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Vol. 14, No. 6. June, 1998
Townsend Harris High School at Queens College
tive officers and senators through the possible addition of a judicial branch. Among the decisions made by the end of the convention were that a screening committee of election candidates would no longer exist and more communication is needed between students and their senators. Two documents would be ereated - one, a general constitution stating government structure and election procedures, and the other, a listing of bi-laws. Above all, it was concluded that government processes, especially the election, should be more democratic but still feasible in a high school setting. According to Ms. Garcia, it was originally decided in a March student senate meeting to change the present constitution, which was written in 1984 when the school first re-opened, because it was "outdated" and "it referred to a situation that was not [in existence] any more." Specifically, Ms. Garcia referred to Section 2 of Artiele III, which mandates tbiit tbe $.lJ.J>residef1!"mi.!S~ b!;,a junior during his/her year in office." This provision was originally included because, when Harris was located in the old building on Parsons Boulevard, seniors were completely removed from the other grades, having all ~f their classes on the Queens College campus. During the weeks preceding the Constitutional Convention, as the June 2 election was approaching, students circulated a petition, written-by junior Peter Venech, calling for the postponement Coninued on page 7
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S.U. revises Constitution byAianFu Amid controversy over election procedures set forth by the present constitution governing the Student Union (S.U.), Coordinator of Student Activities (COSA) Odile Garcia and the Executive Board held a Constitutional Convention to form a new constitution which would update the previous one and correct its faults. This two-week conference took place every morning at 7:00A.M. from June 2 to June 16, headed by Ms. Garcia and this year's S.U. President, senior Vicki Realmuto. Students of all grades, though dominated by juniors, voluntarily attended, in hopes of making a difference in the student government. AIthough they did not achieve the goal of creating a finalized document which could be proposed to the rest of the school, "it was absolutely wonderful;' said Ms. Garcia, since most, if not all, controversial issues of the present constitution were brought up and opened to suggestions for change. Ms. Garcia plans to re-assemble the convention in the beginning of the next term and have a completed proposal ready by October, when the -student senate first meets. Working in several committees, students in the convention discussed and debated such issues as the general struclure of the entire government, procedures for choosing election candidatesand senators, the exact powers of the COS A and faculty members in the gov- _ ernment, and the disciplining of execu-
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Chinese Dissident pageS
149-11 Melbourne Avenue. Flushing, NY 11367
Bidding fareweU to family:
Leroy retires after 27 years by Carolina Pruss and Jeannemarie Hendershot Recent graduates congregate around the front desk of Townsend Harris as the students are dismissed. They're back to see all of their former teachers, but one person in particular is always on their agenda - se- curity guard Leroy Howard. The end of this school year marks his eighth year as a security guard here, as well as his retirement. Leroy, as he is referred to by staff and students alike, has formed a special bond with most of the stu-dents at this school, which he calls his "second home." Nearly every student can relate one anec-
Leroy will be a lot closer to his family. ''I'm tired of just looking at pictures of my granddaughters," he said. Once in Florida, Leroy plans to rest for two months, work on his new house, and then get back to work. "I'll either do
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to say about great to walk in every morning and have Leroy be the first person you see - it puts a smile on your face," said senior Kristin Candan. Senior Natasha Foy agreed. "Leroy is more than just a security guard; he's a friend. We're Security guard Leroy Howard teases junior Helen Jan in going to miss the friendship we have with somethe hallway. one who wasn't a student," she said. computer programming, or I'll get a job It's not only students who appreci- as a security guard in Walt Disney ate the warmth that has become synony- World, protecting Mickey, Minnie, and mous w~th Leroy's name. On June 9, he Goofy," said Leroy. was given an award for excellence for As Leroy leaves, students have only working with students from Queens Su- positive things to say about him and perintendent Margaret Harrington. As he funny stories to recount. "Leroy is alproudly displayed the yellow pin on his ways intrigued by my daily sandwiches badge, Leroy, who has been a security · and juice boxes; he always makes fun guard for 27 years, said, "I thank of me and asks me if I'm going to deTownsend Harris for this." He described vour my lunch," said senior Norma the atmosphere here as very different Tin eo. Freshman Diedrian Williams · from the other schools he has worked said, "He always gets you out of trouble in. "You guys made me watch my p's when you're late for class, he cheers you and q's; at other schools, I'd be yelling up, and he always keeps me updated on for 20 minutes for the kids to get to The Jerry Springer Show.'' class," he said. On the last day Leroy plans to hand Avon Park, Florida is Leroy's desti- otit business cards with his new address nation after retirement, where he'll be so that he can keep in touch with the living in the only house on the block. students. "I may not act like it, but I'll With a brother in Miami and four grand- be sad inside," he said. "Can I take you children in North Carolina and Georgia, all with me?''
Class of '98 page 10
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