David Compton:
CLASS OF 1968
Richard Montgomery High SchoolClass of 1968
Rockville, MD
University of Maryland-College ParkClass of 1972
College park, MD
Julius West Middle SchoolClass of 1965
Rockville, MD
Hungerford Elementary SchoolClass of 1962
Rockville, MD
Haman Elementary SchoolClass of 1958
Santa clara, CA
David's Story
Life
After graduation from Richard Montgomery High School,I attended college for one year in Nebraska. Afterward, I transferred to the University of Maryland and graduated with a B.A. in Government and Politics in 1972.
I moved to California in 1973 and worked in some commercials as well as small parts in TV and cinema from the 1970's to the 1990's in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas (although parts were few and far between). I also became a serious bodybuilder for many years and competed in contests, on occasion. In addition,I did some modeling for bodybuilding gear over the years mostly in Santa Monica and Venice,California. Additionally, I participated in some free style wrestling in California and actually had some pro matches in Canada in the early 1980's after being introduced to the ring by a friend from the gym (a pro football player for the Canadian League) who wrestled on a periodic basis in western Canada.
Obviously, those that knew me in high school were aware of the fact that I was no "gifted athlete"; however, I developed an interest in weight training in college and became more serious after moving to California.
I worked for the Department of Defense, Naval Air Systems Command (United States Federal Civil Service) for several years in Los Angeles,California as a Procurement and Logistics Specialist. I was required to do some traveling in this particular position. The "Feds" sent me to school via Ohio State University in Contracts and Procurement,Logistics and other business related classes.Other classes were offered at the Pentagon related to Federal procedures and specifications.
After several years working for the Federal Government, I decided to return to school and begin graduate work in Education. I earned my California Teaching Credential in Government/Social Sciences/English,7-12 and adult- M.A. I continued taking graduate classes at Point Loma University,San Diego,CA(Education), San Diego State University(English and Education), University of San Diego(Education), Univ.of California at San Diego(English),et al. I completed an M.A. in Education (Secondary Teaching and Learning) at National University, San Diego,California. I also completed another M.A. in English (Comparative Literature) at National University, San Diego, CA. I began work on a doctorate in English, but I am just too burned out on school now; therefore, I am not sure if I will ever complete it (especially the dissertation) .
I was caring for my mother who suffered a stroke several years ago until she passed away on January 5, 2008; hence, I was living in Florida on a temporary basis. I hope to relocate in the near future since I dislike living in Florida and my major responsibilities here are now complete. I continue to train in the gym on a regular basis and I have a personal training certification. Otherwise, I am currently retired. In the future, I plan to return to work after relocating once again to a state in the western part of the United States. I plan to teach junior college or work as a mentor educator for a college or university and perhaps assist in the evaluation and training of student teachers.
I am divorced with no children. After all, I was responsible for approximately 160 high school students each day for many years (16-18 years of age). I taught American Government,United States history, Economics and English 10 and 11 (American Literature and Composition studies)in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas.
I have had the opportunity to meet people from many diverse walks of life. Additionally, I have experienced a multifaceted life and worked in a host of different fields. I have resided on the Pacific Coast and enjoyed living within walking distance from the ocean (the Pacific Beach area of San Diego,et al). I was determined that I would attempt to experience as much in my life (as one would be able to do in one lifetime) as possible.I never had the desire to simply settle down and go to work in Rockville. There was simply too much to see and experience in the "wide world" outside of Maryland.
I really must admit that I still have the desire to experience much more as soon as my present responsibilities are completed. It appears that the older I become, the more I desire to do. Indeed, there is so much to experience and only one lifetime to do so;ergo, my advice to all of my friends from the 1968 RMHS graduating class is simply to "go for it"!
School
My biggest crush will remain a secret since it is of no use to divulge the information. Besides, what difference would it make now anyway?
Some of the best teachers that I had were the following(I tried to pattern my own teaching after some of these individuals).
Mrs. Burris- Grade 2, Twinbrook Elementary
Mrs. Nelson-Grade 1, Haman School, Santa Clara,CA
Miss Gibbons (later Mrs.Hersperger) Hungerford Elementary
Miss Hayre- Science at Julius West JHS
Mr.McLaughlin-English 12, RMHS
Mrs.Anderson-World Geography, RMHS
Mrs.L. Marder-World History,RMHS
Mr.Zimon- European History,RMHS
If I had to do it all over again, I would probably have gone to Law School and at some point endeavored to teach the law.
I have to reflect on the past before I attempt to discuss some of the best of the best memories from school. Well, here it goes!
In elementary school, I really enjoyed first (and part of second grade) in Santa Clara, CA. There was much to do in our neighborhood and the recreation area at the school was first rate. Of course, I had to stay away from my friend, Logan, since we invariably got into trouble when we were hanging out.
At Hungerford Elementary School in Rockville first opened, it was great when we moved into a new state of the art (for that time) school. I was in the first graduating class from that school and the teachers and administrators were great. Moreover, the curriculum itself was quite challenging and it definitely prepared me for the future. The hills around the school provided the best environment for snow sled activities (as well as W. Edmonston Dr. where my house was located). The woods surrounding the school also encouraged more imaginative activities for a kid as we built forts and tree houses.
I also have wonderful memories of the old Villa theater in the center of Rockville. Saturday was always the day to go to the movies with friends especially in elementary and junior high school.Now,when I see some of the movies on television that I thought to be so intriguing when I was a kid, some of them appear to be quite silly and unimaginative. At any rate, meeting a friend(s) at the Villa on Saturday was a highlight after toiling at school during the rest of the week during that particular period in my life.
As I got older,I suppose that one wonderful memory would be hanging out at the Teen Center in both junior and senior high school. I really enjoyed the com...Expand for more
pany, music and dancing. Later, I remember going to The Keg, Good Guys, et al in Washington, D.C.for an evening of socializing, dancing and drinks. We were lucky that the drinking age in D.C. was 18, (although the occasional fake ID proved to be a necessary commodity,at times).Otherwise, "keggars" in a country setting (actually a field)also provided some good times. However, I was never really a big drinker and later became a bodybuilder and health nut (which I remain to this day).
In essence,memories of the school years have evoked some reflection of people and days that seem to be such a short time ago. I seem to remember people as they appeared at that time imprinted indelibly in my mind. Perhaps that is the best way to remember those "wonder years" when all of us were a bit younger!
College
College level work (both undergraduate and graduate)has been and integral part of my life since graduation from high school. Undergraduate life and study at the University of Maryland was great. Most definitely, it was the best time of my life. Indeed, I cherish the memories like "fine wine".
I lived in a coed dorm for two of the years that I resided on campus. Having females in close proximity minimized the idiotic behavior that was prevalent in the non-coed dorms.In other words,it was a much more civilized atmosphere thanks to the female population. In addition, I did occasionally spend time at the SAE frat house, but my studies received top priority. Overall, the social life on campus was fantastic, and,after all, the club scene in Washington,D.C. was only minutes away.
Basically, the dorm food was edible and one could consume all that one desired (if ,indeed, one wanted or desired to eat more which was highly questionable in nature). At any rate,I never suffered from food poisoning.
I resided off campus for my senior year at the University of Maryland. I graduated in the summer of 1972 and shortly thereatfter I relocated to the Los Angeles,California area(first in the San Fernando Valley and finally in Santa Monica). I became very fond of the club scene on Sunset and Santa Monica Blvds.especially around the Westwood (West Los Angeles)UCLA area. Moreover, I was able to attend some exciting parties in the Hollywood Hills after becoming acquainted with some people in the entertainment industry. I sure savored those "L.A. nights" in those days!
In California, I lived off campus when I pursued graduate work attending Point Loma University, San Diego State University, University of San Diego, University of California at San Diego and National University for graduate work in Education and English. As a consequence, life on campus was essentially not an important factor in my life. Of course, I was older and somewhat less interested in the college life that I was so fond of previously at the University of Maryland. Working and attending school on a full time basis also tended to preclude me from having any real campus experiences during graduate work. In essence, I was confined to work and study. I ended up with three more years of college at the graduate level in Education and English (now I have four years of grad work in the aforementioned subject areas).
I still maintain that learning is a life-long endeavor that should be pursued throughout one's life; therefore, I will no doubt continue to take some classes for many years in the future. Indeed, there is always something new to learn (but such a short time to do so during one's short lifetime).
I do feel a sense of accomplishment in the realm of education since I was able to graduate in the upper 1/5 of my high school class. Moreover, I was listed on the Dean's List during my undergraduate work as well as the Chancellor's List for academic excellence in graduate studies(Cum Laude in English and Education).
I have also completed another Master of Arts Degree (Cum Laude) in English with a concentration in comparative literature. I finally finished the required thesis which is to be published in several scholarly publications in Medieval literary studies. Moreover, in the future, I would be interested in coming out of retirement and resuming instructional activities. However,if I do so, in addition to high school teaching, I would also be interested in teaching classes at a small four year liberal arts college or community college in the area(s) of English( composition/research or literature), Liberal Studies, Humanities, Education, Political Science (or combinations thereof). I honestly cannot remember a time when I was not taking classes since I now have eight years of college level work (four years of undergraduate work and four graduate). As I stated previously, I suppose that there is always something new to learn!! However, this last thesis on Augustinian theology in two medieval poetry selections was really rough going!!!!!!!!!
I just recently sold my place in Florida. I decided to relocate back to California since I missed the California lifestyle and climate;moreover, I really like the proximity to the mountains, beaches and desert in the San Diego area.. Iwill most likely remain in the western US for the remainder of my life (CA, AZ, NV areas), KY and FL were okay, but I hate the humidity! My Best to all!!
Well, I recently relocated again to Cottonwood, Arizona (about 14 miles from Sedona). I love California especially San Diego and "SOCAL", but the cost of living was prohibitive and the traffic sucks. This central portion of Arizona is less congested with a host of outdoor activities (hiking, fishing, exploring,et al). The surrounding snowcapped mountains can be seen in every direction and the "high country" is very easily accessible in any season; however, I don't have to live in the snow and cold because the elevation in this Verde Valley is generally too low for snow. I think that I will spend time in the mountains in autumn, spring and summer.
Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, AZ are about an hour south if one desires the big city, and Prescott Valley is close by with Rodeo (which I love) as well as other activities. Tucson is about two hours plus to the south. I just turned in my California plates and license for Arizona registration so I suppose that I will be here in this dry climate for a period of time. I must admit that I miss my friends in California, and I miss the fact that the ocean is nearby; nonetheless, I figured that I have enjoyed living near the beach for quite a few years, and the mountains, valleys and desert landscape would appear to suit me just fine. I lived in California for almost thirty years. Of course, I still am active in the gym here just as I was in other areas where I have resided. I guess that I will always be a "fitness fanatic" even though I just can't seem to push the weight around that I did in the past (which I hate)!!!
Best to all,
David
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Register for Free to view all yearbooks!
Reunions
Register for Free to view all events!
Photos
