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From the Archives: 1980s

The 1980s were marked by the rise of pop culture icons, synthesizer-driven music, and the emergence of MTV.  Blockbuster films flourished, and video games became a mainstream phenomenon. The decade saw significant tech innovations like the personal computer and mobile phone.

Politically, in the U.S., it spanned the Reagan era with its focus on conservative policies, the escalation of the Cold War, and the eventual easing of tensions through summits with the Soviet Union.

Spain embraced democracy following the transition from the Francoist regime and in 1986 joined the European Economic Community (EEC), solidifying its integration into European politics and economics.  

France saw a continued shift toward socialist policies under President Mitterrand, who introduced a number of significant reforms, including the abolition of the death penalty, expansion of workers' rights and increased social welfare programs. Paris saw a cultural boom with initiatives like the construction of the Louvre Pyramid and the development of La Défense, symbolizing France’s commitment to modernity. 

SYA France moved to its own space at 5, Impasse Ste. Marie and in the fall of 1989 we celebrated SYA's 25th anniversary. 

Two young men jumping up in the air with an old stone building in the background

Key Moments

1980

  • Cofounder Dan Olivier teaches French at Phillips Academy.

  • 47 students to Spain and 65 to France.

1981

  • SYA France Resident Director Woody Halsey moves campus to its present location, Villa Alvarez.

  • 47 students to Spain and 64 to France.

1982

  • Ángel Vilalta teaches in Phillips Exeter Academy summer session. 

  • 50 students to Spain and 65 to France.

1983

  • 47 students to Spain and  61 to France. 

1984

  • 47 students to Spain and  61 to France. 

  • SYA France's Jean-Philippe Lemée spends year at Phillips Academy as Visiting Fellow teaching French.

1985

  • Former SYA France Resident Director Harris Thomas dies.

  • 47 students to Spain and 60 to France.

1986

  • Woody Halsey named Executive Director.

  • 47 students to Spain and 60 to France.

1987

  • 44 students to Spain and 60 to France.

1988

  • 43 students to Spain and 59 to France.

1989

  • Former SYA Spain Resident Director John Tomlinson dies.

  • 45 students to Spain and 61 to France.

  • Woody Halsey begins sabbatical.
  • SYA celebrates its 25th Anniversary

Leadership in the 1980s

Executive Directors: 
1976–1986   Harrison McCann (Northfield-Mt. Hermon)
1986–1989   Woodruff W. Halsey II (St. Paul's School)
1989–1990   Harrison McCann (Northfield-Mt. Hermon)

SYA Spain Resident Directors:
1971-1986    Edward Sainati (Phillips Exeter Academy
1986-1989    Harrison McCann (Phillips Academy)
1989-1990    Charles Whitehead (Sidwell Friends School)

SYA France Resident Directors:
1980–1986   Woodruff W. Halsey II (St. Paul’s School)
1986–1991   André Vernet (Phillips Exeter Academy)

Welcome New Member Schools

1981
Taft School

1988
The Thacher School

Flashback to the 80s

Can you spot yourself or your classmates? Do you have photos to share? Email the alumni office if you have photos to share and please include a caption.