The 1980s
A Decade of Growth, A Decade of Change
Peoria High School- A Window for our Future
With a large number of students now attending Cactus High School, Peoria High School started the decade with about 700 students. Not only did the number of students attending change dramatically but also the makeup of the campus. By 1985 changes to the campus included the acquisition of the old Peoria Elementary campus, a new Performing Arts Center (dedicated in 1985), a new Library (Media Center), new Agricultural Landscaping projects (done by Senior Agricultural Students), the Ray Mitokawa Sports Complex, and the completion of the Japanese Tea Garden in 1988.
The growth of the Peoria High School student population went from 700 students in 1980 to 1400 students in 1985. At this point, the district opened Ironwood High School, but the Peoria High School population continued to grow through the rest of the 1980s. By the end of the decade, the student population had swollen to 1700 students.
The growth of student population and building space led to more opportunities in Special Education and the Performing Arts area was able to offer more programs, like plays and recitals, with more space. Clubs and sports programs enjoyed more participation and success.
Truly the 1980s showed an expansion of the Panther Spirit to an ever-growing west-side population.
The Year of the Panther
A year comes in –– a year goes out.
And now that I’m where I am,
What is life all about?
What I have done? Where I have been?
I end where I am, and then begin again.
And I am what I’ve done, and I am what I’ve been. . .
But most of me has just begun:
Pressing on, moving, striving,
Accepting those challenges that lie ahead,
And never being content with remaining at that
Plateau that I might reach.
For I’ve learned that this is the way
Of the Panther.
For me, every year that I live will be. . .
“The Year Of The Panther.”
Ron Hildreth,
1967 Graduate of Peoria H.S. and
1980s Teacher of Biology and Yearbook at Peoria H.S.
1980s Photo Gallery
The 1980s
#6 of the Six Pillars of Peoria H.S.
#6 of the Six Pillars of Peoria H.S.
#6 of the Six Pillars of Peoria H.S.
Dr. Raymond S. Kellis started his career teaching at Peoria High School in 1956. He retired in 1995 as Superintendent of the Peoria Unified School District. Read more below.
80's Administrators & Teachers
#6 of the Six Pillars of Peoria H.S.
#6 of the Six Pillars of Peoria H.S.
Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.
PHS in 1980's
#6 of the Six Pillars of Peoria H.S.
1980's Timeline
The Spirit of a Panther
Capture the Spirit,
that Frame of Mind,
the Attitude of Heart,
the Courage that makes us “Panthers”. It's a vital force,
it comes from deep within.
It drives us and motivates us to always do our very best.
It's a spirit once captured, can never be lost,
because it's The Spirit of a “Panther”. -
by Ron Hildreth 1982
1980's Timeline
Entertainment of the 1980s
1980's Timeline
The population of the United States exploded during the 80's. The birth of the internet happened as did other technological inventions See more below.
Movies of the 1980s
Entertainment of the 1980s
Entertainment of the 1980s
Everyone has a favorite movie from the 1980s, Which one is yours? Check it out below in the Vault.
Entertainment of the 1980s
Entertainment of the 1980s
Entertainment of the 1980s
What were some of the most popular tv shows and music during the 1980s? Bet you can't name them all. See below.