1983-1984

Yearbook Virtualized by Julie Connors and McKenzie Johnston



Departments: Physical Science Department, Business Education Department, Home Economics Department, Art Department, Social Studies Department, Math Department, Music Department, Health and Physical Education Department, Industrial Education Department, Biological Science Department, Individualized Education Department, English Department, and Foreign Language Department.

Teachers Names: Bruce Addison Bonita Ahring F.B. Allen Norman Armstrong Bruce Arnold Carl Bauer Margaret Beaird Howard Belcher Kenneth Besse Larry Betz David Bobzin Nina Bono Mary Lu Bretsch Jim Brueggeman Ti Buchanan Woody Burnett Dennis Butts Susan Campell Jean Banabe Jim Certain Marianne Chmeleck Helen Closson Tom Dailey Judy Duncan Ruth Eschmann Doug Eskra George Easterly William Evans Richard Friedrick Dwight Friemann Felicia Fuchs George Gasparich Grace Gerren Kenneth Guest Bill Gushleff Merle Guthrie Jane Hansleben Robert Hanson William Hart Chales Hasenstab Willbern "Hank" Hayes Linda Heape Pete Hensel Phillip Highsmith Betty J Hoefer Marilyn Hughes Richard Hunsaker Don Jackson Donald Johes Randy Jung Robert Kaiser Bob Keefe Lynn Koehler Colleen E. Krause Fredrick Kunze Kanie Kyramarios Keith Lawrence Harold E. Limper Melody Maksudian Jo Lynda Manion Patricia Matysik Gene Maurer Charles L. McConnell Alda Mcintyre Dean MErritt Albert Meyer Arch Montgomery Ann Moore Billy Moore Rodger Mueller Jane Mueth Betty Ninnis Tom Ninnis Dan Nollman Larry Obenchaln Norman Pation Robert Petri Glenn Phillpott John Reed Elizabeth W. Reichert Peggy Reynolds Charles Rodman Jerome Rybicki Mona Scheibel Raph Schlesinger Trudy Schmidt Allen Schuessler Dennis Schutzenhofer David Schwalb Cole Shannon Sue Sharp George Shea Gary Shepek Karen Seiron John Sims David Snowden Farren Stover Mary Ellen Struze Dian Thom Sandra Tinney Carolyn Tisch Harris Tollefson Gussie Tonne Vincent Torigian Gary Twesten Juanita Wallen JoAnn Wehmeier John Wehmeier Faye Weis Gary Weshinskey James M. Weisen Georgianne Williamson Vera Wood Harold P. Yung

Administrators: Elected to the Board of Education: Robert Nebgen, Gary Hemmer, June Cox, Charles Heller, Edward Burris, Jean Donovan, and the president, George “Bill” Nold. Superintendant: K. Lane Miller Assistant Superintendant: Robert Dosier Business Manager: Gene Sawalich Principal: Jerry Turner Assistant Principals: Doug Dahm, Joe Chmeleck, and Dan Wolford

Demographics percentages by class: Freshmen 98.3% White 1% Black 0.7% Other 43.6% Female 56.4% Male

Sophomores 99% White 0.4% Black 0.6% Other 38% Female 62% Male

Juniors 99.2% White 0.4% Black 0.4% Other 45.2% Female 54.8% Male

Seniors 99.8% White 0.2% Black 0.0% Other 42.9% Female 57.1% Male

Total: 114 teachers at West 1,996 Students at West 422 Freshmen 531 Sophomores 526 Juniors 517 Seniors 99.1% White 0.5% Black 0.4% Other 0.25% Asian 0.1% Middle Eastern 0.05% Hispanic 42.4% Female 57.6% Male

Extra-curricular activities: Student Council: Made up of sixty students, the Student council is elected to represent the student body in working with the administration and faculty. They coordinate student activities, work with clubs and organizations, and promote school spirit. Hy News: They work to make the school newspaper a success, and met daily during fifth hour under Mrs. Judy Duncan’s supervision. They worked to inform the readers about school, local, and national events and opinions. Bellevillinois: They met daily during sixth hour or seventh hour, lead by Jane Hansleben, the faculty advisor. They worked together to create a yearbook that would become a source of memories and worked in other activities as well, and sold soda at dances and co-sponsored the Donkey Basketball games with the Student Council. Debate Team: This team allowed students to take part in speech, debate, oral interpretation events, interscholastic events, and service projects. National Forensic League: An honorary speech organization that recognizes and encourages outstanding achievement in speech events and directed by Richard Hunsaker. Thespian Troupe 369: Provided the opportunity to promote excellence in theater. To be a Thespian, one must earn 200 hours of theater work, 100 of which are technical. Little Theater: Allowed students to learn about and experience the world on and behind the stage. They presented four major play productions throughout the year. Peer Helpers: Met daily to learn counseling skills for Mr. Butts, Mr. Hayes, and experience peers, and were required to have a genuine concern for others. Southwestern Local and State History Club: Assisted the St. Claire County Historical Society with house tours and earned money by selling popcorn and pretzels at home basketball games, selling candy, and having bake sales. Model United Nations: Furthered interest and knowledge of international affairs, political science, parliamentary procedures, and social studies. Electronics and Computers Club: Met to exchange ideas, knowledge, and advanced skills with students who exhibited a genuine interest in electronics or computers. Math Team: Worked together once a week to prepare for several different contents throughout the year. Distributive Education club: Meant to develop future leaders in marketing and distribution. They raised money with popcorn, snow cones, and baked goods during lunch hours. Office Occupations Club: Those interested din working jobs in the secretarial field after graduation joined this club. To join O.O., one must be involved in typing and other business education courses. French Club: Met on the second Tuesday every month. They worked to promote interest in the language and culture of France. German Club: Met on the second Tuesday every month. They worked to promote interest in the language and culture of Germany. American Field Service Club: Met on the second Tuesday every month. They worked to promote interest in the other languages and cultures. Photography Club: Learned basic camera and modeling techniques and necessities to create good pictures. War Gaming Club: This club brought together students with a shared interest in Dungeons and Dragons and other games of skill and strategy. Model Railroad Club: Maintained and continued construction of the wiring layout of the model railroad they kept in the basement of house B. Stamp club: Together, the club collected and identified stands and assisted other members in their shared hobby. Rough Writers Club: Put efforts into gathering literature written by other students and publishing the collection once a year titled “Page One.” Concert Choir: Gave a winter and spring concert and went caroling through the halls December 21. Bellevillettes: Entertained students during lunch hours in the cafeteria the last day before Christmas vacation, presented a spring concert, and gave a concert at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. As a group, they hosted bake sales to raise money and took part in Spirit Week. In-Sept: A first place award winning all girl choirs that, together with the Casuals and the Men’s Ensemble, made up the Remon.

Men’s Ensemble: A first place award winning all male choir that, together with the Casuals and the In-Sept, made up the Remon. The Los Seis: Made up of seven members, the all girls chorus group combined with the Ensemble to create a the Mini-Remon. Choralettes: They met daily with Don Jones to practice singing for the “Festival of Songs” which they performed at. Casuals: An first place award winning all girl choir with six members that, together with the In-Sept and the Men’s Ensemble, made up the Remon. Jazz Band: Top members from the Marching Band that were chosen to play in the jazz band and preformed at annual “Singin n’ Singin” concerts with the Marching Maroons. Concert Band: Open to anyone, but mostly made up of freshman and sophomore students, and preformed at many performances throughout the year. This was meant to improve their musical skills, and they held two major concerts. Chamber Orchestra: Organized to give high level performances at civil functions—like the Rotary Club Banquet and Exchange Club dinners. Marching Maroons: Met daily during seventh hour under Ralph Schlesinger and preformed in four competitions, two concerts, and six parades during the year. Symphonette: consisted of students under the guidance and training of Gloria Mayer so they could be permitted to play in the Orchestra. Orchestra: Met daily second hour to perform all types of music, including classical to rock. With elected leadership, they worked to organize a Hobo-Day float, trips to six flags, concerts on campus and throughout the community, annual Christmas banquets, a skating party, spring picnic, bake sales, and snow cone sales. Pompon Squad: They put of half-time shows at home basketball games, and tried to be creative in their dance routines. Stage Band: Had twenty members who joined at the consent of the director and allowed those chosen to play in the group an opportunity to play jazz, rock, pop, and modern music. Pep Band: Required only to volunteer after school to practice, and lead crowds and gave support to teams at basketball games. Fellowship of Christian Athletes: Met twice a month at members’ homes and conducted many activities and projects throughout the year. Varsity Cheerleaders: Kindled spirit among the maroon fans and contributed time for bake sales and painting the run-through signs for both football and basketball games. Junior Varsity Cheerleaders: Kindled spirit among the maroon fans and contributed time for bake sales and painting the run-through signs for both football and basketball games. Boys’ Varsity Cross-country: Gained leadership and experience throughout the year and had a successful season. Girls’ Varsity Cross-country: Has a successful season and finished fifth in the regional’s, representing our school with determination and discipline. Varsity football: Cultivating strengths in defense, kicking, and running, the football team was dedicated and highly motivated. They start practice in August to be well prepared for the season. Sophomore Football: Cultivating strengths in defense, kicking, and running, the football team was dedicated and highly motivated. They start practice in August to be well prepared for the season. Freshmen Football: Cultivating strengths in defense, kicking, and running, the football team was dedicated and highly motivated. They start practice in August to be well prepared for the season. Golf Team: Represented our school in gold tournaments and invitational’s and had another successful season in 1984. Varsity Soccer: Focus on both team and individual success, and work hard with dedication and a love for the sport throughout the year. Junior Varsity Soccer: Focus on both team and individual success, and work hard with dedication and a love for the sport throughout the year. Freshmen Soccer Team: Focus on both team and individual success, and work hard with dedication and a love for the sport throughout the year. Varsity Volleyball Team: Use teamwork and determination to improve and succeed, and had nearly flawless record in the 1984 year, of 25-4. Junior Varsity Volleyball Team: Use teamwork and determination to improve and succeed at their sport. Freshmen Volleyball Team: Use teamwork and determination to improve and succeed and potentially move on to junior varsity or varsity. Girls’ Tennis Team: Had the longest winning streak in the history of Belleville West athletics, winning 65 consecutive matches. Boys’ Tennis Team: Practice for the season which occurs late in the school year, the boys Tennis Team, the Netters, works hard at the sport they love. Boys’ Varsity Basketball: Replaced any lack of height with speed, ball control, and team work. Junior Boys’ Varsity Basketball: Replaced any lack of height with speed, ball control, and team work and had a positive attitude and determination. Sophomore Boys’ Varsity Basketball: Replaced any lack of height with speed, ball control, and team work and had a positive attitude and determination. Freshmen Boys’ Varsity Basketball: Replaced any lack of height with speed, ball control, and team work and had a positive attitude and determination. Girls Varsity Basketball: Won the city championships for the fourth consecutive year, but lost the sectionals to an Alton team by one point. Junior Girls Varsity Basketball: By practicing and improving their skill, they hoped to potentially join the successfully Varsity team. Wrestling Team: Finished their season with 16-6-1, and had strong individual finishes. Girls’ Track: Showed great leadership and excellent support, with members specializing in running sprints and hurdles, long distances, or field events. Boys’ Track: Showed great leadership and excellent support, with members specializing in running sprints and hurdles, long distances, or field events. Varsity Baseball: With many positions open to potential members, they use hard work and determination to compete for the Southwestern Conference championship Softball Team: Extremely quick in infield as well as outfield, the softball team practice batting and field techniques to compete well in the Conference Championship.

Award Winners: Class of ’84 won the float competition. Nel Patton was named Ms. Maroon. Jim Harrison won the annual arm wrestling competition. Pail Lebrier won the car decorating contest Merle Guthrie won the Kiss the Pig Contest The Donkeys are cited as the winner of the Donkey Basketball Game

Major events of the school year:
 * The longest athletic winning streak in Belleville West History, of 64-0, occurred thanks to the Belleville West Girls’ Tennis Team.
 * The school was closed and Asbestos was removed from the school, and a concrete walkway way, benches, and shrubbery were also added during the renovating.
 * Belleville West cracked down against drug and alcohol use with a film called “The Chemical People” and 250 parents from Belleville West, Belleville East, and Altoff joined the Committee on Community Intervention to campaign against drug use.