Lackland Junior-Senior High School
Dear Exes:
Greetings from Lackland High School! Another school year is well under way, and as always, new things and great things continue to happen.
Last year was a great year for us in basketball, in UIL contests, and in Academic Decathlon. Our revitalized band made great progress under Mr. Carroll's leadership--his 6th grade band has over 60 members!
Mrs. Lang, our principal, is settling into her second year. This year we have seven academic periods--to give another opportunity each day, for another class--and another credit. We are using a "no-bells" system--a plan we were a bit anxious about, but a plan that works great. There's no more of that sliding through the door-as the bell begins to ring, pretending you were on time, and arguing about that tardy slip. (You remember, don't you?!)
A few changes in staff were made this fall. Mrs. Kutach moved with her Army husband to New York, and she was replaced by Michelle Masters, a first- ' year teacher from A&M who agreed to take on the yearbook and the cheerleading squad. (Sounds like a desperate attempt for a job, doesn't it?!) Her enthusiasm and positive attitude are contagious as she floats from classroom to classroom ever ' y period. We have a new support teacher, Mike Siguaw, who works with students needing help in special areas. A new aide has recently joined us in the library, Oscar Trevino. A familiar face among our substitute teachers is Dora Ontiveros, Class of 1992.
Gary Madden has moved from the Science Department to be in charge of the Computer Lab. Neal DeGeus has a new vocational class that includes employment for its participants. This year I am teaching Keyboarding (Typing, that is!) to two Junior High classes. We are eager for these folks to have more keyboarding experience before they head for computer classes and high school keyboarding classes (and contest teams).
On a serious and sad note, our Valedictorian of 1990, Diane Nichols, passed away in September from cancer. For those that knew her, she was an inspiration beyond belief. Her faith in life and God gave her a love for life as noted in the enclosure that was shared with all who attended her memorial service. As the pianist played and sang, it was easy to imagine that God did "lift her up on eagle's wings." We will miss her, but her spirit lives on. LTA has renamed its scholarship fund in her memory--the Diane Nichols Memorial Scholarship Fund. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols and Diane's brothers and sister live at 7622 Dyewood, San Antonio 78249.
To those who will remain after I am gone…
It has never been death that I feared. It was more the pain that usually accompanies such transitions.
Nobody fears birth. Only the mother fears the pain and that fear is usually overridden by Joy. Isn't Death the same kind of thing? Is it only because you will miss a person's company that you mourn? Such a waste of emotion is only human I suppose. But I don't want to be mourned! Weep if you must, but only out of joy for me. Remember my delight at sunrise and sunset, or the sight of the moon and the stars, or the taste of chocolate, or the sound of storms. When next you encounter these and other beauties that I love you can be sure that I am there. I am a new color in the sun, an extra -low in the moon and stars, the special taste in chocolate, and a cloud in the storm. Look at each other now you are all here because I am part of you. If you miss my company it is only because you have not looked for me. I will be in your dreams and I will keep watch over you and yours. So put my ashes in the ground and plant a tree over them so that they will do some good. And let my stone simply read:
"I loved my life and I do not fear death.
Look for me and you will see that I'm still here."
Diane Nichols
In Loving Memory of
Diane Michelle Nichols
Born: October 13, 1971
Died. September 23, 1993