gang of Four arrested
� 1977 Israel under Menachem Begin starts West Bank settlements
� 1979 Margaret Thatcher becomes British Prime Minister
� 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
� 1979 Iranian Revolution - Ayatollah
Khomeini proclaims Islamic Republic
� 1979 Camp David Agreement brokers peace
between Israel and Egypt
� 1979 "Boat People" start to flee Communist regime in Vietnam
~ 18 ~
Elvis Presley
1935-1977
What Did It Cost?
1970s
New home $26600
First-class stamp $0.06
Gallon of gas $0.36
Dozen eggs $0.62
Gallon of milk $1.15
New car $3900
King sized bean bag chair $19.99
Porcelain kitchen sink $9.88
Quartz alarm clock $12.97

1969-1970 734 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: “I’ve Gotta Be Me”
Class Colors: Blue and Silver
~ 19 ~

1970-1971 710 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: “We’ve Only Just Begun”
Class Colors: Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “Believing….Is Knowing, Is Realizing, Is
Understanding That...Faith Exists, Good Exists, Hope
Exists, And without belief, Live Is Not and knowledge is
not and I am not.” Terry Kirk Class of ‘68
~ 20 ~

1971-1972 766 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Colors: Blue and Silver
Class Song: “Where Do We Go From Here?”
Class Motto: “I’ve been smiling lately thinking about the
good things to come and I believe it could be something good
has begun.” Cat Stevens
Valley Forge opened its doors only ten years ago, but in that short
time, V.F. has earned great respect in every field of competition and
every area of study. During these past ten years much has happened
nationally and locally which affected the students of today. It is this
decade, nationally and at Forge, that is portrayed in the 1972 Archive.
~ 21 ~

1972-1973 768 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose Class Song: “Both Sides Now”
Class Colors: Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “Time is not measured by the passing of years but
by what one does, what one feels, and what one
achieves….Jawaharlal Nehru
~ 22 ~

1973-1974 827 Graduates
Class Flower: Red Rose
Class Song: “We May Never Pass This Way Again” - Seals & Crofts
Class Colors: Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “Happy are those who dream dreams, and are ready to pay
the price to make them come true.” Unknown
Principal, David Smith, looks over
the construction of the vocational
wing addition which will alleviate
crowded conditions.
~ 23 ~

1974-1975 782 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: “Friends” by Elton John
Class Colors: Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “Reach for the heavens, and hope
for the future, and all that we can be, and not
what we are”. John Denver
President: Jeff Hrenya
Vice Pres: Mary Dobeck
Secretary: Tammy Cherniv
Treasurer: Athena Ehlert
Queen Becky Sidula
Cheryl Hoover
Mary Ann Harrison
Monica Mash
Molly Smith
~ 24 ~

1975-1976 822 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: “Just One Victory” by Todd Rundgren
Class Colors: Red, White and Blue
Class Motto: “I Shall Not Pass This Way Again” by Etienne de Grellett
President: Rick Schuerger
V Pres: Ann Zimmerman
Sec’y: Laura Jesensky
Treasurer: David Bickel
~ 25 ~
Our
Bicentennial
Class!
1776-1976

1976-1977 799 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: Times of Your Life—Paul Anka
Class Colors: Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “Yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow is but a
vision but today, well-lived, makes yesterday a dream of happiness,
and every tomorrow a vision of hope.”
Seated is Homecoming Queen Joanne Sheppard.
The court, standing l to r, Kathy Widok, Lynn
Vadini, Joan Pollack, and Cindy Enochs.
~ 26 ~
Varsity Football
27 Euclid 12
13 Padua 0
24 Mentor 13
28 Normandy 0
12 Parma 0
14 Garfield Hts 0
21 Shaw 6
7 Lakewood 6
36 Shaker Hts. 8
L.E.L. Champions!

1977-1978 729 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: Come Sail Away—Dennis De Young, Tommy Shaw
Class Colors: Blue and Silver
Class Motto: We cannot discover new oceans unless we have
courage to lose sight of the shore.” Anonymous
Remember the Winter of ‘78??
~ 27 ~

1978-1979 688 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: “A Dream Goes On Forever” - Todd Rundgren
Class Colors: Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “Tomorrow is only the shadow of yesterday’s
dreams and today is only the reflection of tomorrow’s challenge.”
Anonymous
~ 28 ~

The 80s
� 1980 John Lennon (singer) shot
� 1980 Relations between East and West Germany deteriorate
� 1980 Iranian Hostage Crisis - hostages held in US Embassy in
Tehran
� 1980 Eruption of Mount St Helens (60 killed)
� 1980 Ronald Reagan becomes US President
� 1981 AIDS becomes major health threat throughout world
� 1982 Britain regain Falklands Islands (Malvinas) after Argentinean
occupation
� 1982 Israel invades Lebanon - Israel-Lebanon War
� 1982 Martial law in Poland ended by Solidarity action
� 1984 Indira Ghandi assassinated by Sikhs - violence erupts in India
� 1986 Chernobyl nuclear power station explodes, contaminating most of
Europe
� 1986 Marcos flees country and Corazon Aquino takes power in Philippines
� 1987 Russia and West sign first of several treaties to reduce nuclear arms
� 1987 Iran-Contra Affair - arms for aid scandal
� 1988 End of Iran-Iraq War
� 1989 Pro-democracy protest in Tianenmen Square, Beijing, brutally crushed
many students.
� 1989 Russians pull out of
costly war in Afghanistan
� 1989 Berlin Wall demolished
� 1989 European Monetary
System (EMS) established -
move towards single currency
� 1989 Exxon Valdez oil-spill
in Alaska
~ 29 ~
What Did It Cost?
1980s
Gallon of milk $2.16
Loaf of bread $0.50
Skippy peanut butter $1.49
Strawberry jam $1.39
Nike Air Force basketball shoes $54.90
Bunk bed with mattresses $148.00
Laundry detergent $1.59
Silk blouse $15.99

1979-1980 641 Graduates
Class Flower: Red Rose
Class Song: “Freebird” - Collins and VanZant
Class Colors: Blue and White
Class Motto: Author Unknown
“We are the future looking out on the past. We
are the present making old things last. We are
tomorrow, thinking of yesterday. We are today
doing things our own way.”
~ 30 ~

1980-1981 644 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: “Long Time (Looking for a Dream)” - The
Michael Stanley Band
Class Colors: Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “We cannot discover new oceans unless we
have courage to lose sight of the shore.” Anonymous
~ 31 ~

1981-1982 644 Graduates
Class Flower: Red Rose
Class Colors: Royal Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “If my mind can conceive it,
and my heart believe it, I know I can achieve
it.” - Rev. Jesse Jackson
Officers: Anne Dobeck, Secretary; Michelle
Sako, President; Leslie Ritter, Vice President;
Peggy Harubin, Treasurer.
~ 32 ~

1982-1983 565 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: “The Long and Winding Road” - The Beatles
Class Colors: Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen
yesterday and I love today.” William Allen White
~ 33 ~

1983-1984 536 Graduates
Class Flower: Blue Violet
Class Song: “Times We Have Wasted On Our Way”
Crosby, Stills & Nash
Class Colors: Navy Blue and White
Class Motto: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Rather,
go where there is none and leave a trail. Robert Frost
~ 34 ~

1984-85 508 Graduates
Class Flower: Red Rose
Class Song: “Somewhere Down The Road” - Barry Manilow
Class Colors: Blue and White
Class Motto: “May our paths cross again in the future, but for now let
us go our own way.” Theresa Martin, Class of ‘85
~ 35 ~

1985-1986 469 Graduates
Class Flower: Red Rose
Class Song: “We’ve Only Just Begun” - The Carpenters
Class Colors: Navy Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “You can’t get where you’re going unless you
remember where you came from. Who you are and what you
are is the only thing you own. Never lose it. Cory Hart
~ 36 ~

1986-1987 441 Graduates
Class Flower: White Silk Rose
Class Song: “Changes”
Class Colors: Royal Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “Day by day, dream by dream, I
fight to find the way to go. Every day opens a different
door. Every dream shadows the one before.
But slowly I can see the way that’s been made for
me.” - Amy Grant
~ 37 ~

1987-1988 413 Graduates
Class Flower: Red Rose
Class Song: “This is the Time” - Billy Joel
Class Colors: Navy Blue and White
Class Motto: “I am a dreamer. I am indeed a dreamer. My
dreams are not airy nothings. I want to convert my dreams
into realities, as far as possible. Mahatma Ghandi
President Michelle Soltis
Vice President Karen Kruszynski
Secretary Michele Dabata
Treasurer Chris Craddock
~ 38 ~

1988-1989 431 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: “One Moment in Time” - Whitney
Houston
Class Colors: Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “Only as high as I reach can I grow,
Only as far as I see can I go, Only as deep as I look
can I see, Only as much as I dream can I be.” -
Karen Ravn
~ 39 ~
Officers Left to Right: Tina Vichosky (treasurer, Sharon
Kissel (secretary), Erin Murphy (VP) and Jim Hanne (Pres.)

The 90s
� 1990 East and West Germany unite as Federal Republic
of Germany
� 1990 Neslon Mandela released - end of apartheid in
South Africa
� 1990 Hubble Space Telescope launched
� 1991 USSR breaks up into constituent countries - end of Soviet era
� 1991 Official dissolution of Warsaw Pact
� 1991 Persian Gulf War starts after Iraq invades Kuwait
� 1992 Civil war in Bosnia-Herzegovina starts
� 1993 European Union (EU) formed by former EEC members
� 1994 "Chunnel", rail tunnel between England and France, inaugurated
� 1994 IRA announce unconditional cease-fire - lasts until 1996
� 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) established
� 1994 Nelson Mandela becomes first black President of South Africa
� 1999 resignation of President Boris Yeltsin
� 1999 World-wide New Year's Eve celebrations on December 31
~ 40 ~
What Did It Cost?
1990s
Bicycle $60.00
Dial up Internet $29.00
67-piece Chinaware set $79.99
Pound of sirloin steak $3.19
Pound of shrimp $10.99
Pound of American cheese $2.79
Three carrots $0.99
10 ounces of cheese balls $2.49

1989-1990 369 Graduates
Class Flower: Red Rose
Class Song: “Say Hello/Goodbye” by Phil Collins
Class Colors: White and Blue
Class Motto: “The days may push us forth into the
future, but the present remains in our hearts forever.”
Author Unknown
~ 41 ~
Leaving It All Behind
Graduating from high school is one of the most important
events in a person’s life. For the class of ‘90, it brought
on so many changes and welcomed so many challenges.
When all had been said and done, there was a certain sadness
which took most graduates by surprise because they
were so caught up in the anticipation of being out of
school and, for many, on their own. This sadness was
triggered by the realization that there were some things
that must be left behind. Among them were fond memories
of their years at Valley Forge.
Homecoming Queen and Court: Front: Angie Regrut, Queen
Jennie Lucko, Donna Russo; Back: Linda Leickly, Melissa Early

1990-1991 324 Graduates
Class Flower: Red Rose
Class Song: “Forever Young”
Class Colors: Navy Blue and White
Class Motto: “May your dreams never disappear
with age, but may they continue as alive and as
beautiful as you, with the knowledge that they will
someday come true.” Joanne Domenech
A Day in the life of a Senior
Four years, and you have finally made it. Where? To the top of the
high school mountain. You have reached the pinnacle; no more being
pushed in the halls; no more picking up your books; you’re on
top; you’re a senior. You are the oldest, the wisest, the most experienced
people in the school, well, besides the teachers.
Although most required classes have been taken, there is still English.
A senior can do about this several ways; one way is a vocational class
like Word Processing II. A few students do take this, but, for most it,
is off to the world of written communications or College Composition.
Also at this time there is a social studies requirement that needs
to be filled. This is done by taking American Economy, the study of
free enterprise, supply and demand, plus other business related topics.
Then, after economy, there’s always U.S. Government, a class in
which you learn about the government and why politicians do what
they do.
Aside from these classes, seniors cam take courses which are academically
as well as career related. One such class is Commercial
Art II. In this senior level course, the students refine and develop
skills they learned the previous year. Portfolios in hand, these students
will pursue careers, in the field of commercial art.
We might be bragging, but why not? We’ve waited long enough, we
have no one to answer to, well besides the teachers. Seniors you’ve
worked hard; you deserve the praise; it’s time to go on in life; we all
must except for the teachers.
~ 42 ~
Class Officers: President: Scott Stitt, Vice President: Amy Tomon,
Secretary: Kristie Federinko, Treasurer: Michelle Kadelski

1991-1992 346 Graduates
Class Flower: Red Rose
Class Song: “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” - Boys II Men
Class Colors: Midnight Blue and Pearl
Class Motto: “It’s time to go our separate ways but our hearts will always remember the good times
we have shared, and because of this, we will never really be able to say goodbye.” - Anonymous
What was the biggest fad of your time?
Giga pets and TRAPPER KEEPERS!
What was the favorite pastime after school?
Attending football games and going to Antonio’s afterwards.
Fall and Spring play practice in the VF auditorium.
What was the normal, everyday school dress for boys
and girls then?
Both boys and girls: Polo shirts and cardigan sweaters.
Jeans with the pant legs rolled up. Double layer T-shirts
with sleeves rolled to show both colors. Boat shoes. Jean
jackets. Slouchy socks. Girls: oversize shirts/sweatshirts
worn with leggings or bike shorts under short dresses.
KEDS!
What was the biggest concern or fear at that time?
The ending of Operation Desert Storm and AIDS (Magic
Johnson announcement)
Who was your favorite celebrity or idol?
Andre Agassi (Tennis) and Oprah Winfrey
What was the important historical event at that time as
you look back now?
Freshman Year (1989): The Berlin Wall came down
Sophomore to Junior year(1990-1991): Operation Desert
Storm
Senior year: Los Angles Riots/Rodney King beating, Space
Shuttle Endeavor, Bill Clinton became President
Janet McGee-Messinger
~ 43 ~

1992-1993 345 Graduates
Class Flower: Red Rose
Class Song: “Dreamline” by Rush
Class Colors: Blue and White
Class Motto: “Memories are the key not to the
past, but to the future.” - The Hiding Place
~ 44 ~

1993-1994 391 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: “I Wanna Go Back” - Eddie Money
Class Colors: Midnight Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “I always knew I would laugh
looking back on the times that I have cried, but I
never knew I would cry looking back on the times
I have laughed.”
~ 45 ~

1994-1995 366 Graduates
Class Flower: Red Rose
Class Song: “Dream On” - Aerosmith
Class Colors: Midnight Blue and Pearl
Class Motto: “Veni, vidi, vici”
(We came, we saw, we conquered)
~ 46 ~

1995-1996 399 Graduates
Class Flower: Red Rose
Class Song: “My Life - John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Class Colors: “Midnight Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “We must welcome the future, remembering that soon
it will be the past; and we must respect the past, remembering that
once it was all that was humanly possible. George Santayana
~ 47 ~

1996-1997 350 Graduates
Class Flower: Fire and Ice Rose
Class Song: “Imagine” – John Lennon
Class Colors: Navy Blue and Gold
Class Motto: “Success is to be measured not so
much by the position that one has reached in life as
by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying
to succeed.” – Booker T. Washington
~ 48 ~

1997-1998 375 Graduates
Class Flower: Blue Tipped White Rose
Class Song: “Free Bird” - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Class Colors: Midnight Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “We know how rough the road will be,
how heavy the road will be, we know about the barricades
that wait along the track, but we have set our soul
ahead upon a certain goal ahead and nothing left from
hell to sky shall ever turn us back.” Vince Lombardi
~ 49 ~

1998-1999 436 Graduates
Class Flower: Blue Tipped White Rose
Class Song: “Time of Your Life” by Green Day
Class Colors: Silver and Midnight Blue
Class Motto: “There’s only us; there’s only this; forget
regret, or life is yours to miss. No other road, no other
way. No day but today.” Jonathan Larson
~ 50 ~

The 00s
� 2000 Y2K - Worldwide concern about possible widespread computer malfunctions
resulting from the Year 2000 problem.
� 2000 Pope John Paul II begins the first official visit by a Roman Catholic pontiff to
Israel.
� 2000 United States v. Microsoft: Microsoft is ruled to have violated United States antitrust
laws by keeping "an oppressive thumb" on its competitors.
� 2000 The State of Vermont passes HB847, legalizing civil unions for same-sex couples.
� 2000 A preliminary draft of genomes, as part of the Human Genome Project, is finished.
� 2001 U.S. President George W. Bush announces his support for federal funding of limited
research on embryonic stem cells.
� 2001 Destruction of the World Trade Center in New York City
� 2000s The birth and explosion of social networking
� 2001 The War in Afghanistan began
� 2003 The War in Iraq began
� 2004 The Indian Ocean earthquake of 12/2006 that caused all near
by nations to be devastated by tsunamis. It is believed to have killed
300,000 people.
� 2006 The trial and execution of Sadaam Hussein
� 2008 The US elects first African American President
� 2008 Crash of the stock market marks the end of a decade of corruption
� 2010 The earthquake in Haiti
~ 51 ~
What Did It Cost?
Michael Jackson
1958-2009
2000s
Movie ticket (adult) $10.00
Doctor's visit $60.00
New car $21000
Television set $175.00
Pound of ground beef $2.00
Daily newspaper $0.50
Tennis shoes $40.00

1999-2000 382 Graduates
Class Flower: White Alstroemeria Lily
Class Song: “Here I Go Again” - White Snake
Class Colors: Pearl and Midnight Blue
Class Motto: “I always knew that I would
laugh looking back at all times I have cried, but
I never new that I would cry looking back at the
times I have laughed.” Unknown
~ 52 ~

2000-2001 361 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose with Blue Tips
Class Song: “It’s My Life” - Bon Jovi
Class Colors: Midnight Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “What you leave behind is not what
is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven
into the lives of others” - Pericles
~ 53 ~

2001-2002 342 Grauates
Class Flower: White/Blue Iris
Class Song: “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart
tied with “Remember Me This Way” by Jordan Hill
Class Colors: Silver and Midnight Blue
Class Motto: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because
it happened.” Dr. Seuss
~ 54 ~

2002-2003 357 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: “Dream On” - Aerosmith
Class Colors: Midnight Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “What lies behind us and what
lies before us are small matters compared to
what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
~ 55 ~

2003-2004 344 Graduates
Class Flower: Blue Orchid
Class Song: “Good Riddance (Time of Your
Life)” - Green Day
Class Colors: Midnight Blue and Platinum
Class Motto: “It’s ironic that we spend our
school days yearning to graduate and our
graduation day yearning to remember our
school days.” Adapted from Isabel Waxman
~ 56 ~

2004-2005 391 Graduates
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: “Here’s To The Night” - Eve 6
Class Colors: Silver and Midnight Blue
Class Motto: “We all take different paths in
life, but no matter where we go, we take a little
of each other everywhere.” Tim McGraw
~ 57 ~

2005-2006 395 Graduates
Class Flower: Blue Iris
Class Song: “Don’t Stop Believing” - Journey
Class Colors: Midnight Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “Being grown up isn’t half as fun
as growing up. These are the best days of our
lives. The only thing that matters is just following
your heart.” Kris Roe, The Ataris
~ 58 ~

2006-2007 383 Graduates
Class Flower: White Lilies
Class Song: “Kings in Castles” - Michael Tolcher
Class Colors: Midnight Blue and Pearl
Class Motto: “None of us really know what changes, big
or small, lie ahead. One thing is certain: our journey is
not over. We can only hope that, in some small way, our
time here will be remembered.” From the movie
“Dinosaurs”
~ 59 ~

2007-2008 374 Graduates
Class Flower: Blue Orchid
Class Song: “Our Lives” - The Calling
Class Colors: Midnight Blue and Silver
Class Motto: “What lies behind us and what
lies before us are tiny matters compared to what
lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
~ 60 ~

2008-2009 391 Graduates
Class Flower: Blue Lily
Class Song: “Time of My Life” - David Cook
Class Colors: Cobalt and Pearl
Class Motto: “Don’t cry because it’s over,
smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss
~ 61 ~

2009-2010 341 Graduates
Class Flower: Yellow Rose
Class Song: “Don’t Stop Believing” - Journey
Class Colors: Midnight Blue and Pearl
Class Motto: “We all take different paths in life,
but no matter where we go, we take a little bit of
each other everywhere.” Tim McGraw
~ 62 ~

2010-2011
Class Flower: White Rose
Class Song: “I Made It” by Kevin Rudolf
Class Colors: Midnight Blue and Pearl
Class Motto: “Don’t count the days, make the
days count.” Mohammed Ali
W
hen all is said and done, a life, a high school, and a
yearbook all have something in common. Each of
these gets judged not by an individual part, but as a
whole. What you hold in your hand is the end product of many
people collaborating and working together (almost all of them
for the first time) on something they’ve never tried.
At the start of the school year, many students come down to the
yearbook office, thinking it is a place they’d like to
~ 63 ~
hang out, only to discover that it isn’t going to be just another
series of day-to-day social stops in their life, but a place where
work needs to be done. We don’t see them for very long in our
room down the long, lonely corridor leading to Boundary Lane.
The ones who stay? They put in time and effort and really care
about the quality of what they are producing. While it hasn’t
hit them all yet, there will come a time when each of them realize
that they have had a hand in creating something. All of us
are critics, judging what we do and don’t like every day, but
not everybody can say that they’ve had a hand in making something.
You are holding something created by some very dedicated
people. It isn’t perfect (no yearbook ever is), but it is
something that each person was committed to creating for you
to have, so that in the middle of a long Saturday afternoon a
long time from now, you can reach for this book and say “Do
you remember that guy?” or “What was the name of that
girl?” or “Do you remember that teacher that…?”

~ 64 ~