To this day, I wonder how my friends from George Dewey are doing? It would be hard to forget the place, friends and the good times I had there. I moved to Subic from Corpus Christi, Texas in the summer of '82 and was pretty excited about living a couple of hours from my relatives in Manila (give or take a few minutes depending on how fast the Victory Liner was going through the zig zags).

I thought high school would be pretty much the same as in the States since I was attending an American school on base. When I saw the red and gray school bus, though, I knew things were definitely going to be different. As soon as we (my sister, Brenda, and I) arrived at the school, the first thought that came to my mind was "Ooo, why orange?". New wave music was kicking in at the time and Charles Slonsky and Teresa Watson made sure you knew it through their clothes and hair. I remember asking Charles (a stranger to me at the time) where the cafeteria was. He gave me a "you must be new" look and told me there wasn't a cafeteria but instead a canteen. Oh, my... "The Canteen" where nutrition was at its best with grilled cheese sandwiches, hamburgers, french fries, etc. That was just the American side of the canteen mind you. The Filipino side had things like ice candy, peanuts, chiclets (any brand of gum in the P.I. was chiclets), and soda in a plastic bag.

Charles became one of my best friends at George Dewey. We had World History with Mr. Girardi together. Boy, was Mr. Girardi a character or what? So dramatic. He knew how to keep the class interesting. However, despite the drama, Charles and I still talked to each by passing notes. I remember how Skip Dixon with a rubber band flicked a paper clip that stuck to my nose in that class. Mr. Girardi, though, was oblivious to this because he probably was caught up in some speech about how the men of Corinth used to wear make-up and dressed in gaudy outfits.

My sophomore year started every morning with Mr. Wilson's English class. I remember some guy made the mistake of sleeping and how Mr. Wilson kicked the student's desk and yelled at him to wake him up. I think I was traumatized from that point on and probably did well in Mr. Wilson's class because of that fear. I did, however, get a "how dumb" look from Mr. Wilson when I had "chaos" as a word in my vocabulary list.

Boy, was I the lucky one or what? I had Mr. Wilson that year, my junior year and my senior year. I still even have most of my essays I wrote in College Prep class. Despite the skin tight polyester pants and orange short shorts, Mr. Wilson was a pretty nice person. I recall the time we were playing some game in College Prep where we had to read aloud what another student wrote on a piece of paper. Skip Dixon had to be the one to write something for me to read. At first, Mr. Wilson was going to force me to read it, but I guess he saw how much what was written bothered me and he took the piece of paper, read it and said to just move on to the next person. Skip apologized later that day after Mr. Wilson talked to him. If you're reading this Mr. Wilson, I just want to say thanks and I hope that you are doing fine (Forgive the remarks about the shorts but they were rather short and revealing).

I used to be content with track, the yearbook and participating in talent shows. I was such (still am sort of) a goody two shoes until my Senior year. That's the year that Roger Nance (good friend who would torture me to death with jokes and teasing) came to George Dewey and that's the year I discovered how sneak "out in town" . Man, I remember "Cal Jam", "US Festival" drinking with Charles Hickey, Sherri Creasor, Kim Walden, the Wathen Twins and Kahn Scales. I remember getting so wasted and going to the last school dance, dancing by myself in the middle of the floor and hugging everybody I knew asking them if they were my friends and if they cared about me. Gosh, how pathetic. I'm glad I had the experience and remember it well enough to not get that drunk again.

It was a great time and after graduation I went to the University of Santo Tomas in Manila but returned shortly and went to the University of Maryland on base until 1988. It was different when I returned from Manila most the friends I hung around went back to the States. Mr. Kinghorn, my track coach, who put up with me throwing up after every 400 meter run, let me help him coach track in 1986. It was a fun time. I remember after a track meet in Manila, how the whole team had to climb the mountain from outside the Kalayaan gate to get on base because there was a strike off base and we couldn't get pass the gate.

There are so many memories. Too many to write about unless I want to write a book. So, I just want to say hi to Mr. Kinghorn (I'll never call you Don, sorry, it feels too disrespectful), Mr. Wilson, Charles Slonsky, Roger Nance, Emory Reyes, Cherry & Paul Villegas, Charles Hickey, Kim Walden, Ron Williams, Kahn Scales and everybody else at George Dewey. I want to thank the late Mr. Scales for being such a kind and genuine person. Anyone who went to George Dewey could say the experience was great or at the least interesting. Hope to see some of you in the future.

Roderick Williams
Class of '85 - Optimum

Back to Stories Menu

I would like to take the time to remember the eighties at Subic. First there was Mr. Wilson, our English Teacher who ran miles around the school and base with no underwear, who professed machoism, but we saw frequently getting a perm at the beauty salon. Next, There was our Social Studies Teacher Mr. Jarardy, who believed in the Pyramids. He would sit out side his classroom and cross his legs and pray to the pyramid. He told us the truth about when we needed to brush our teeth - we need only brush our teeth when we get up in the morning if you put a bowl to your face and cover you nose and mouth and the smell is bad. Next, there was our social studies, Mr. Skinner who, without fail, would pick his nose at least once during class- Not to mention his butt.

 Now if you really want to remember fun, let's remember back to Mrs. Powell's chemistry class when Skip Dixon, Marin Flint and Tere Hoover were playing in the labs. Skip thinking he was the big man on campus bent the water facet in an "L" shape. Tere and Marin then decided they were definately strong enough to bend it back and ooops low and behold the pipe breaks, flooding the chemistry room and leaving a geiser of water flowing until the maintenance man who barely spoke english was able to figure out how to clean up and turn off the water.

 Then for punishment they were all sent to clean the halls "with a water hose and bucket" as if they didn't spread enough water they went through and sprayed water up all the lockers and then spent a week in dreaded company with Mrs. Travis the typing teacher........ Anybody remember her, if so you know she was not tolerating any more bologna. The buck stopped there....

That is it for today.

Tere Hoover Carroll

Back to Stories Menu
 

It has been a while since I paid a visit to the GDHS site. In browsing, I read Roderick Williams' well written excerpt which brought back memories of GDHS. Recently, my past has caught up with my present, so I thought I'd contribute.

"Where are they now," I often wonder. My experiences at GDHS is a fond place for me to reminisce. Many friends have made those five years as good as they were. Earl Zastrow, one of my best friends. He and I were branded by Ms. Dickinson (Spanish/Drama teacher) as Gemelos (twins). Roderick Williams whom on his first day at GDHS, he forgot his locker combination. Although he was deathly afraid of me due to my Punk Rock appearance, we became very close friends because I offered him use of my locker. Incidentally, the situation was supposed to be temporary, not the entire school year as it turned out. Zhalynn Martinez who made fun of my suspenders (which I wore throughout my sophomore year); Danny Sweeney who was branded Batmite, my side kick (at the time, my hair was something out of "Flock of Seagulls" and others referred to me as Batman); Shane Goodrich, who became one of my good friends, although I made smart remarks about his tennis shoes which looked like they could be exhibited at the Smithsonian; the Skinners who encouraged me to partake in drama and through Michelle, met upper classmen; Teresa Watson, my Punk Rock sister, Rock Lobster partner, and got me to attend the prom during my Freshman year. And many othersÉ

Spanish class was one of my favorites. Friends like Elena Francisco, her best friend, Caroline, and I practiced Spanish outside of class, learning to conjugate verbs forbidden in Ms. Dickenson's classroom (which would inadvertently make their way into class activities). This kind of behavior continued in other class projects such as skits like "Oroguardaropa" (which literally translates to Gold Locker). This was our version of Goldilocks. A cast of 4 men, one of which was dressed up as Goldilocks in a flapper dress! It was the only thing we could find in the auditorium wardrobe department.

Mr. Wilson's class is one to remember. He had his favorite targets like Myrna Freeman, Roderick Williams and me. He loved to taunt me with imaginary scissors, pretending to cut the 6" tail protruding from behind my head. I am glad I had the opportunity to thank him during one of my visits to the PI. Mr. Wilson, to date, is one of the best teachers I've had.

Coach Kinghorn was a total sport. I remember at the end of the "Three Blind Mice" production, Earl Zastrow and I had absolutely nothing to do, until the track team ran past us after school. We simply looked at each other and at that very moment said "Why not!" Next thing I know, I was running from George Dewey up towards Binictican and down through the golf course in one of the hottest days I remember (hating every moment of it). To make matters worse, I did not excel in any of the events until the first meet. Coach didn't know about the "Duck Walk" (until it was announced) and I was his victim. If memory is correct, the one time the GDHS team took third place, the bus ride home was not without incident. We were either hyperventilating, nauseous, feverishÉyou name it!!! The price we paid for pushing ourselves

Drama!!! Throughout high school, played a Russian ballet teacher (Kolenkov), Prince Charming (Cinderella wore combat boots), and Detective Sergeant Trotter (Three Blind Mice). Ms. Dickinson required us to wear costumes to school right before a production. It was fine until I had to wear tights. Mind you, at the time, we were in swim class! I'm surprised I didn't rip these things after being in the pool all day. Three Blind Mice was a challenge. I did not want the part mainly because the character had 90% of the lines in the script, and memorizing lines was not my forte. But Ms. Dickinson had more confidence in me than I did. This was evident on our first production night when she grabbed both my shoulders and demanded that I not pause on stage. It didn't matter what I said, just don't stop talking!

And who can forget their Senior Year!!! Voted unanimously as Most School Spirited along side Kim Johnson. Going OIT became a regular ritual even during the week. Student Council with Mr. Schertzing was almost comic. He often moaned and groaned about anything, but in the end will endorse your ideas. His guidance, however, was precious. Recently, my brother was stationed in Okinawa where Mr. Schertzing is now the Principal. Although this is hearsay, he allegedly said that until he met my niece and nephew, he thought he had rid himself of Slonsky's. Reconnaissance missions like when Kim Johnson, Jim Hazuga and I raised the Stars and Stripes on the GDHS flagpole, knowing full well that the Philippine government forbade this unless it is flown with the Filipino flag. How about Roderick, 2 other brave seniors, and I provided comedy relief during the girls basketball championship game! These and many more are a part of who I am today. For those of you who know me well, and would like to know, I have conformed more to the establishment. However, when the opportunity allows, I try to remain true to my rebel self!

Back to Stories Menu

The time on senior skip day, when Charles Slonsky drank the tasteful yet foul smelling D.J. BEER and Roderick Williams used a paper bag to catch the throw up.

The young lady in Japan during the wrestling season losing her hair to NAIR!!!

The C.O. of the base coming to investigate the mysterious happenings of the night before, and coming back for seconds.

Only some will understand, and those will be laughing for years to come

Back to Stories Menu

Whenever I meet someone for the first time, I always search for that common ground between us. How many times have YOU met someone who also lived in Subic Bay? If you ever have, you immediately experience that instant bond and feel as if you've known them forever. Inevitably, we share our most cherished memories and giggle over, complain about, or simply marvel at the spectacle that could only be Subic Bay.

Following are my most vivid memories:

-I remember the bats at dusk heading for their nightly carousing and the awful stench that accompanied their massive gray-black curtain in the early evening sky.

-I remember the truck that came through the neighborhood in the evening to spray the bug-zap gas. It's a wonder any of us had children after that!

-Remember when you went to the store and security had to do a money pick-up? The armed guards made you stand completely still while the one made the money drop. I was convinced they'd sooner blow your head off if you so much as sneezed.

-I remember how they ALWAYS played the national anthem and showed the Stars & Stripes before watching any movie at the theater.

-Remember the Jolo Club? Everyone seems to remember it, but I've yet to meet anyone who has actually has been in it (including myself!)

-I remember taking driver's ed with Charles Slonsky in the summer of '82. It's a wonder we even passed!

-I remember getting busted for drawing moustaches and blacked-out teeth on someone's school pics. What a smart one I was for leaving the pics propped up in the teacher's bathroom. Later, someone squealed on me and I was told to pay for the pictures. In the same breath, it was also suggested that I shouldn't steal the money to pay for it. Gee, thanks.

-I remember also getting busted for "PDA" or "public display of affection." I was with my boyfriend (remember TC?) and in the last stage of a quick kiss when we were caught by the ol' principal. He told us our parents would be contacted so I thought I'd make things easier on myself by calling my mom up to tell her. Figured things would go better if she heard it from me rather than from the school. WRONG! Mom got pissed and grounded me and in an ironic twist, the school NEVER called! Go figure.

-Remember the White Lady and that little 3-legged ghost boar? A neighbor of ours woke up one night feeling severe heart pains but his wife was too scared to drive him up to Cubi Pt. They begged my dad to take them. Was he pissed when he found out they were scared of seeing the White Lady! Turns out our neighbor had heartburn.

-Remember Grande Island? Ahhhh... 'Nuff said.

-I remember winning the talent show one year with Charles Slonsky and Earl Zastrow for our clever dance interpretation of Hall & Oates' "Man Eater." Every time I hear that song I always think back to our little routine.

-Speaking of songs, "Rock Lobster" will always remind me of Subic Bay.

-And of course, who can forget, the old guy at the bridge who kept up his steady string of unintelligible gibberish?

My 6-1/2 year old son listens intently whenever I recant these stories of my youth. At once this both gladdens and saddens me. For now, my son is happy to listen to what his old Mom has to say and for a few more years yet he won't go out of his way to administer the grand rolling of eyes whenever his mom speaks. This makes me happy. At the same time, it makes me sad to know that this will never be something he will ever be able to experience. Is this what it feels like to finally grow up? Welcome to adulthood!

Be good to each other!

Regards, Zee (otherwise known as Zhalynn)

Back to Stories Menu

ODE TO THE ADMIRAL

There was once a time in our lives where we were unbound and unaffected by the times, we were just along for the ride, helpless and dependent. Although, it held us in responsibility to our surroundings- naturally- being in a foreign land. We were young, impressionable and wide eyed. For a lot of us it was a frightful time to be in a foreign country and having to deal with a foreign culture, along with our own, and the intermingling of the two. Within our own minds we each dealt with situations differently and by no means were we in lack of creativity. We took our lickings and kept on ticking, with thoughts of returning to the mainland pushed back to the farthest reaches of our mind, so we could deal with the tasks at hand. We had added responsibilities, added to our list of duties always reminded of it in an AFRTS TV and radio commercials. And, in light of all this, pressed for time- it some how turned out to be a manageable ordeal. We made many friends and lost touch with just as many, we found true love and fell out of it like the dawn of a new day, we made enemies and came to terms with our hate, we lived joyous memories and endured the pain, but most of all we learned, for the experience was truly once in lifetime. For us, time had a power that was beyond our capacity to manipulate. And, as the days past, so... did the time show, to leave us weary in the end. But not defeated. There wasn't nothing we couldn't do.

This is dedicated to the memory of Mr. Darwin Scales. Whom, I consider the greatest instructor...

I'll always remember you dude! This is my speech assignment,
It's a little late. Can I still get credit for this? IM SURE YOU'LL BE
PROUD OF THIS ONE!

- Sotero Occiano Arce III

Back to Stories Menu

I went to GDHS from 81 to 86, all five years! In that time I was often frustrated because my friends were always moving away. However I soon learned that every year I would gain new and different friends. The kids that came through our school (often only for their senior year) were an amazing mix. They hailed from everywhere, accents filled the halls. New musical tastes (it was the 80's) and surprising hair (Hi Charles) always made for conversation on the first day of school.

I think the environment that we created was always full of fresh life, new people and rare knowledge.

Like raising that flag. How about the basketball team missing the tournament because a fleeing president took their plane?! How many bars were there on Magsaysay? Where were you when they closed the main gate on a Friday night? (MikeBunker) Where else could you take a B Co marine to the prom? ( Jill Burgess) I still love those dress blues!

The sunshine and sandy beaches… Sunday morning waterskiing and Bloody Marys…

Yeah, small wonder they made Subic a resort. Are any of us really surprised? It WAS a resort. I miss the beaches so much…my senior skip day at Grande Island…ESQ Tanduay rum and White Castle Whiskey!

We, my friends and cohorts , (partners in underage drinking) were privy to a special environment that was culturally diverse before the term was even invented. I know that the lessons I learned in the halls were some of the most important of my life because of the necessary open-ness required to co-exist with many different people. To me it was truly a moment in time because when I finally got stateside I learned that what I knew was truly special and would never be re-created on the same scale. And it never has.

Back to Stories Menu