WSHS 1960s - Student Life

The “Snarl” Monsters

For the first WSHS magazine drive, students meeting their quotas were awarded Snarl Monsters, a prize truly unique to Fairfax County. See the furry fiends as they pop-up all around the school.

Black and white photographs of the West Springfield High School monster, a triangular stuffed animal covered with fuzzy fluff and two giant eyeballs, sitting atop the school principal’s desk, and sitting atop a library shelf.
From the desk of the principal to the shelves of the libraries, the Snarl Monsters infected every corner of WSHS in the late sixties. Ironically referred to as "dream pets" by the students at the time, the Snarls would become synonymous with the enterprising spirit of the new school and with general teenage tomfoolery. 
 
Black and white photograph of two West Springfield High School monsters, triangular stuffed animals covered with fuzzy fluff and two giant eyeballs, atop a library desk.
Two Snarl Monster companions, the left one adorning a sash advertising WSHS, greet students as they enter their homeroom. If not for their fuzzy exterior, their over-sized eyes, or their peculiar shape, they would best be known for their stylish white bow ties.

Spaghetti Dinners

A tradition unique to West Springfield High, every year the school's Junior Class enjoyed a fabulous feast with fellow classmates centered around food, fellowship, and camaraderie. See The Oracle page for the 1960s for more information.

Black and white photograph of a West Springfield High School Junior Class Spaghetti Dinner.

Sadie Hawkins

The classic school dance where girls invite guys, WSHS played host to this rite of passage and oversaw many of these dances, sponsored by the Key Club and the Keyettes, in its formative years.

Black and white photograph of three West Springfield High School students performing in a band at the school Sadie Hawkins dance.
Sadie Hawkins dances featured live music performances (1968-69).

The Pool on the Roof

Did you know that there's a pool on the roof of West Springfield High School? You can thank members of the first graduating class for starting that rumor back in the 1960s.