Page 10 - chs-1990

For many years, long before our footsteps ever echoed (or splashed) down the halls of this school, there has
been a standing joke about the campus. Which will happen first? Will it be swallowed by a sinkhole, or will the
roof fall in?
Thanks to the efforts of the 1988-1989 Journalism class, the latter will no longer be a problem. The students
decided to tackle this issue as a class project. They started small with a task force of four to begin the initial in-
vestigation. The task force researched the various options to solve the problem. They checked into possible
grants, took culture samples of the air, and had a meeting with Diane Lane to help determine the plan of action.
By this time the project had become a total class effort. Arrangements were made for State Representative
Randy Mackey and Senator Sherry Walker to visit the class. The were immediately supportive of the project. It
was decided that the best option was to introduce a "turkey" into Florida's State Budget. The total cost for
repair would be a figure close to 1.4 million dollars. Ms. Walker, who commented , "I would never have known
about this situation if it hadn't been for this class," introduced the " turkey" into the Budget.
Well, at that point, it seemed as if all anyone could do was wait. The class, however, did not stop there. They
took pictures of the damage one rainy day, and with help from the media production class, they made a video
showcasing the conditions around the school. The pictures and the video were sent to Tallahassee by Mrs.
Patty Mackey - wife of Representative Mackey. The final decision was up to Governor Bob Martinez.
Toward the summertime, word came that the "turkey" might be vetoed. In a final effort, students visited the
legislative offices of Walker and Mackey in Tallahassee. Senator Walker lobbied hard by showing the Governor
the video. Rep. Mackey worked with others to get the ball rolling.
School Board members and Superintendent Lane pushed and planned. Letter writers and phone callers from
all walks of life joined hands to get the Governor's attention.
When the final words were said and the budget approved, the "turkey" for the new roof was still in the Budget.
Way to go class!

You can never be sure what might fa ll out of the roof while you are walking down the hall. Angela
Lumbert still seems to be apprehensive, even with an umbrella for protection.
Few classrooms are safe from the fa lling plaster. Mrs. Colvin Carter does not seem to be pleased
that the roof has caved in only a foot from where she is sitting.
A total class effort made the new roof possible. Members of the 1988-89 Journalism class pose here
w1th Rep Mackey.