By Ray Tincher | For The Times-Post

In January 1980, President Carter proclaimed a grain embargo against the USSR. In February, the New Mexico State Penitentiary riot took place; 33 inmates were killed and more than 100 injured. In 1911, Paul Geidel was convicted of second-degree murder. After 68 years and 245 days, he was released. Geidel became the inmate who had served the longest prison term. In Iran, the American Embassy was taken over by the radical Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini supporters. They held American embassy workers hostage for 444 days.

U.S. Census revealed 226,545,805 U.S. residents on April 1. The eruption of Mount Saint Helens volcano in Washington (state) killed 57 people and caused $3 billion in damages. President Carter announced the United States would boycott the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow

Lois Graham was found murdered inn her own home. They later arrested a relative, Rickie Graham, for the murder. The youngster was arrested in Utah when he failed to pay for gas in his stolen car. He was returned to Indiana, where he waswaived to the adult court and faced murder charges.

In 1980, a new teacher joined the Lapel High School faculty. He would become a shining light in the community. His name is Greg Scott. He and his wife Gay live in Fishersburg. Scott graduated from Lawrenceburg High School in 1974 and then from Indiana Central University in 1978. He served as band director and taught seventh and eighth grade general music, as well as all bands.

Bowling scores at the Lapel Lanes for Jan. 17, 1980: Men – D. Lane 210 (574); M. Plummer 205 (567); C. Chase 225 (560); S. Clouse 203 (554); D. Hill 214 (558); Women: Carolyn Jarrett 538; Sue Husted 535; Linda Hormell 201 (505); Debby Stephenson 513; Shirley Buffone (505); Maggie Johns 230; Barbara Stevenson 505; and Brenda Welch 235 (524).

Julie Hudson and Nancy Snyder served as pages in the state senate as guest of State Sen. James Abraham (R-Anderson). Their experiences as pages offered the two students an opportunity to better understand state government and witness first-hand the legislative process at work during the Indiana General Assembly.

In 1980, being the smallest school in Madison County brought many challenges. Consolidation improved education in many ways. More students offer more programs. Plus, it reduces the cost per student. The faculty assembled at Lapel High School revealed lots of experience.

Getting the 1980 LHS Senior Class ready to face a tough world would be another test.

Gerald Roudebush, director of the West Central School corporation, and Assistant Superintendent Gene Heniser had a year of experience in their new positions. The members of the board were George Likens, Charles Clark, Rex Etchison, David Woodward, George Hall and Fred St. John. Marvin Pike was principal with assistant Jerry Kimberly. Peggy Stephens was clerk, and Judy Lane was secretary.

The faculty included Robert Adams, Michael Andrews, Steve Babbit, Ruth Bahler, Joan Casey, Dorinda Cassiday, Richard Cassiday, Bill French, David Fuqua, Denise Gray, Cheryl Hensley, Sue Hersberger, Caroline Howenstine, Dallas Hunter, Marianne Julius, Greg Layton, Donald McDermit, Sharon McDermit, Charles McNew, Brenda Mills, Lucille Rockey, Larry Schuler, Gregory Scott, Joe Shepard, Steve Short, Jean Sigler, Jeannie Terhune, Zoe Ann Terhune, Donald Trisler, Margaret Trisler, Ann Elizabeth Whalen and Randy Wilson.

Teachers Michael Andrews and Marianne Julius were the sponsors for the 1980 senior class.

Ron Givens served as class president, along with Anne Therese Zink (vice president), Deborah Huntzinger (secretary) and Penny Sue Turner (treasurer).

Other seniors were: Daniel Almquist, Gayle Anderson, Bobby Baka, Rhonda Barbee, Joseph Barcus, Phillip Barker, Scott Boles, Charles Bowles, Mark Brinduse, Kevin Burk, Michael Burris, Josanna Busby, Randall Busby, Carmen Castor, Scott Cecil, James Cole, James Daugherty, Steven Dennemann, Tammie Dollar, Brian Duffey, Michael Falkenberry, Brook Fields, Robbie Fisher, David Gillaspy, Kristi Gray, Susan Griffin, Richard Hall, Jill Harper, Donald Harrison, Toni Hartman, Janet Heiny, Lisa Hennegan, Kim Hettinga, Randy Hobbs, Lisa Hollopeter, Julia Hudson, Timothy Hunt, Thomas Huntzinger, Kelly Husted, Gary Ingle, Karen Jones, Kelly Jones, Grant Kepner, Mark Kirchenbauer, Megan Lavelle, Jack Lewis, John Lloyd, Sharon Lloyd, Nina Looper, Tracy Luckey, Denise Maxwell, Corinne McCoy, Greig Mix, Karen Muse, Judith Nealis, Cathy Peckens, Christina Presser, Mary Reed, Lorri Richey, Rebecca Sager, Ronnie Sandala, Angela Simmerman, Lisa Simpson, Rebecca Smith, Daryl Smith, Deborah Snyder, Paula Stephenson, Steven Stottlemyer, Mark Stump, Jeff Szypulski, Fernando Talalamas Navarro, Christopher Tarvin, Robert Teeters, William Todd, Bryan Turner, Bo Turner, Jayna Vanasdal, Teresa Wagner, Clayton Walters, Darren Webb, Julie West and Tammy Wyant.

There are those students who devoted a little extra. The 1980 Homecoming Queen was Kelly Jones. Her prince was Ron Sandala. The National Honor Society is not based on scholarships alone. Students are also required to exhibit strong character, leadership and service. The 1980 NHS Foundation at Lapel was well represented.

The varsity cheerleaders were Karen Muse, Karen Jones, Lori Morton, Lisa Hennegen and Penny Turner. The track team struggled to have a good year but it just didn’t happen. The girls track team placed second out of five in the White River Conference. The golf team had a good year, 9-5 record, finishing sixth in sectional and second in WRC. Brian Duffy and Doug Banning were listed to the all-conference team. In baseball, 22 wins and 14 losses are not that bad. Bobby Fields – Honorable Mention, All State, All-Conference; Jon Davis – All-State Team, Indiana High School All Star Team, All-Conference; Scott Bole – All-Conference.

Football went 0-10.

There were many bright spots in LHS wrestling! Jack Lewis won the sectional with two pins and a 6-0 record. In boys basketball, LHS once again had a good record but came up short. Their record was 17-3 for the season. In girls volleyball, LHS had some bright times, however, a couple of games had to affect their morale. The season ended up well and was something to build on for the next year. Girls basketball was good, when you consider four games went into overtime. They finished the season with a 5-11 record.

Tammy Wyant received the DAR Award. Girls State was awarded to Anne Zink and Janet Heiny. Boys State was awarded to Scott Boles and Mike Burris. Outstanding Band Members were Jim Daugherty and Scott Cecil. Scott Boles was nominated for McDonald’s All American team.

There were great moments at LHS and the community in 1980. Students, parents, teachers and many of the local businesses came together to make it a memorable moment for this senior class. They gave the students an opportunity to use their varied talents.