LIFE Christian Spirit Makes Academy Unique Wildcat Spirit was felt throughout the year. The mixer started off the year with a bang. The junior and senior cheerleaders got the Wildcats fired-up with the first pep rally of the year. Then students David White and Rusty Williams and alumnus Billy White pantomimed Van Halen, using the name "Van Atkins," song's "Jump" and "Panama." The first day of school, anticipation charged the air. The thrill of getting new locker assignments and the anguish of getting a hard teacher was almost overbearing. Students soon settled into a routine . Softball and football seasons approached rapidly , and basketball was not far off. Into each sport the students put a special enthusiasm, and maintained the belief that whether the Wildcats won or Guess what? Tal Taggart, Donna Eng/and , Ellen Barre'tt, Scott Throckmorten, and Willie Branch try to figure out what Lisa Underwood is pretending to be, in a game of charades. photo by Bobby Scoggins . 296 Life lost , most importantlv they did their best. Academically most Academy students were well above average. Whereas at many other schools peer pressure discouraged students from achieving, at Harding Academy, student encouraged each other to do their best. Most students thought of the Academy as one family. Retreats and frequent devotionals helped to bring the student body closer together. There were a number of group dating activities throughout the year , such as Homecoming, banquets, class parties and devotionals. Each activity presented another chance to fellowship with other Christians . ~ - Suzanne Manley Get Down! David White gets into his rendition of Van Halen's "Panama" at the 1984 mixer. photo by Doug Kilman.
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