St. Petersburg High School 1991 Yearbook (St. Petersburg, FL) - Full Access

Just as you planted a huge kiss on your boyfriend's lips, you heard a throat clear behind you . Scared to turn around , you looked at your sweetheart. He had a look of embarrassment on his face, so, you turned around . There stood an administrator . You gulped, and waited for what you knew was coming. " Now you two do know what P.D.A. is?" You nodded. "and you do know that this is not allowed. " You nodded again. "and you do know that there will be repercussions?" Once again, you gave a feeble nod . What exactly is a P.D.A., one might ask? Above: No "dirty dancing." Prom night allows friends like Maria Heck and Marc Kennedy to "get close." 34 • Student Llfe/PDA Well, it is a public display of affection, which here at SPHS is a "no-no." As for the specifics of this policy, the only acceptable display is hand-holding. Mrs. Jean Matheney, Assistant Principal, said that this policy was necessary, "I think that affection should be shown on an individual basis and not in the public domain. There is a time and a place, and school is not it." If one was guilty of a P.D.A. the consequences could range from a detention to suspension for one day on the grounds of defiance . The punishment was based on the degree of the P.D.A., and on the frequency of this particular offender. Right: Who wears the pants in this relationship? Tony Rizzo and Stephanie Todd share a kiss as they exchange roles. Senior Kesh Prashad, stated, " I think the policy is good, to a certain extent, if [the P.D.A.] was taken to an excess, then it should be prevented, but a simple 'peck' or hug is acceptable to me." Junior Christine Hancock agreed, "The policy is fine, but hand· holding, or a kiss on the cheek should be allowed ." Senior John Emblidge expressed his view, "I think it gets a little ridiculous at times. It doesn't bother me to see a couple kissing in the hallway . It should be up to the couple's own judgment what they want to reveal to the public about their relationship." Some students opposed any type of restriction. Senior Kevin Huguet felt, "It is too strict, they are treating us like kindergarteners, I think they should trust the morals of the students to know better than to go too far in displaying their affection." The severity of the consequences might have been disproportionate for the offense, but the next time you were tempted to give an ardent goodbye to your loved one, you settled for a smile, because Saturday school wasn't fun, and after all, you were going out that night anyway. -Kirsten Faulder