HIGH SCHOOL: 1975 - 1978

When asked how his high school experience could be summarized, Amodeo replied with, "It was great. Classic glory days!"

The most valuable lesson Amodeo learned in high school was that people's skills mattered. Intelligence without good personality was not enough, and that politics are more important than science. Without politics, there would be no science. Scientists wouldn't be able to support themselves enough to spend time thinking, researching, and experimenting. If scientists spent all their days trying to survive, they wouldn't have the ability - let alone the luxury - to think and invent.

Amodeo's first kiss was in high school and was quite memorable. He had just chaired the Parliamentary Procedure Contest for the school, when this "very cute girl" from another school approached him. Throughout the event, she had given Amodeo all kinds of trouble, until she outright kissed him! Thereon, her and Amodeo were boyfriend and girlfriend for the rest of the year... despite the fact that her father was Amodeo's english teacher!

One night off of Colonial and Goldenrod (roadways in Orlando, FLA), she and Amodeo were on a date. There happened to be a rough thunderstorm that evening, badly enough that Amodeo's tires got stuck in the mud. The following day, Amodeo showed up late for class. Her father, without the opportunity for Amodeo to speak, said, "I just think we're going to give you punishment. Don't even try to come up with a defense."