GHS Then and Now: Tracking Trends and Interests through the Compass Yearbook

Greenwich High no longer has a uniformed marching band, but it does have a pep band. In recent years, there has been controversy over the pep band’s lack of uniforms and small size. An article on the issue is linked at the end of the article. Photo: Compass yearbook 1939.

This photo is of the Greenwich High riding club. Members of the club took horse-riding classes at Mr. Rennie’s Riding Academy and promoted understanding of horses. Photo: Compass yearbook 1940

Greenwich High used to sponsor archery at the school. Photo: Compass yearbook 1941

Greenwich High used to only have boy cheerleaders. One of their cheers was, “G-r-e-e-n-w-i-c-h, G-r-e-e-n-w-i-c-h, G-r-e-e-n-w-i-c-h, Greenwich, Greenwich, Team, Team, Team!” Photo: Compass yearbook 1941

Although all the cheerleaders in the 1940s were boys, girls also supported the football team. Greenwich High had the “In-a-tuba-tubba-girls” who beat drums as the football crowd cheered. Photo: Compass yearbook 1941

For decades, Greenwich girls would wear pearls in their yearbook photos. Pictured are Carol J. Wincapaw, Dorothy J. Wincapaw, and Barbara F. Wilkins. Photo: Compass yearbook 1950

In the 1970s, Greenwich High had a rifle club, which taught target shooting and how to safely use a gun. Would you see that in 2016?

Greenwich High used to have clubs dedicated to specific profession including Future Doctors of America, Future Nurses of America, Future Teachers of America, and Future Business Leaders of America. Photo: Compass yearbook 1970

Greenwich High students began going to the current school building in 1970. The old school building, pictured above, is now used as Greenwich Town Hall. Photo: Compass yearbook 1970

In the 1980s, Greenwich High had a synchronized swimming club. Photo: Compass yearbook 1980

One of the 1980 yearbook’s few color photos featured a student smoking a cigar at a football game. Photo: Compass yearbook 1980

The Polar Bear Club dived into the Long Island Sound every other Sunday from November to April. Its members wrote, “We love it! If you have never been to a Polar Bear swim, you will never understand the feeling of accomplishment you could have, standing on the beach dripping wet, with icicles forming in your hair.” Photo: Compass yearbook, 1990

Greenwich High used to have a boys gymnastics team. Photo: Compass yearbook, 1990

This photo is of the Power Nap club, whose members taught relaxation techniques and power napping. The club was mentioned on Jay Leno’s late night TV show where Leno said, “Heard in Greenwich CT they have a power nap club, but that’s nothing new. When I was a kid we called it history class.” Photo: Compass yearbook 2004