The year 1988 was crucial year in in the very early history of the internet. It was also the year of the first well-known computer virus, known as the “1988 Internet Worm.” The concept of the World Wide Web (www) was first discussed.

The Soviet Union began its gradual dissolution. The Iron Curtain began to disintegrate in 1988, as Hungary began allowing freer travel to the West. The first McDonald’s restaurant in a country run by a Communist party opened in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. The next year, McDonald would open another restaurant in Budapest, followed by one in Moscow.

In May of 1988, the Soviet-Afghan War would end after eight years of fighting, as the Soviet Union started its withdrawal from Afghanistan; the United States would later jump in and replace the Soviets. We now know how that turned out?

In November 1988, the United States’ vice president and Republican nominee George H. W. Bush defeated the Democratic nominee and governor of Massachusetts Michael Dukakis in the presidential election.

The U.S. Drought of 1988 caused big crop damage in many states, affecting many portions of the United States and causing about $60 billion (about $180 per person in the United States) in damage. Multiple regions suffer in the conditions. Heat waves cause 4,800 to 17,000 excess deaths while scorching many areas of the country.

In Lapel, the town council installed new officers for 1988. Jim Anderson was the attorney representing the town. He installed Dan Shuck, Terry Rich and Ron Nunley as they began their four-year term. The new officers established smoking and non-smoking areas. They also were reviewing new ways to improve local water supply.

February 1988 was designated “Pick-It-Up” Month in this area. High winds and snow had left trash and debris. The Lapel Post was asking residents to pick up the litter. This is what we should do every day! Why is it so difficult for America to control litter? There are countries in Europe that control litter. I dare you to throw trash on the ground in Switzerland.

The 1987-88 school year started with a bang. That was a bang from all of the construction equipment, as workers prepared to build onto the school. The noise at times probably helped make the students concentrate better. However, many of the seniors were focused on their scheduled special events. Homecoming was a big deal. The fall festival and dances were things you didn’t want to miss.

As they say, “At The Top Of The Ladder” is the administration at Lapel, responsible for successfully graduating the senior class of 1988. Larry Galliher was the principal; Jerry Kemerly was elementary principal; and Joe Buck was assistant principal. The secretaries for the school were Judy Lane and Peggy Stephens. Lapel High School Board members were Fred St. John, Ronald Stephenson, Gary Dalzell, George Dickison, Timothy Fihe, Lloyd Young, Stan Hackleman, Rex Etchison and Daniel Davisson. Paul Davis was superintendent.

The dedicated faculty were Robert Adams, Faye Allen, Robert Allison, Margaret Anderson, Steven Babbit, Joanna Baker, Carol Bauner, Jean Birge, Mark Boudrot, Joan Casey, Dorinda Cassiday, Richard Cassiday, Diane Clark, Pam Collins, Cathy Coomer, Carla Copeland, Debby Davis, Kathleen Degitz, Janet Eisenbise, Cheryl Farrell, Robert Fields, Woody Fields, Bill French, David Fuqua, Trudy George, Catherine Gillespie, Karen Goldstein, Janice Gossor, Denise Gray, Lois Hallett, Sheryl Hawsey, Cheryl Hensley, Sue Hersberger, Diane Hettinga, Jack Howell, Caroline Howenstine, Karen Hudson, Marsha Hudson, Dallas Hunter, Patty Huntzinger, Dana Jerrils, Marianne Julius, Art Laker, Ann Lowder, Harold Markle, Donald McDermit, Sharon McDermit, Brenda Mills, Sue Morris, Liz Owens, Jannice Peterson, Lori Poore, Karen Reed, Larry Schuler, Greg Scott, Pam Shively, Geraldine Smith, Patricia Stewart, Lisa Storm, Carol Swan, Jeannine Terhune, Zoe Terhune, Don Trisler, Douglas VanDyke and George Williams.

Later in their life, these LHS seniors are going to reflect back on their high school experiences. The Class of ‘88 can be proud of their accomplishments. The students of that class are as follows: Donna Arnett, Kimberley Arney, Brad Arnold, Dana Barmes, Deanna Bauner, Robert Benner, Michael Boles, Destry Bourke, Lou Ann Boyd, Andrew Bracken, Richard Chance, Cristina Clark, Brian Cobb, Susan Copeland, Barbara Cribb, Reta Daugherty, Stephanie Duncan, Joy Edenfield, Robert Edgreen, Michelle Faust, Anthony Freund, Fredrick Fullington, Lisa Funk, Michelle Gammon, Darin Geiger, Richard Green, Brad Gustin, Sheri Hackleman, Billie Harris, Tara Hazelbaker, Wendi Hendricks, Autumn Hensley, Kelly Hettinga, Melinda Holloway, Dawn Huffman, Stacy Johnson, Jennifer Keller, Darcie Kirchenbauer, Monty Kerbs, Ted McClintick, Paulita McFarland, Christopher Meyer, Brian Mills, Mark Moore, Angela Morin, Tricia Mosley, Darla Mountcastle, Kimberley Neese, Jane Perry, Jason Pigg, Debbie Pilkington, Donna Pilkington, Kyle Rich, Michelle Rich, Karen Rinker, Jennifer Risk, Kenneth Robinette, Alan Rose, Shellie Selby, Amy Sigler, Tamara Sisson, Autumn Street, Yvette Surber, Julie Swinford, Kelly Sylvester, Melinda Taylor, Laurie Teeters, Brad Templeton, Jason Upton, Jennifer Wall, Dodi Wallace, Doug White, Jason Wilcox, Todd Williamson and Susan Zink.

The Honor Society is a goal for many students. To become a member of this group, you are required to wear a key for one week. Laurie Teeters served as president while Kelly Perry served as vice president. In 1988-89 there were 12 new members of the Lapel Honor Society. The academic achievements require hard work, but the rewards are very satisfying.

In 1988-89, the varsity basketball team drew the attention of the community. The team was coached by Dallis Hunter and displayed good balance in offense and defense. It finished the season with 13 wins, but there were three other games lost by one bucket. Lapel was defeated in the sectional by Alexandria 66-82.

In baseball, LHS won the Shenandoah Invitational Tournament. LHS defeated Tri High in the opening game by a score of 12-3. Kelly Hettinga led the team with three hits, including a double that scored two runs. Mike Boles hit a home run, and Jason Upton went the distance on the mound. In the final game, LHS came from behind against Shenandoah to win by a score of 8-5. Brian Shelton, David Bright and Mike Barker each had two hits to win the championship. That was the first time since 1984. Go Bulldogs!