Years Ago
This column, contributed by Skaneateles Honors English students from the class of 2022, is written to connect the past to the present by revisiting articles from years ago. The students would like to thank the Skaneateles Historical Society for providing the archives and Eagle Newspapers for publishing their words.
20 Years Ago
… According to the “This Week In History” segment of the Skaneateles Press, on March 10, 1969 James Earl Ray pleaded guilty to the assassination of Martin Luther King Junior. Also, on March 13, 1868 President Andrew Johnson was the first president in US history to be impeached. Clearly this week in March has been pretty eventful in the past, but what big events have occurred during the twenty first century? In the year 2003, on March 20, the war in Iraq had just begun, and on March 16, 2006 the revolutionary Blu-Ray was released. Weirdly enough, also on March 16, 2007 a three way tie on the game Jeopardy had occurred for the first time ever. What will happen during this week in the future? Will anything make history this year?
40 Years Ago
… The Skaneateles Press released a photo of local students preparing for their journey around the world. The photo shows them discussing their possible destinations in the near future. These five students included: Darcy Wise, Deanna DalPos, Sue Coates, Diane Lozowsky, and Mary Gail Mercurio. This opportunity was made possible through the American Field Service exchange programs which originally started as a group of ambulance drivers from World War II who wanted to “help prevent future conflict through cultural exchange and understanding” as quoted from their mission statement. Today, the American Field Service, now referred to as AFS Intercultural Programs, is fully operational and larger than ever. In 2018, AFS placed 12,176 Study Abroad Participants with 8,500 host families, in 99 different countries. You can apply for this amazing program by going to their website at afsusa.org/.
60 Years Ago
… Two local seniors from Skaneateles were finalists in the National Merit Scholarship. John Donald McCarthy and Irene M. Piekarski were awarded certificates of merit. The students distinguished themselves by their high scores on two college aptitude tests used in the National Merit Scholarship competition. About 0.6 percent of the seniors in each state received awards. Around $2.5 million dollars total was distributed among the finalists along with the awards made to those as Merit Scholars. The finalists awarded Merit Scholarships were decided by the Merit Scholar Selection Committee and by special judging teams. Students still compete for the National Merit Scholarship today, and the same aptitude tests are used. It is much bigger now than it was in 1960. Around 1.6 million high school students compete with 15,000 finalists being selected and 7,600 students ultimately receiving a Merit Scholarship Award. Today, there are three different types of Merit Scholarship awards: one is awarded by the corporation itself, one is corporate-sponsored, and one is college-sponsored. The test is no longer based on need but on the promise of the student. To learn more, go to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s website at nationalmerit.org.
80 Years Ago
… The Skaneateles Press published an article describing an epidemic of “old-fashioned colds” that were so severe, they resulted in 240 absences out 650 registered pupils and ultimately the closing of public schools. Currently we are in “flu season”, which generally starts in October and tapers off during April. The flu, or influenza, can cause nausea, fatigue, fever, sore throat, nasal congestion, and headaches. In addition, the flu can lead to more serious medical issues in young children. While the flu virus can be easily spread, there are plenty of ways to prevent it. Actions as simple as washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and practicing good hygiene can significantly reduce the spread of the flu. Because the flu vaccine is not always 100% effective it is important to use these strategies as well. Generally, the flu isn’t life threatening, but according to cdc.gov there were over 10,000 hospitalizations related to the flu between October 2019 and February 2020, so it is still well worth your time to try and avoid it.
100 Years Ago
… 22 students ranging from second grade to seventh grade were selected for the Honor Roll. Picked monthly, students were required to be neither late nor absent and to achieve a 75 percent or higher average on their monthly tests. Some of the selected students included Frederick Weeks, Douglas Marshall, William Allyn, Leona Smith, and Paul Waterman. Now in 2020, Skaneateles High School has the High Honor Roll and Honor Roll which are based on a student’s average grade in each marking period. At Skaneateles High School you must have a 90 percent or higher marking period average for High Honor Roll recognition. To achieve regular Honor Roll, you must earn an 85 percent or above. The Honor Roll was and still is a very prestigious award that takes a lot of hard work and dedication, so it is nice to see the achievements of Skaneateles students recognized in the newspaper.
