I don't remember a whole lot about GDHS & it's staff, but I do remember the time spent there during junior high in '85-'86. I guess as we all get older, the memories seem to become just images of recollections. I remember truth or dare in the back of a bus with everyone watching with curiosity and lust. Cliques and chaos revolved like the helicopters during the revolution. The strike struck all off us, especially the marine who got stabbed trying to get back on post. Bus rides were free as we met all our other friends who had to crawl through the jungle and under the fence. Everyone was both scared yet brave as we trashed the game rooms or watch the breakfast club. School was out for a month or two and we actually missed it!

Our small teenage community was divided by a fence. We were so innocent and we didn't have a clue, so we met in racket ball courts to forget about the intensity. There were two "gangs" we had high respect for, O.X. and the Boys (first known as songi boys) It was air jordans vs. lighter brands (burns). Breakin' first cultured these beginning cliques. The teen club & school gym: Jimmy Chance and Ray Turner were our gods. What was it? R.P.M? There was also football with a team full of hoodlums, stoners and jocks. Cheerleaders were important for the ride back from Clark.

Like I said I donÕt remember too much about Dewey, but i remember "us.Ó I remember surfers who desperately and devotedly fended for waves at San Miguel and Grande Island. I remember there werenÕt enough females in Subic so we'd go to Clark. I remember soda was 15 cents in the cafe, a good cover for rum and cola during class. Liquor was available to anyone over 12 and going "out in town" was always a blast! Billboards, east coast, cal-jam and chefs always got us loaded enough for stop by at the massage parlors.  These are the memories left with me, these are the things that were important me during this chaotic time. It was our own private suburbia and we were the legends. We ruled because we were in control being out of control. There are many sides to this story but this is how I remember it. George Dewey High School, the foundation of my education, and Subic Bay, Olongapo the foundation of my adolescence. I lived a crazier life after... but these are the memories that I keep deep within, the most important memories. They were the beginning of my puberty. Thanks fellow alumni! Most especially... Nate Chun, Steve George, Mike Williams, Suzy Chambers, Leo Gonzales, Arnel Aguinaldo and others I can't remember at this time.

Joe Pancho GDHS '90

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I went to Dewey from school year 90-91, and 91-92. I was there for 7th and 8th grade, but I still remember all the fun I had with all my friends. Especially on the weekends hanging out at either BillBoards, or the Teen Center. I remember riding the school bus and laughing with my friends. 8th grade I hung with a bunch of girls known as "KAOS". We always had fun doing whatever. It was weird being in the Philippines. To me, it felt like we were in another world. Sure we had our school gangs, and sometimes fights broke out here and there, but I felt safe. Now a days, you always hear about some kid shooting other kids in their school, but at Dewey, we never worried about that. The only thing we ever worried about was passing tests, or what we would do on the weekends. I think about the past and wonder where my life would be if Subic never closed. I know I probably woudn't have joined the Army, and I wouldn't have met my husband, nor would I be expecting my first child...so I guess it's true when they say the Lord works in misterious ways,because when I finally left the Philippines that was truly the saddest day of my life, but I'm living the happiest days of my life right now. And seeing my friends gather in a circle and just hugging each other, knowing that we might never see each other again...we all cried, even the guys who always acted tough..they all cried. Because no one knew where their life would lead them. So to all my friends who might read this...hello. and I miss you all.

Always, Sherryl Ponteras

(just got married on 29 May 99, so I'm Sherryl Burrus now)

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I may not have been one of the most popular people nor was I one of the most liked people in GDHS. But in spite of all that, GDHS has given me so many memories that can never be forgotten. Anyway, how can a person forget the "era of Mt. Pinatubo"? I remember the first day of school in 8th grade back in '91... Everyone has just gotten back from evacuating to diffeent parts of the world because of Mt. Pinatubo. It was so weird to see so many new teachers and new students as well. I was wondering what happened to some teachers that were there the year before. It was also scary to see that the canteen was demolished by Mt. Pinatubo. What was even scarier were the steps that led to the former math building which was nothing but ruins. I still remember getting my first detention from my 7th grade math teacher, Mr. Slagle, in that building. I don't think anyone would want to know why I got detention from him. The canteen was moved to the far end of the gym. Now, that canteen was something else. They served stuff (as far as I can remember) like ice candy, Mr. Chips, and PeeWee (those barbecue flavored round thingies). You can never have those here in the States.

Aside from the originality of the canteen's service, the field trips in GDHS were pretty tight. From field trips to Mt. Samat (in the neighboring province of Bataan) to walking field trips around Subic. Not only did all these field trips have educational value, they had social value as well. Even though I WAS the biggest nerd in GDHS, I got to learn how to mingle a little and make a few friends of my own. All that teasing trauma I've dealt with before has taught me to become a better and stronger person now. To all you people from GDHS reading this...hey, I still remember some of you! Good luck in your lives & I hope you're all doing alright. :)

take care and much love,

:::Jannie:::

(Janise DeLeon c/o '96)

P.S.: Hope that little story didn't bore you. I was also known to bore people back then. :)

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I had one of the best memories at GDHS, I was in 7th grade when the mother frigin P.I. government kicked us out :-). Best memories Going to Grande Island on the weekend with the gang Eloy Bermudes,Mike Caboteja, Chris Pereria, Jeff Quenga, etc. And all of us trying to hit on Judee Erickson, Melony ALvarez, Tanya Reed (sometimes), etc. We didn't need cars over there, we had the bus that took us everywhere it only cost 15 cents, but there were ways to sneak in for free. A lot of us were happy that we were going to the states after we left the base, but many of us wish we could go back to that simple life, where friends were family, and we did not need a daytime job, all we thought about was hanging out, going to the beach, talking about girls and guys, but life goes on and all we have are fond memories of being young in Subic Bay...........

Riv Amores

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Hey every one its me Jennifer. I jus wanted to share some of my crazy memories with all of you. Well, I started school there in 88 and left during the summer of 91 because of that damn Mt.Pinatubo. Dang that day was so sad for me. I never really got to say good bye to all my friends. Until this day I wish that I could turn back time so I could hug and kiss every one that was a part of my life in the P.I, and that was almost every one there. (dang that's a lot of kissin and huggin huh) And also so I could tell you all how much your friendships meant to me. I really wanted to go back that last year but my dad had to have his orders changed. So instead we went to Cali. But anyway there is soooo many memories that I have of you all. Like all the field days we had. That s... was cool. We just kicked it on the field, took pictures, played some games, and just hung out with each other. I remember going to the teen center to watch the same ol music videos, watch the fellas skate, or just to met up with a boyfriend.=) I remember going to "BILLBOARDS" so I could get my club on. I remember having my first tequila shot there. I remember the fights we would have there. I remember all our friends we would met there, and got so s... faced that you had to drag there a.... to the gate.=0 HA HA. I remember having to pay a total of three pesos on those crazy jeepny rides and then tapping on the roof for them to stop. And when they finally stopped its so far away from where you wanted to get off. I remember those parties at Jenn Bailey's house. (oooh yeah here I go =)) When we played spin the bottle, truth or dare, and seven minutes in heaven.OHHHHH my god that was so crazy. And the stories us ladies would tell each other after the party about what we did, who we did it with, and how it felt. =0Ha Ha HA . Somebody stop me !!!!!!! You know you fellas were doing the same thing too. Dang were are hormones going crazy or what. Remember those 40 to 45 minute rides to Grande Island? Remember when we would just hang out at the Bowling ally and do nothing? Remember all those school dances we had? Remember all the boy friends and girl friends we had? Remember the heart breaks we felt when one of our friends had to leave? Remember that bulletin board they had outside of the office where they posted all the people who were new and who were leaving Remember all those fights, and having to stay in the office to work things out? That crap didn't help. Remember hanging out in the library before school? Remember going into the bathroom and it smelled like smoke so when you got out you smelt like smoke too? Remember ditching school and walking threw the bushes that led out by Mc Donald's? And the negretos that kicked it on the side of the road selling fish. Dang so so much to tell you all. I miss those days a lot. And I'm very glad you guys were there to share those crazy times with me. I will never forget you all and the memories I have of you. Take care and god bless you in every thing you do.

Your crazy friend,

Jennifer (big booty) Bottomley

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Hello to all fellow GDHS alumni. Many of you may not have remembered me, but I attended GDHS in the '91-'92 school year. For those of you that did remember me, I was the one wearing those "I Survived Mt. Pinatubo eruptions" T-shirts. I was only in GDHS for that school year b/c I was originally from Clark AFB. The memories that I will carry on with me from GDHS will never be forgotten.

I could still remember the day when I arrived in Subic NAS. Right when I arrived, I knew right then that this was the place where I wanted to spend all of my high school years. I thought the students in GDHS would bully me around and treat me as a slave like how I was treated in Clark AFB. But then I realized that GDHS was nothing like that. Everyone in school was friendly and was willing to make me as their special friend. I didn't really have much friends in GDHS. The only people that I could remember were the people that I hanged out with during lunch ( at the nipa hut ), cafateria during pizza day, and friends in my classes. Every weekend I would spend time with my friends in West Kalayaan housing area, ride my mountain bike all over Subic, and play recreational baseball in the GDHS baseball field.

I really miss the Subic lifestyle where life was simple and violence was half way around the world from us. I really miss the "kick back and relax" lifestyle that I no longer have here in the US where we now have to worry about our safety. I miss the lifestyle where getting around the base was a cinch. I miss going to Olongapo City where life was filled laughter/happiness like we just won WW2, & no one was given the "hard look".

I remember when we had to play the vietnamese from the Morong camp that was not too far away from Subic. I didn't realize how good they were, but I think I was the closest one scoring a goal against them. I will never forget the last dance with the 7th-8th graders. I remember that I had to go back to my house b/c I was under-dressed. To me this was probably the most memorable dance in my life b/c I never danced with so many girls until this dance. I will never forget riding the bus ( from Swordfish St. to GDHS ) every morning and afternoon. I will never forget getting a snack over in the gym. Those ice candies, pop sodas, & chips really lightened my day. I will never forget the day when the commander of Subic NAS came over to commemorate the end of GDHS where we had to throw the balloons into the sky. The only songs that I could remember that remind me of GDHS are "It's So Hard To Say Good-Bye" and "Save The Best For Last". I wonder how everyone from the C/O '96 is doing and where all of them are right now. I remember when I went to Billboard's with my brother before we left for the US. That was the first time I went to a club. I will never forget saying hello to the bodyguard that always stood outside of my house everyday who had to guard the fence from invaders sneaking in. I remember when I won best dancer with Richard Timonera in one of the GDHS dances. I remember when I had a crush on Gail Pumroy. I remember when the C/O '96 had a field trip to Mt. Samat in the province of Bataan. It's too bad we couldn't go up the cross. I remember when I went to the Banuae Rice Terraces and accidentally met Mrs. Rabe b/c her jeepney had a flat tire. Even though I didn't know much people in GDHS, I really had a lotta fun. If GDHS never closed, I wonder how popular I would've been when I graduated...J/K :)

As I look back these memories that I had in GDHS will never come back again. Only mirror images show up once in a while. For all of you from the C/O '96....I will never forget you all. I wish you all the best in whatever you do in your lives. We should have a C/O '96 reunion before the millenium!

A fellow GDHS'er,

Melvin Fallorina Dumlao ( C/O '96 )

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I attended GDHS from 89 to 91. There are so many memories. I read an earlier post that mentioned "the Boys". Wow. I had forgotten all about that so called "gang". Anyway, those "Boys" were my friends. I often wonder what happened to everyone. Daniel (aka "Dee") Smith, Nate Chun, Matt Nordwall, Matt Reffett and Jason Reffett-- what ever happened to you guys?

We had some great times. Grande Island definitely comes to mind. That was our place to get away. Swim, surf, spear fish, drink, hang out. Olongapo....that was a lot of fun too. I remember all the bars by their drink specialties. The Cork Room (basement) definitely had the best Long Island Ice Teas. I also remember being locked on base during the Gulf War. We had to find other means to entertain ourselves since we couldn't go off the base. I remember the amusement center on base became our place to hang out during that time.

Anyway, Subic was a great place to live as a teenager. There was so much to do. I went to the beach alot. I rode horses a lot. I partied a lot. But most of all, I had a lot of fun with other dependents. I do wish I had the opportunity to say goodbye to my friends, but Mt. Pinatubo preempted that. Our summer and chance to say "goodbye" was cut short by the volcano's eruptions.

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I entered GDHS during the fall of '90. The early nineties were very memorable yet stressful for Subic and GDHS. I will never forget the time during Ms. Dickerson's life science class when they announced over the PA system that the gulf war had just started. Most of the students in Dewey had their fathers in the Middle East during Desert Storm, so one could only imagine the tension felt during that day.

I will also forever carry the horrors of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. I hope I will never again experience a day that is literally pitch black. I guess the aftermath was a sign of things to come because the eruption destroyed the classrooms where Mr. Perry Slagle taught. Now, GDHS will not be GDHS without good ole Perry Slagle.

But of course, the most painful memory, one that is collectively kept by GDHS attendees was the final days of Dewey. I never got to see Dewey finally closing down because I had to move a few months before classes end. Nonetheless, my last bus trip from the parking lot to my house off base was an emotional one.

But hey, Dewey was not all about pain and horror. We had great fun in this obscure DOD high school in the Pacific. At least I can speak for the early '90s.

We came from an era that was all about gangs, surfers and skaters. Everybody wanted a "real" Raiders Starter hat. Everyone wanted to sport FloJos and the latest Air Jordans (for some people Bo Jacksons). We had pep rallies that did not really matter since sports were stalled because of NPA threats. We had rumbles now and then. It was usually between the Bloods and the IBP, the IBP vs. SSI and the Bloods against SSI. Those fights were funny. Pizza days, holiday candy grams, the mile run for Stauffer's gym class---many people from my class should recall these. I rolled with a pack that consisted of nobodies like Anthony Allen, Jason Baker, Jesse Navarro and Billy Malloy. But the lines among groups blurred I think after Pinatubo. Our class was more united during Dewey's last year. Can't forget the homeys back then: Nelson Willis, Eric Shefstad, Marvin Reese, Tim O'Brien, Martin and Marvin Leon Guerrero, Karlo Sta. Ana, Ed Apostol, Alvin Papa, Melvin Dumlao, Chris Garlick, Chris Jordan and others whose names escape my memory at the moment.

I never really went to the dances, never even been to Hi Fidelity or Teen Center. But I have always liked going to GDHS. It was not really a school that would make you want to ditch class. Every morning was a another day spent to learn new things, do stupid high school pranks and most of all be with people who you can really call friends.

After all these years I'm still damn proud to call myself an Admiral.
Ruel Ramirez
class of '96

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I read Stacy Peter's memory of George Dewey High/Subic Bay and it lured me into writing one. Almost 11 years have gone by now since I left Subic and wouldn't mind going back, if things could be the same. That's life though, things change. I can remember hanging out with the whole "surfer" crew; Philip Jones, Chris Miller, Joe Rabb, Nick DePietro, Clyde Simmons, and Jay Cueto out at Jetty. The notorious surf break on Grand Island. Known for great sets that contained waves that would break and head into a stone pier / Jetty. Only a bunch of crazy kids and a few sailors, who had no other waves to ride, would take the challenge of riding these waves. Knowing that you could possibly end up on the Jetty if things went wrong. It was a lot of fun, especially watching Jay Iverson get pitched "over the falls", many times, and being named over the falls "King". We had a lot of fun out there.

I enjoyed hanging out with Cathy Calamug and Tara O'Brian during and in between classes. Attending Mr. Pollard's World Geography class and watching every student in there, including myself, give him a hard time was very entertaining. I apologize now.

One of my worst memories of the place was getting paid $1.50 during the summer hire program. Oh wait, it was $1.73, forgot about the .23 cents for imminent danger pay. I didn't really have to work hard. I worked at the BOQ on mainside. My day consisted mostly of sitting at the front desk or sleeping in one of the rooms, then going to the Chuck Wagon for lunch. Geez, what a rough life!

Of course there are the Magsaysay stories, and I'm sure we all have them. Only time a kid can start drinking at age 15 and not get into any trouble with the local authorities. It's the only place where you can buy a hard boiled egg containing a duck that is half-way through it's gestation period. Otherwise know as "balut". All of that was put to a quick halt when Pinatubo errupted. I'll never forget the day that I was standing on the pier at Subic, getting ready to board the USS Comstock, and looking out at Jetty, the waves were huge and topped with ash. I wish I could have said goodbye.

If any of my old buddies, or anyone that remembers me, reads this memory, drop me a line sometime. I am living in San Diego now and my e-mail address is woodde@hotmail.com. Take care.

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I want to share my fondest and most vivid memories of GDHS. 

The things that stand out about GDHS in my mind, are how safe, laid back, and fun it was.  I can't remember learning anything while there, but I can definately remember all the silly things I did along with my partners in crime.  Depending on what class I was in, I would make trouble with Ryan Ignacio, Tiffany Murphy, Sheba Ferguson, Desiree Carreon, Michelle Briggs, and so on.  We would pass notes, make funny faces to each other across the classroom, or even crack jokes.

I remember the candy grams that would be sent out on Valentine's that cost 50 cents.  I remember the $1 pizza on Fridays and the icees that cost a nickel.  I remember how Michelle Briggs and I had a lunch routine everyday.  We would get our food and sit on one of the benches right in front of the school and watch people walk by.  It would be just the two of us dorks and we would talk about the cute boys, like Ray Johnson, James Stauffer, or my favorite, Glenn Jordan.  We would also talk about New Kids on the Block or 90210.  I am happy to say that Michelle and I keep in touch to this day and we've seen each other several times over the years.  By the way, she's doing GREAT!

I remember how the canteen was the best place to be during our fifteen minute break. 

I remember Ms. Dickerson being the coolest teacher ever! She made science fun and exciting! She was so hysterical and energetic.  Coach M was another science teacher that made class memorable.  He had this silly birthday tradition with a silly song.  The birthday student had to stand on their desk while the class sang a slow and wicked version of Happy Birthday to them.

I recently came back from a trip to Southern California where I visited several GDHS alumni.  I stayed with Lionel Davis and Chris Jordan.  I saw Chris Garlick, Krista Mills, Rodney Bernales, and Rex Bernales.  It was so wonderful seeing those guys again and seeing that they are all doing well and that our spoiled life in the PI didn't ruin them. 

So, during my visit the topic of GDHS came up a few times and we all agreed that we were so lucky to live in such a beautiful and safe place.  We hadn't a care in the world, except for minor things like pimples and whether the hairspray we put in that morning would hold for the whole day.  We were spoiled rotten and can only hope that our children can one day experience such a glorious life.

Since GDHS, I've survived four years of high school and four years of college and I cannot look back on those eight years and find as many happy memories as I collected while at GDHS for all of two years. 

When I'm 50 I know that I will still be talking to Michelle Briggs, Lionel Davis and Chris Jordan.  I know that we will still revert back to the way we were in the 7th and 8th grades, as if a day hadn't passed. 

And, I love that! I love you all and hope that the best has come your way!

Jaclyn Van Warrebey

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Dear Friends,

I truly enjoyed my time spent on the base. I have met some great people that in one way or more have made me who I am today.
I remember Jennifer Bottomly, Liz Stauffer, Tracy Crawford, Michelle Miller, and many more.
I have always wondered what has happened to all of you and I always wished everyone the best in life.
We had the ‘Teen Centers’, sports during the school year and during the summers, and last but not least we all had one thing in common…being a military brat that knows how it feels to be the ‘new’ kid at any school since we have traveled around so much!

I currently live in Queens, New York. I work for Honeywell Security Int. and I am in Finance.
I love enjoying all that life, family, and friends have to offer.
We have a bond that only some wished that they had; a lot of the newer friends that I have in my life now don’t know or will never experience the closeness we have, the connections we’ve made, and the experiences of living on a base overseas and knowing that our families have given their lives for our freedom.
I remember that exact moment that our school announced that the first Bush president claimed ‘war’ in the Middle East.

Please feel free to contact me and I don’t mean to have forgotten anyone’s names. All of you have place in my heart, God Bless, and love you all very much.
Almira.carbone@honeywell.com
631-704-2443
631-692-1562

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