Minutes of the Morocco High Alumni Banquet May 23, 2009
|
The 61st annual Morocco High School banquet was held in the Morocco School gymnasium Saturday May 23, 2009. MHS graduates and guests were welcomed to the “Old Gold and Black
Social Hour” prior to the banquet by the 2009 Alumni officers. Refreshments, served by Janice “Swartz”
Yoder ‘64 and Carol “Schultz” Loveall ’69, were enjoyed by many during this
time of visiting and reminiscing. Following the Social Hour, President Dennis Boyd ’61 welcomed 225
alumni, former students, teachers and guests to the 61st Alumni
Annual Banquet. The meeting opened
with the Pledge of Allegiance, and the singing of the Star Spangled
Banner. President Boyd introduced Joy
“Sell” Stowers, director of the Newton/Jasper Community Band. Joy’s (MHS ’59) interest in music was
inspired by Mr. Paul Egli, director of music at Brook HS and Morocco HS
(1956). His wife Virginia (Robbins)
Egli had taught music at Ade grade school (where Joy had attended). Virginia
also joined the teaching staff at Morocco in 1956. After graduation from ISU majoring in music, Joy taught one year at Clinton
Prairie School, under her former mentor, Mr. Paul Egli. After marriage and raising three children,
she retuned to further her education at Valparaiso University. In1985 until 1996 she was the band
director at South Newton High School.
It was at that time she entertained the idea of organizing a community
band. Twenty-four years have passed since the first Monday evening
practice. . The band gives free
concerts at area parades, festivals and other community events in a six
county region. They have performed two times for the Governors inauguration,
three trips to Walt Disney World and soon to perform at the Red Skeleton
festival in Vincennes Indiana. The music provided by The Newton/Jasper Community Band brought back a
few memories of times past. “Back
Home again in Indiana,” to welcome those who had traveled back to Indiana for
the evening, “Marches of the Armed
Forces,” to salute all who have served in the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air
Force and the Marines. All stood when
hearing the first notes of an old favorite “Wave The Flag,” and sang another
spirited rendition of the Morocco School Song, “We The Students of Morocco
…..” Many years have passed and we
still remember the words. Mr. Jack
Snell, MHS ‘52, delivered the invocation preceding the banquet catered by
the “Country Gals” with help of the
Methodist youth group assisting. The 2009 MHS Alumni Association meeting was called to order by
President Dennis Boyd ‘61. He introduced of his wife, Roslyn ‘61, Vice President Ted Hayes and his
wife Marsha, and Sec/Treas. Connie “Ackors” Sell ’63. President Boyd thanked
the Community Band for their performance at our Annual Alumni Banquet and to
Director Joy “Sell” Stowers. Vice president Ted Hayes ’61 served as “Master of Ceremonies for the
evening,” introducing the honored graduates and guests at the 2009 Alumni. The oldest Alumnus present, Juanita McClatchey Sellers, Class of
1931, was presented with a rose.
Also, two members of the honored class of 1934 were honored with a
rose, Lawson Cox and Gracie “Hagen” Rice. VP Hayes welcomed former members of the MHS Faculty and their
spouses, who were guests this evening; Mr. and Mrs. Jack Snell, Mr. and Mrs.
Joe Elliott, Mr. Larry and Mrs. Clara Berenda, Mr. John and Judy O’Neil. Class of 1929 The class of 1929 graduated with 18 members. As of May 2009, there is
only one surviving member, Sibyl “Sheffer” Borem of Georgia. Sibyl was unable
to attend the MHS Alumni Banquet on her 80th year reunion. Our
good wishes go out to Sibyl and her family. Class of 1934 The class of 1934 graduated
with 41 members. Tonight Lawson Cox
of Morocco and Gracie “Hagen” Rice of Indianapolis are celebrating their 75th
MHS Alumni reunion. VP Ted Hayes asked Lawson if
he had played on the Morocco ball teams and his reply was “yes”, but he did
set on the bench most of the time.
Gracie Rice also expressed that she had many fond memories at MHS. Class of 1939 The class of 1939 graduated with 39 members, four members are
celebrating their 70th class reunion, Richard Garmong, Edward
Camblin, Ruth Ann “Kessler” Shirer, and Roberta “Kessler” Musser. Speaker for the Class of 1939, Mrs. Roberta “Kessler” Musser: “When
one says that something happened 70 years ago, it sounds like forever, but
when I look back to 1939 it doesn’t seem so long ago. 1939 was actually a
significant year in history since World War Two began in 1939. Our generation, which includes many of you, has experienced a wide
range of events—growing up during the depression, serving our country in the
War, and raising our families in times of major changes and new developments,
not to mention exploration of space. In 2001 Tom Brokow wrote a best seller
about members of our generation, bringing the attention of the World to us. Now as our country is having economic hard
times, the people of today are asking how our families survived the Great
Depression. For our 50th reunion, class members recalled a few
memories of our class, such as the time someone set fire to the waste basket in
study hall, and at our commencement when an alarm clock went off during the
ceremony. Dick Garmong remembered
falling into a creek at Turkey Run state park during the senior trip. he
dried his clothes on a tree as other class members laughed at him. On Kid’s
Day a class leader was sent home for coming to school in a diaper, he went
home and retuned in his “best suit.”
An enthusiastic cheerleader flattened the nose of one of the players at a
basketball game, --he was already recovering from a broken nose during
football season. Several people remembered Mr. Stoner and his blazing blue
eyes and pointing his finger, I’m sure there are many here that also can
remember him. Mrs. McPhail was also a remembered teacher, although I find it
hard to believe that she actually spanked high school students, especially
since she was a very tiny woman. It is a privilege to be here tonight with old friends and classmates.
We thank the Alumni Association and congratulate the other classes being
honored.” - Roberta
Kessler Musser Class of 1944 Eldon Purdy, spokesman for the class, told a story of an incident
with Mrs. McPhail. On several
occasions, Mrs. McPhail would have to escort unruly students to the office.
This time it happened to him. He couldn’t remember what infraction had
occurred, but she took him by the ear and proceeded to the office. They both
got amused on the way because he was 6’2” and she had to walk on her tip toes
trying to hang on to his ear. They returned
to the classroom .. No punishment….only laughter! For the Class of 44’s 50th
reunion, former class member Dick Gilbertson (Dick’s family moved before his
senior year) had walked from Hobart Indiana to Morocco. (several miles each
day). Fifteen years later that was
not a goal that Dick pursued for their 65th reunion. The 1944 class graduated with 21 members; 11 members are deceased.
Those celebrating their 65th reunion tonight are, Marilois
“Carter” Anderson, Grace “Garmong” Bovard, Phyllis “Hammel” Brees, Betty
“Hendryx” Fox, Warren Johnson, Bernice “Lane” Fontaine, Joan “Manning”
Tansey, Eldon Purdy and Richard Gilbertson. This Class of 44’s high school years were spent during the war.
During the school year they would have a new teacher to replace the one who
was drafted into the Armed Forces.
Mr. Jerry Mills was one of those teachers, and it was a sad time when
the students at MHS heard that he had been killed in action. Class of 1949 The Class of 1949 had 32 graduates; 10 members are deceased. Richard Deardurff spoke for the class on
their 60th reunion. He acknowledged that we were fortunate to have
had dedicated teachers such as Miss Corbin and Mrs. McPhail. There have been
many more changes since our school days 60 years ago. In 1949, the automatic transmission as we
know it today, was invented. Members of the ’49 class reuniting for the 60th year class
reunion were Betty “Davis” DeSilva, James Dawson, Donald Falk, Charles Kay,
Helen “Madison” Miller, James Manes, Joann “Styck” Watt, and Patricia
”Thurston” McKee. Class of 1954 The Class of 1954 graduated with 32 members. There are nine members who have passed
away, those being Janet Baird, Edwina Brandenburg, Albert M. Bruns, Leland
Deardurff, Lucille Earley, Ann Lucas, Theresa Lucietta, Jerry Warne, and
Peggy Storey. Edmere “Smart” Falk was spokesperson for the class. Edmere recalled most of the students in
her class were all average, studious and did have some fun. They had looked
forward to their senior trip. This was a first trip for many of the class
members. The trip included sites at Washington D.C. and then on to New York
City, staying at the Piccadilly Hotel. Several of the girls wanted to see a show in Greenwich Village. Being
that they were only 17 years old, the chaperons insisted that someone go with them, so they talked a
couple of the boys into going along.
Fifty-five years have passed since, but they still laugh about their
adventure in the Big Apple. The Class reunion for 1949 and 1954 was held at the Scott-Lucas
Historical Home Saturday afternoon. Ann Lucas Scott was a member of the ’54
class. Ann had left her home to the
Historical Society and it has been restored to the period when it was built
in the early 1900’s. All enjoyed the
tour of the home and seeing the many items on display. Those in attendance for their 55th reunion were: Edmere “Smart” Falk, Dave Deardurff, Wayne
Harper, Judy ‘Lock” Dodd, Bernard Schultz, and Dick Wagner. Class of 1959 The Class of 1959 graduated with 50 members; 9 members are deceased. Attending their 50th year class reunion were: Sally
“Bannon”, Larry Batchelor, Dave Brandt, Richard Brunton, Donna “Elgas”, Roger
Emmrich, Robert Gonczy, Stephen Hancock, Wanda Henderson, Ronnie Hess, Joyce Holderby, Linda
Ketcham, Joy Sell, James Shireley, Lee Shirer, Thomas Shuey, Delos Spurgeon,
Dennis Vanderwall, Robert Warne, Veryl Whaley, and Keith Wiltfang Dave Brandt was the spokesman for the class of ‘59. Dave spoke of several incidents that he
remembered from first grade to graduation day. They looked forward with great anticipation to the 4th
grade picnic at Triplett’s on the last day of school, and how great it would
be as a 5th grader. Then
they realized who the 5th grade teacher would be, “a real
disciplinarian,” Mr. McDonald. Dave also told the story of how he got his nickname, Deke. At a time when his family lived across
from the Methodist Church, eastward down the alley, the Wiltfang’s had a
chicken house with a basketball hoop attached. Every evening Jack and Ron Rush, Phil Johnson, a Turner boy and
the Wiltfang’s would have a basketball game.
He would walk down that alley every night wanting to join in and Kick
would have him wait on the sidelines, “ I never, ever, got in the game.” One night I was going back down the alley
towards home making a fuss about not getting to play and Kick hollered at me
and said “Hey Dave, there’s a church
down there, go in …..” For that
reason, I got the nickname Deacon and later Deke. I have no reason why that
was, but I’m very proud today to say that I knew Kick Wiltfang. The time came when we were entering the 7th grade and going into the
“big” school. When we got there, members of the classes of ‘54 and ‘55
treated us (underclassman) with respect.
And to this day they are absolutely some of the nicest people that I
have ever known. Dave related to the fact his sophomore year was difficult. That year, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Bannon
and his family, Jim, Sally, Nancy, and Debbie moved to Morocco. “I believe that Mr. Bannon was one of the
finest administrators that had ever held that position at Morocco High
School. I had first hand knowledge of this because I was sent to the office
“three” times that year. Those
15-minute talks stayed with me all my life.” Dave recalled a few of the basketball games that were won and lost
and the efforts of those involved. His thoughts were if we could just play on
this beautiful gym floor one more time, the outcome would be different. President Boyd handed Dave a basketball. Dave shot at the hoop… he missed. Class of 1964 The Class of 1964 graduated with 41 members; 7 are deceased. Spokesman for the ’64 class, John Hess of California, asked all who
live in Morocco to stand. He thanked them for their efforts in keeping the
MHS Alumni Association active. Those attending the 45th class reunion; John Hess, Roy
Bingham, Steven Brandt, Karen Harrison, Dean Loveall, Donna McClatchey, Gary
Plaster, Beverly Sherman and Janice Swartz. MHS Alumni Association Business Agenda for the evening: Sec/Treas. Connie Sell asked to dispense with the reading of the
minutes (it was warm in the gym) and asked that the minutes posted on the
web-site be accepted. Motion made and passed. Connie reported on our website,
MoroccoHighSchoolAlumni.org. Dave DeKoker has done a great job as
webmaster. Contact him if there are
articles of interest to be added. Scholarship Committee A report by Sarah Snell about the Ruth Corbin Scholarship funds
stated that there are enough funds for this year’s recipient and an additional
two years. Donations can be sent to Connie or to the Committee. President Boyd presented the slate of officers for 2010: President: Ted Hayes ‘61 Vice-President: Herb Barnett ‘61 Sec/Treas: Connie “Ackors” Sell ‘63 As there were no additional nominations, a Jack Storey made a motion
to close nominations and accept slate of officers. Motion was seconded, and passed. School Song Tradition The MHS Cheerleaders who were present lead the group in singing the
school song: Betty “Hagen” Kessler ‘35, Marilois “Carter” Anderson ’44, Betty
“Heath” Carlson, Vickie “Kessler” Diegle, ’65, Sherri “Brunton” Warne ’60,
Janice “Garmong” Shirer ’60, Carolyn “Merchant” Wiltfang ’62, Carolyn
“Sirois” Brownfield ’51, Diane “Hanger” Hendryx ’52. Adjournment President Boyd spoke about the MHS Alumni Association and thanked the
Class of 1948 for their efforts to organize it when they were Seniors. Pres. Boyd thanked all who had served as
officers since that first year. A motion was made and seconded to adjourn. 1929 LOOKING BACK; ……Old Gold and Black April 21, 1929 ACHIEVENMENTS OF THE SENIORS The class that will soon depart from our midst by graduation is
leaving one of the most remarkable records ever left by a class of Morocco
High School. They entered the Senior year heavily in debt but by overcoming
all financial difficulties through ceaseless toll, they are now standing on a
firm basis. The senior class again decided to publish the Old Gold and Black, and
under the expert guidance of “Chief” Yoder edited the best paper in this
section of the country. Since Morocco is the only school in the county that
can boast of a school paper, we should feel overly proud of our Seniors, who
have made this endeavor a success. The Class of ‘29 has been
noted for their talented students who for the past four years accredited
themselves by their stage ability. Their two class plays were very well
staged and were accepted with great interest. Nowhere have our seniors fell
short when dramatic ability was called for. As is customary for the graduating class to leave a gift to the
school, this year an Atwater Kent radio has been presented and many new
beautiful pictures now adorn our classrooms. Both gifts are of the highest
class and will be of great use in the years to come. Nothing can make a
school more pleasant than beautiful pictures and surely our class of ’29 has
left this school much better than they found it. LOOKING BACK; ……Friday May 17, 1929 Many Activities of Morocco Schools During Closing Week The past week has been commencement week for the local high school.
The exercises began on last Friday night with the Junior Banquet and Prom and
closing tonight (Friday) with the commencement address and presentation of
diplomas at the high school auditorium. The address will be delivered by
President Currier of Franklin College. The Juniors gave a most pleasing and elaborate party on Friday night
at which the Seniors were the honor guests. The high school teachers and many
others were included in the invitation. On that night the assembly room had
been converted into a lovely garden with a pretty fountain in the center
surrounded by boulders and overhung with ferns and flowers, in which grew a
beautiful tree in blossom. The color scheme used in decorations was green and
orchid. Thousands of wisteria blossoms were used. First came the grand march, then all were seated at small tables that
bordered the assembly, and from which a four-course banquet was served by several
7th and 8th grade girls who were costumed in black with
white aprons and caps. Bill Williamson, junior class president presided as toastmaster.
Appropriate and pleasing talks were made by the toastmaster, County Supt. W.
O. Schanlaub, high school Prin. Frank Stephens, trustee F. L. Morehouse, and
Senior class president, Max Roadruck. A Kankakee Orchestra furnished music throughout the evening.
Following the banquet, dancing was enjoyed until the midnight hour. The Baccalaureate address was delivered on Sunday night at the
Methodist church by Rev. J.W. Neil.
He was assisted in the service by Rev. J. H. Julian and Rev. C. E.
Reidenbach. The music consisted of several numbers by the Christian church
orchestra and a choir composed of members from all four churches a chorus by
high school girls and boys, solos by Mrs. Bruce Hanger and Porter Garmong and
a quartette composed of Mrs. De Jones, Mrs. J.E. Best, Walter McGregor, and
James Daddow. The Seniors were attired in caps and gowns which they will also wear
Commencement night. This program is given each year by the four high school classes just
for fun, and the rounds of applause that greeted each number on Tuesday night
was evidence that the audience was not disappointed in the year’s classes. The only serious numbers were the salutatory and valedictory
addresses, which were given by Miss Ena Graves and Miss Ruth Tuggle. Miss
Tuggle is to be congratulated on being the leader of her class in scholarship
during the four years of high school. Miss Ena Graves was second and Miss
Blanch Ethel Sizelove was third. The five dollar gold piece, that is awarded each year by the Kentland
chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, to the student, in the 8th
grade, making the highest average in American History, was presented to Miss
Gartha Hanger. The freshmen put on a basketball bash, the sophomores impersonated
the fire department in action, and the juniors had a meeting of the Morocco
Woman’s club. Other numbers were the key oration by Miss Blanch Ethel
Sizelove, the class history by Miss Sibyl Sheffer class poem by Gailord Fox,
class will by Arthur Howell, class prophecy by Violet Lock and class song by
the seniors, closing with the high school song in chorus. 1934 LOOKING BACK ….. April, 1934 PUBLIC SPEAKING CLASS TO PRESENT FOUR PLAYS The public speaking class of the high school is finishing rehearsals
for the four one-act plays, which will be presented, in the high school
auditorium on the evening of Wednesday, April 25. Much time and effort has been spent on the plays by the director,
Mrs. Ann Younger McPhail, as well as by students of the class. Miss Odell,
who in previous class plays has so commendably taken care of stage settings,
has unique schemes worked out for these plays. The four plays which have been chosen by the director to obtain
variety promise to provide an evening of excellent entertainment. Each one
abounds in humor, and in seeing these four one-act plays, the class assures
you that you will enjoy an evening full of laughter. The plays and casts are as follows: “The Blue Serge Suit” — A story of the predicament in which a man
find himself when he loses his blue serge suit. CAST Howard Cordles………. Elbert
Archibald Nancy, his wife……….. Geneiva
Harris The janitor………….. David
Hancock The iceman…………. Frank Holley The trashman……….. Donald
Deardurff “Thank You Doctor” — A striking story of a young girl who plays the
part of a thief in an extraordinary way. CAST Mrs. Lester……….. Elba
Padgett Nurse Gray……….. Audrey
James Doctor Gurney…….. David
Hancock A patient………… Daryl
Brandt Court…………. .. Donald Deardurff “Sauce For the Goslings” — A story of a distracted mother and father
who determine to correct the speech used by their children, and who do so in
a very peculiar but hilarious manner CAST Richard Taylor, father…… Albert Yates Margaret Taylor, mother….. Catherine Redden Robert Taylor, their son….. Rue Gene Starr Elizabeth Taylor, their daughter Eva Deardurff Martha Lee, their grandmother . Ruth Gorman James Ward, friend………
Daryl Brandt A maid…………… Grace Hagen ‘The Return of Deborah” — The story of a young girl whose love
affairs are foiled by two old maid aunt. CAST Miss Jane Tompkins….. Rosalie Triplett Miss Sarah Tompkins…… Doris
Christenson Margaret Lawrence……. Grace Hagen Blossom Farrar…….. Mary
Heath Delia……….. Elba Padgett LOOKING BACK…..Morocco Courier, Thursday, April 26, 1934 LARGEST CLASS IN COUNTY’S HISTORY M.H.S. to Graduate 39 This Year—Baccalaureate Sermon Sunday Night at
M.E. Church Morocco high school on May 4 is to graduate the largest class in
Newton County this year, the largest class in the history of the Morocco
schools and the largest class ever graduated in the county. Thirty-nine members comprise the graduating class and are as
follows: Robert Ackors, Byron
Archibald, Elbert Archibald, Alberta Bernwanger, Orville L. Boyd, Daryl
Brandt. Lawson Cox, Gene Cross, Donald Deardurff, Eva Deardurff, Ruby Grace Garrard, Bernard Gatton, Orville H.
Geesa, Lenora Maxine Goddard, Ruth Gorman, Ivan T. Hafstrom, Grace Hagen,
Lela Hamilton, Dave W. Hancock, Helen W. Hanson, Geneiva Harris, Helen A.
Hayworth, Mary Jane Heath, Frank Holley, Bethel Insley. Audrey James, Bessie
James, Thora Mosseline Johnson, Elba Lou Ann Padgett, Wayne Potter, Thomas
Purdy. Catherine Jane Redden, Edwin Roadruck, Mildred Rusch, Mary Kathleen
Sinks, Paul Smart, Martin Stocky, Lyle Sypult, Charles Albert Yates. The Baccalaureate service at the Methodist church Sunday evening will
be addressed by Rev. A. B. McKain of the United Brethren church. The program
will be as follows: Processional………… ”The Church’s One Foundation” Call to worship….…… Rev. Lester Rasmussen Doxology ………….(standing) Invocation, Lord’s Prayer… Rev.
Lester Rasmussen Hymn…………… ’Day is Dying in the West,” No 131..
Congregation Scripture………. Rev. J. O. Carder “What Wouldst Thou”…. Mixed
Quartette Prayer…….. Rev.
Robert Ross “Serve the Lord in Youth”… Union
Choir Sermon…… Rev.
A. B. McKain “O Master Let Me Walk With Thee”…. Union Choir Benediction….. Rev.
J. O Carder Postlude. LOOKING BACK …Morocco Courier, Thursday, March 8, 1934 MOROCCO TAKES SECTIONAL MEET Defeats Kentland in Final Tilt: Will Play Hammond in Regional meet
Saturday Afternoon The Lashmen brought home the sectional honors Saturday night by
defeating the Kentland five in a thrilling clash before a crowded house in
the coliseum in the final game of the tourney. Bearing out our prediction of
last week that they appeared to be of championship caliber they waded through
Fair Oaks, Remington and Kentland to bring to Morocco their first sectional
title. Kentland ended the Brook string of five straight titles by beating
them in the semi-finals. Will Meet Hammond in Regional The sectional champs, Morocco, will
meet the winner of the Gary sectional. Hammond, at Valparaiso Saturday afternoon
at 2 o’clock. (3 p.m. – Michigan City vs. Valparaiso,) (Evening, 8 p.m.— Final.) Final arrangements for the trip have been completed by school
officials and a large following of the Lashmen will accompany the team. Other
local fans beside these already listed for the trip, are urged to drive over
to Valparaiso Saturday and give the team their wholehearted support. We
believe that the team has the best of chances of representing this region at
the Butler fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The team has the ability and is of the
championship caliber that probably will rate the state meet. Because of our small floor, the Lashmen have undergone practice
sessions at he coliseum at Kentland. The Kent school officials offered the
use of the floor to the Lashmen and the local school and fans highly
appreciate this concession grated us by Kentland. The worst of enemies on the
field of sports, these two towns are the best of sports—win or lose. We’ll see you in Valparaiso! THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ( sectional) The championship affair opened at 8 o’clock before a crowded house
and all available standing room was taken by the enormous crowd of hardwood
fans, Kentland received the tip on the first play at the opening whistle but
were unable to count on the play. Fast floor work and cautious plays marked
the first minute and a half of the titular battle. After the ball had changed
hands several times the Kentland boys went under the basket for the first
marker of the game. On the next tip Morocco received the ball and a fast
breaking offense sent the ball under the basket and Downs put it through the
net to knot the count at 2 all. A
foul on Kentland was turned into a point by Meyer, and Morocco was leading 3
t0 2 with the first quarter half game.
Ackors registered one from the side of the floor to lead 5 to 2 and
Kentland counted within a few seconds to bring the count to 5-4 for Morocco.
The next two minutes saw a fast floor game with Morocco’s defense so tight
that Kentland could not get through to the basket and they were forced to
bombard the basket from far out on the floor, With a little more than a minute left in the first period Kentland
connected with a long one and went into the lead 6-5. Ackors went under the
basket on the next play to bring the lead back to Morocco with a 7-6 count.
With only seconds remaining in the first period Kent sank a long one to lead
at quarter time 8-7 with the capacity crowd in a frenzy. The second quarter opened with Downs counting from the field to
regain the lead 9-8 for Morocco. With in a quarter minute Kentland again
regained their lead with a field goal and on two foul attempts they made good
to lead the locals 12-9. Downs again came through for a field goal to cut the
Kentland lead to one point and Shuey a moment later registered from the field
to again regain the lead for Morocco.
The Lashmen were never headed
by Kentland from this point on although they were a continual threat. Downs
made another field marker to increase the lead of the locals to 15-12. With
three minutes of the half remaining Kentland made good one of their attempts
from the charity line and in the last minute Hafstrom made good a charity
toss for Morocco to lead at half time 16-13. In Morocco defense tightened up
considerably and Kentland was forced to shoot longer shots than before.
Several players on both teams began to show the effects of the hard games of
the afternoon session. Kentland counted in the first few seconds of the second half and
Shuey retaliated with a field goal a moment later and Morocco was leading
18-15. Another from the field by Kentland and with Downs counting for Morocco
on the next play from center the score read: Morocco20, Kentland 17. No
scoring was counted by either team in the next four minutes and with the
quarter waning Shuey registered one from the field to make 22 for Morocco and
Kent made good one for a total of 19 to end the third stanza. Ackors opened the last and final round of the championship match with
a field goal and Morocco led 24-19. The next four minutes saw one of the
finest exhibitions of defensive playing by both teams that has ever been
witnessed in the local sectional. With the final period half gone Kentland
counted from the bread line and Morocco counted from the field and the score
was 26-20. On the next tip Kentland registered from the field to make the
count 26-22. Shuey made a long one from near center to give Morocco a safer
lead 28-22. With two minutes left to go a drive was started by Kentland. Kentland made a foul marker to advance
the score to 28-23. With less than a minute remaining Kentland sank one from
the field to trail 28-25 and the Kentland and Morocco fans went wild. Kent
fans went wild again from the field with only seconds to play and the count
was Morocco 28, Kentland 27. Morocco kept their head and with less than ten
seconds to go Downs received the ball from the tip and was headed for the
Morocco basket in an endeavor to register another marker when the final gun
ended the wild and exciting affray with Morocco the winner of the sectional
crown—their first one. Pulling the surprise of the year by winning the tourney the locals
had their sectional opponents well in had because of their unexpected
showing. Our neighbors would not give Morocco an outside chance of winning
the tourney but those in the “know” had different ideas on the subject. We
have a team that made a pretty poor record as far as games won and lost are
concerned for the season. Kentland, Remington, Goodland and Brook had taken
the Lashmen into camp this season, each one twice. But they hardly realized
the transformation the locals underwent since the Brook and Remington games
three weeks ago. True, they did not win the last three games of the season.
Injuries and sickness crippled the team somewhat but with the showing they
made in these games hopes ran high with the old standby followers and their
hopes were realized in the final round. Let us take a look into the personnel of this championship team. The
ones that make the points are not the only stars on this team. The ones that
are the mainstay of the defense are also stars. It is not a one-man team.
It’s a five-man all-star team and five able subs. Downs at forward was a wizard on the floor with his uncanny way of
retrieving the ball from the opponents. In the first two games he was not
much on the scoring but he made up for it in fast floor work. Ackors mixed
into the game in such a manner that his guarding and basket shooting made him
a hero to local basketball followers. Meyer comes next in line. Coming into the
team at mid-season he developed into the leader of the Morocco defense and
was a center and guard that the tournament fans will not soon forget. A great
defensive player is Meyer. Shuey in the guard position was a favorite of the
fans. His long shots, which he is always good at, helped swell the score and
his level-headed plays are not to be forgotten. Hafstrom at the guard
position was another favorite of the fans. When there was a chance to get the
ball from the opponents he was right in the thick of it and took some pretty
hard knocks in the final game. The tournament saw his best playing of the
season. Of these five Hafstrom and Ackors are lost to the team by graduation
this spring and both did themselves well on their last appearance for local
fans. Five able substitutes were on the bench although only one played in
the Saturday games. These five are Archibald, Yates, Bryant, Deardurff and
Padgett. Lineup and
summary: Morocco (28) B F Tourney
Scores Downs, f…. 6 0 Kentland 37;
Mt. Ayr 7. Ackors, f….. 3 0
Goodland 83;
Kingman 3 Hafstrom, c… 0 1 Brook 41: Demotte 13 Meyer, g….. 0 1 Morocco 31;
Fair Oaks 14 Shuey, g…. 4 0 Remington 69;
Hanging Grove 12 Totals…..13……...2 Kentland 24;
Rensselaer 18 Brook 34; Goodland 30 OT Morocco 29;
Remington 27 Kentland 21;
Brook 17 Morocco 28;
Kentland 27 (final) 1939 Looking Back…. Old Gold and Black May 1939 May 18 – High school exams
end. May 19 – Report cards given May 19 -- Final faculty
meeting May 19 -- Commencements History of the MHS SENIOR CLASS OF ‘39 Early on the morning of September 9, the inhabitants of MHS on
hearing a certain buzzing sound and thinking it was many bees passing through
the air looking up into the sky. Strange parachutes were scene approaching toward the school, and what
a disappointment it probably was to see only the name “freshman” painted on
each parachute in bright green paint. The parachutes carried about fifty
immigrants from Non High School Land who hoped to become citizens of the land
if they were not considered too green. The first meeting was called to elect officers for the year. They
were: President, Jack Brunton; vice-president, Jane Hancock;
secretary-treasurer, Craig Uncapher. The large undertaking of sponsoring such
a class was put into the hands of Miss Corbin. However, she already had had
two years to begin to know us, so she had a fairly accurate idea as to how we
should be sponsored. Sometimes we wondered if it wasn’t just a trifle too
accurate. Our English class made puppets and gave a puppet show of “Ivanhoe”
and we also had a party to close our freshman year. We were very proud to
have some of our freshman boys and girls participate in athletics and taking
part in the operetta, “Shooting Stars.” We considered ourselves to be very
clever that year and no doubt we were. And although Mrs. McPhail looked with
contempt upon as awkward freshmen, we always had Miss Corbin’s shoulder to
cry upon, for we were always getting the blame for everything—figuratively
speaking, of course. After we had gained sufficient knowledge to be considered sophomores
we met and elected our class officers, who were: President, Jack Brunton;
vice-president, Craig Uncapher, and secretary treasurer, Jeanne Pierson, That
year we lost two of our prominent members who were Lester Stine who moved to
California and Carl Yates who took up his residence in West Lafayette, The
joy of sponsoring our class was given to Mr. Stoner who undertook taking our
class to Turkey Run for the day. The funniest incident of the day was seeing
Dick Garmong fall into the river. However, he survived and a good time was
enjoyed by all. Two organizations were started that year, the Hi-Y club for
boys and the Sunshine society for girls, which are two very worthy
organizations. Again were had some Brilliant players who participated in both
football and basketball. The new gym was finished in our sophomore year and
the sectional tourney of the year was held in it. Our junior year was one of the most important of our high- school
life. Our class president, as usual, was Jack Brunton; vice-president, Craig
Uncapher, and secretary-treasurer; Ed Camblin. We were very glad to have Ed
in our midst again after having spent two years in Rochester. In this stage
of our high school career we had lost almost all of our greenness, but losing
our greenness evidently didn’t cause us to loss any of our mischievousness.
This year it took both Mr. Stoner and Miss Corbin to sponsor us. Not that we
were that kink of a class but simply because there was much to accomplish. We
sold candy that year which incidentally was the source of our giving the
seniors the kind of a prom that was worthy of being reproduced for the
Frankfort high School. I don’t know that would have happened to us if it
hadn’t been for Mr. Stoner and his knowledge of money values. The prom was a
Hugh success even if I did have to dip the paintbrush for Jack Brunton to
paint the picket fence. The only remark we had to make was that we would be
satisfied if the juniors next year gave us as good a prom. We also had the pleasure of decorating for baccalaureate and
commencement. The tea, gave us the satisfaction of knowing someone would have
to go through those tortures for us next year. The last phase of our high school life finally came. The officers
were: President, Jack Brunton; vice-president, Bob Smart; treasurer, Roberta
Kessler, and secretary, Donald Higer.
Our seniors were particularly outstanding in basketball this year. The
boys who participated in athletics were presented their due awards and most
of the boys received sweaters or jackets. Two enjoyable supper parties were
held this year and a senior spring dance was given by the seniors for certain
purposes. The seniors were still the same brilliant students they wore when
they first entered high school, but as in natural we had assumed the
dignified role of a senior. We
enjoyed the prom the juniors gave us and are looking forward to baccalaureate
and commencement. Mrs. McPhail and Mr. White were our sponsors.
There were many incidents concerning thumb tacks, toads, mice fires in waste
baskets, erasers, chalk, etc., that could be mentioned but we think it is
better to keep the dark side of our natures to ourselves. And although we
skated on thin ice for four years in high school and two years of grade
school we thank Miss Corbin for enduring us without too much complaint for
six years. Also, we thank Mr. Stoner for his cooperation and Mrs. McPhail and
Mr. White for their cooperation, helpful talks of different matures and
everything in general. There is only one complaint to be made. That is we are
still receiving the blame for everything that is done—the same as we did when
we were freshmen; it couldn’t be that we actually deserve it, could it? SENIOR WEEK –1939 The seniors have been enjoying senior week. The events were as
follows: Monday, wiener roast; Tuesday evening, theatre party; Wednesday,
party at the schoolhouse; Thursday, trip to Turkey Run, and Friday evening,
commencement. SENIOR CONVOCATION -1939 Thursday morning at 11 o’clock the senior class gave their last
program for the junior and senior high school. First they sang “Good
Morning,” then the class history was given by Ruth Clarkson. This told the
school history of each senior from the primary grades up to the present
time. Then the class will was read by
Roberta Kessler. A new feature was added this year. The class prophecy was
given in the form of a play. The best
and funniest parts of the program were the impersonations of Miss Corbin by
Roberta Kessler playing the “exact” episode of the time Ed Camblin sat on a
thumb tack; of Mrs. McPhail by Mary Irvin trying to catch a frog in her
classroom, and of Mr. Stoner by Craig Uncapher “taking care of “ Dave
Lancaster during an assembly period. These were all portrayed very well. The last part of the program was the announcement given by Mr. White
of the scholarships and the D.A.R. Award of Merit presented to Jane Hancock.
John Newell received an scholarship to Lafayette Business College. 1944 Looking Back…. Old Gold and
Black May 1944 JUNIOR – SENIOR PROM “One of
the best Proms in Recent Years” The 44-Club was the setting for the Junior-Senior Prom Saturday
night. The nightclub suggestion was carried out with a large backdrop on the
stage on which were painted tables, red cushioned chairs, champagne bottles,
top hats, canes and gloves. Round the floor of the gym, further carrying out the nightclub idea
were table and chairs with gay colored slipcovers at which refreshments were
served. The punch booth was decorated to give the effect of a bar. An
artistic railing was set up around the dance floor. Freshman girls
dressed in black and white aprons and white headgear served as waitresses. Music was furnished
by Ernie Englund’s orchestra from the University of Illinois. The grand march was led by Warren Graefnitz, president of the junior
class, and his partner, Betty Russell. The next couple in line was Marilois
Carter, president of the senior class, and her escort, Elvin Smith. The popularity of the prom was shown by the large attendance of
spectators and dancers. The juniors
with their sponsor, Mr. Stoner, have again made the prom one the highlights
of the M, H.S. social season. 1949 LOOKING BACK, … Old Gold and
Black May 10,1949 Senior Play Presented to Large Audience On April 22, in the Morocco Gymnasium, the senior class presented the
annual senior play. There were approximately four hundred people present. The
chairs, which were set up for the occasion, were filled and many people were
seated on the bleachers. Between the second and third acts, Richard Deardurff, senior class
president, presented Mrs. McPhail, the senior class sponsor and director of
the play, with a large bouquet of roses from the senior class. People were amused and deeply interested in the events of the play as
it was acted out. Joann Stone, who played the part of a maid, and Denzil
Borem a butler, brought many laughs from the audience. Others in the cast of the play were Gene Parsons, Betty Baird, Gerald
Purkey, Ruth LeGrand, Betty Davis, Don Falk, Dick Kain, and Elinor Russell. Seniors Will Take Trip to Chicago For Two Days The senior class of ‘49 are
planning a two-day trip to Chicago, May 12 and 13. Starting at 6:00 a.m. Thursday morning, they plan to see Swift’s
Packing Plant, Maxwell Street and Hull House. The remainder of the time after
dinner is to be spent at the Science and Industry Museum, Planetarium and
Aquarium. Reservations have been made with the Sherman Hotel for night lodging. An early rising, followed by a morning at the Breakfast Club will
start Friday’s adventures. A trip through the Board of Trade will complete
the seniors’ morning. The afternoon and evening is to be spent in touring the Steven’s
Hotel, visiting Chinatown, and attending a baseball game after which the
seniors and chaperones, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Baird, and Roy Hickman, will start
home. Morocco Courier Thursday, May 12, 1949 Junior-Senior Prom Saturday Night to Be Swank Affair with Hawaiian
Motif “Under Hawaiian Skies” is the forecast for the annual Junior-Senior
Prom to be held Saturday, May 14 in the high school gymnasium. An “Evening in
the Islands” will be spent by many couples dancing to the music of Dusty
Rhodes and Satisfiers of Frankfort from 9 to 12. The setting for this colorful affair will be “Blue Hawaii” and the
theme song “To You Sweetheart, Aloha.” Girls in native costume will throw
lies around the guests’ necks, as they enter, as a token of greeting. At 10:30 the junior class president, Dottie Bingham, and her guest,
Gerald Purkey, will lead the grand march through the “Aloha Land.” Refreshments will be served on the “Isle of Gold Dreams” all evening
by the junior high girls. Mr. and Mrs. F.D. Kester and Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Stewart will chaperon the
couples “At Waikiki,” 32 TO BE GRADUATED FROM
MOROCCO HIGH SCHOOL NEXT WEDNESDAY; Dr.
Winters will Address Class. Next Wednesday evening 32 members of the Class of 1949 will be
graduated from Morocco high school when Principal J. E. Stewart will present
diplomas to the graduates. Rev. Paul W. Garner will pronounce the invocation and Rev. Newton S.
Gottschall the benediction at the exercises to take place at the high school
gymnasium at 8 o’clock. The speaker of the evening, Dr. Carl S. Winters will address the
class of “The Fine Art of Living.” Pastor of the First Baptist church at Oak
Park, Illinois, Dr. Winters is an unusually fine speaker and an authority on
the youth problem. He was crime commissioner in Michigan under two governors
and a Chautauqua lecturer for fourteen years. Dr. Winters’ lecture, “The Fine
Art of Living.” Is considered a rival of the famous “Acres of Diamonds” by
Russell Conwell. The high school band under the direction of Vincent Stouder will
furnish music consisting of four numbers. BACCALAUREATE SERVICES
SUNDAY NIGHT Rev. Gilbert M. Profitt of the Baptist church will deliver the
baccalaureate sermon this year at the high school gymnasium Sunday night at
8:oo. Rev. James Ellerbrook will pronounce the invocations and Rev. John
Richards the benediction. Music will be furnished by the high school chorus
under the direction of Vincent Stouder. History of the MHS SENIOR CLASS OF ‘49 In the fall of the year 1945, a large class of forty-nine freshman
entered Morocco High School. The class selected Donald Severs as president,
Elinor Russell as vice-president. Gene Parsons as secretary, Beverly LaCosse
as treasurer, and Betty Baird and Richard Whaley as student council members. The
class sponsor was Doris Hodde.
Several new students enrolled during the freshman year. They were Joe
Wilson, Philip Rater, and Laverne Walker. Those withdrawing were Beverly and
Donald Styck, Emory Lock, Faye Smart, Norman Spoor, Virginia Henderson, Delores
Bailey, Madelin Wooten, Laverne Walker, Marvin Mayhew, Mary Logston, Willard
Justice, and Barbara Bratt. The freshman as usual was initiated by the senior class of that year.
The initiated consisted of green paint and bathing suits and what not for the
poor freshman. In our sophomore year, the class elected Richard Whaley as president,
Gene Parsons as vice-president, Beverly LaCosse as secretary, Joann Stone as
treasurer. Student council members were Gerald Purkey and Donald Falk The
class sponsor was Alvin Stoner. Those entering our class during that year
were James Dawson and Dorothy Kish. Those withdrawing their sophomore year
were Joe Wilson, George Dick, Shirley Bennet, Floyd Flatt, Ernest Iliff,
Arnold Wooten, Philip Rater and Donald McCord. The junior year was the biggest year of all. The class selected Gene
Parsons as president, Beverly LaCosse as vice president, Elinor Russell as
secretary, Joann Stone as treasurer, and Gene Parsons and Gerald Purkey as
student council members. The class sponsor during our junior year was Mr.
Robbins. The biggest event of the year was the Junior-Senior prom, held
Saturday, May 8, 1948. The theme song, “Serenade of the Bells” was chosen by
the class with music by Ross Melk’s orchestra. We gained two new students
during the year, Lois and Gordon Richards, who had moved to Indiana from
Ohio. In our senior year, the officers were: president, Richard Deardurff;
vice-president, Beverly LaCosse; Joann Styck; secretary, and treasurer,
Denzil Borem. Student Council members
were Joann Stone and Gene Parsons. Our senior class sponsor was Mrs. Ann McPhail. During the year Patricia Thurston joined
our class coming from Lafayette. The
senior play was “Adam’s Evening”, coached by Mrs. McPhail. It was presented
to the public on April 22, 1949. The seniors gifted $125 to the school. End of school activates included Kid’s day
held on May 16, Class Night was on
May 6. May 12th and 13th
the senior class went on a trip to Chicago with Mr. and Mrs. Ray Baird and
Roy Hickman accompanying them. 1954 LOOKING BACK… Old Gold and Black February 9, 1954 MOCK LEGISLATURE CONVENES FRIDAY The Sixth Annual Morocco Student Legislature convenes Friday,
February 12 at 11:00 a.m. The sponsors of the legislature, the History club and the senior
government class extend to every parent and member of the community, an
invitation to attend the morning session, starting at 11 o’clock and the
afternoon session starting at 1:45 on Friday. The purpose of the legislature
is to show the workings of our national law-making body. Be sure not to miss
it, for it is one of the high points of the school year. Today the committees have met and have prepared their bills for
presentation in the mock legislature. The sophomore, junior and senior class
will take part in the proceedings, however, lest it seem that the freshmen
are neglected, they are invited to be spectators. This experience will help
to prepare the freshmen for the time when they will take part in making laws.
In the Senate Dan Lazaration and Robert Gibson, will act in the
capacity of president. Each of these boys will serve as president at separate
times. The speaker of the House will
be Gerald Born who has had much previous experience in the respect. The clerks in the Senate are Martha Clark
and Audrey Schanlaub and sergeants at arms are Jim Swartz and Dave Mead. Rev. Robert Bond and Rev. Stanley Rolston will serve as chaplains in
the House and Senate. Morocco Courier May 20,1954 SENIORS ENJOY TRIP The senior class of Morocco high school enjoyed a trip to Washington
and New York during the week of May 7 to May 14. Thirty seniors along with
Mrs. Ann McPhail, Mr. John Cronk and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Brandt made the trip
by way of a chartered bus. During their stay in Washington, the group saw many interesting and
historical places and buildings. They visited the Pan American Union
Building, the Smithsonian Institute, the Lincoln Memorial, and the U. S.
Bureau of Engraving. The more tireless members of the group climbed all the
way to the top of the Washington monument. One of the most important places they visited in Washington was the
Capitol. There they sat in on sessions of both house of Congress, and had a
opportunity to meet Representative Halleck of Indiana. The group found the White House to be very
beautiful and were very impressed with it. Among the sights seen in New York were: Radio City, Chinatown, the
Bowery, the Supreme Court Building and the Empire State Building. At Radio
City they saw an interesting demonstration of how sound effects are achieved
and several members of the class took part in a television demonstration. Not many got sea -sick on the boat ride to the Statue of Liberty, and
then still undaunted by the top of the statue. Another place they visited in New York was the New York Cathedral,
which is not yet completed. The last tour was through the United Nations
Building. They visited all the different rooms, all of which were very modern
and beautiful. Everyone had a wonderful time on the trip, but all were glad to be
home again. There is no state as great as Indiana and no town as nice as
Morocco. Baccalaureate Service was held Sunday evening, May 16, 1954 in the
High School Gym at 8 o’clock Processional, piano solo, by Lynne Russell, Invocation, Rev. John B.
Spencer, music, MHS Chorus, Edward Casassa, Director, Sermon, Rev. Austin
Brown, The Lord’s Prayer, Chorus, Benediction, Rev. Robert Walker Commencement Exercises at Morocco High School Wednesday Evening, May
19, 1954 in the High School Gymnasium, 8 o’clock Processional, High School Band, Edward Casassa, Director, Invocation,
Rev. Stanley Rolston, Commencement Address, Dr. Victor Obenhaus, Presentation
of Diplomas, John G. Cronk, Principal, Benediction, Rev. William Schuster 1959 LOOKING BACK…OLD GOLD AND BLACK Tuesday March 10, 1959 Senior Class Play ‘Melody
Madhouse’ To Be Presented Friday, March 20 The Morocco senior class of 1959 wishes to announce the coming of the
annual senior play which is to be on Friday evening, March 20. The name of the play is “Melody Madhouse.” The class believes that
the fine cast of characters along with a superb staff of workers, will
produce a play that both, young and old alike will thoroughly enjoy. Those making up the cast are: John Stanley, a business man, Steve Hancock; Mary Stanley, a wife and
mother, Janice Geller; John Junior, the son, Lee Shirer; Gladys, the romantic
daughter, Donna Elgas; Sister, the pest, Sally Bannon; Grandma Stanley, Linda
Ketcham; Mrs. Austin, an anxious mother, JoAlice Ulm, Mr. Austin, a business
executive, Bob Warne; Stevens, a butler, Tom Shuey; Dottie Austin, a socially
minded young lady, Joy Sell; Dollie Austin, a twin sister, Patsy Bruns; the
radio man, Harold Kruger; the Western Union Messenger, Dennis Vanderwall. Friends; Kenny, Dick Brunton; Joe, Dave Brandt; Polly, Joyce
Turnpaugh, Jack, Dennis Vanderwall, Louise, Leta Sapp. Forty Guests: Joe Best, Judy DeKoker, Roger Emmrich, Leta Sapp, Veryl
Whaley, Jean Hyde, Myron Doty, Cecile Kwiatkowski, Larry James, Joyce Holderby, Pat Ferkins,
Joyce Turnpaugh, Ronnie Neidert, Ronnie Hess. “Swingsters": Bob Bouse, director and Linda Woods, Wanda
Henderson, Otis Haste, Norman Littlejohn. Business Manager, Lee Bertram; Lights, Ed Bertram and Keith Wiltfang;
Advertising, Cherrill Porter, Georgia Jordan, Harold Krueger, Joe Best;
Curtain, Delos Spurgeon and Jerry Martin; Properties, Dick Triplett, Richard
Dick, Gene Deardurff, Roy Watkins, Gary Gingham, Ushers, Jim Shireley, Bob
Gonczy, Larry Bachelor, Elaine Bachelor. “Melody Madhouse” is a play filled with action a laugh a minute, and
enough variety of parts to interest every person in the audience. Every school and community has it Stanley family. John Stanley is
dead set against Junior having an orchestra. Junior is any teenager’s dream
man. However, confidentially the “Stanley Swingsters”, Junior’s dream
orchestra, has a habit of playing rather "sinko” and out of the groove
as often as it manages to stay in the groove. Grandma is a pleasant, scheming
scalawag of a grandmother, who is ready to come to the rescue of her children
or grandchildren at the drop of a hat. Of course matters are complicationed by Junior’s sisters” Gladys, who
has reached the glamour stage, and “Sis” who thinks she has reached that
stage but has reached only 12 years. When John puts his foot down squarely on the hopes of the orchestra
and then is called to Washington, Grandma gets ideas. How they work out makes
an evening of fun, frolic, music and good clean comedy. Morocco Courier April, 1959 Student Legislature Set For Morocco High Morocco High School will conduct a student legislature Friday. The
gymnasium will be the location of the “House of Representatives.” The
downstairs assembly room will be the site of the “Senate.” Proceedings will begin at 10:45 a.m., continue until lunchtime and
resume for the afternoon sessions, which will end at 3:25p.m. The public may
attend this function; Sen. Earl F. Landgree will visit at 10:45a.m Robert Bouse will be the governor, Ronnie Hess, speaker of the House
of Representatives, assisted by Patsy Bruns:
Sally Bannon, president of the Senate, and Linda Ketcham, assistant. Danny Blaney will be pageboy for the Senate and James Klassen will be
pageboy for the House of Representatives. William Jones, teacher will be
parliamentarian for the Senate and Gerald Rainford, teacher, will be
parliamentarian for the House of Representatives. The Senate will have as clerks JoAlice Ulm and Judy DeKoker. In the
House of Representatives, clerks will be Cecile Kwiatkowski and Linda Woods.
The bills to be presented are “Right to Work,” “Foreign Aid,” “Legislative
Re-Apportionment of Indiana,” “Capital Punishment” and “Consolidation of
Schools.” There will be a total of 40 spokesmen for the bills, with four
spokesmen from each of the legislative bodies. The event is sponsored by Miss Ruth Corbin, social science teacher,
assisted by David Brandt. M. H. S. Students win 15 Firsts in All-State Contest Forty-three Morocco high school students were entered in the
All-State instrumental, piano, and the vocal contest, which was held at
Butler University, last Saturday. These students participated in 32 events
and received fifteen first place ratings and 17-second place ratings. They
earned a total of 47 gold medals from this contest. Band members from the Class of 1959: Robert Bouse, Joy Sell, Sally Bannon, Linda Woods, Donna Elgas, Otis
Haste, Steve Hancock, Ronnie Hess, Norman Littlejohn, Linda Ketcham, Wanda
Henderson. Georgia Jordan, JoAlice Ulm and Joyce Turnpaugh. 1964 LOOKING BACK…….Morocco Courier May, 1964 JUNIOR – SENIOR PROM The Junior-Senior Prom, held on May 16 from 9 to 12 p.m., was
exotically decorated for the theme. Evening in Paris. The faculty and their
guests were seated at checker-clothed tables in a Parisian sidewalk café with
the Eiffel Tower in the background.
The romantic air was set off by a three-foot brick wall with a trellis
of flowers above and a mirror moon hanging from the ceiling. The Dukes of
Swing, of which Mr. Royce Armstrong is a member, furnished very appropriate
music by playing some gay and many romantic Parisian tunes. Excitement filled the air as the announcement of the King and the
queen drew near. The ’64 Senior Prom King, chosen by the junior girls was
Gary Plaster. Kathleen Yoder was the Queen chosen by the senior boys. The Grand March was then led by the King and Queen followed by the
class officers of the junior and senior classes. The lovely formals were
beautifully displayed in the Grand March. After the prom the junior parents served breakfast composted of
bacon, eggs, coffee and sandwiches to the faculty and to the many famished
juniors and seniors. Old Gold and Black May ,1964 SENIOR PARTY On May 8 the senior’s last day of school, the cafeteria staff of
Morocco high school gave the seniors a farewell dinner. They were served fish
sticks, French fries, rolls, peas, tuna fish salad and all the accessories. A
big thank- you to the cooks, Mrs. Smart and the girls for the magnificently
decorated tables. The senior speech
class thanked Mrs. McPhail for the cake she gave them. Old Gold and Black May 1964 FAREWELL by Beverly Sherman It seems impossible to me to say farewell to school, for it is the
only way of life I know. All my ties and memories are here. Twelve years of
not only working to graduate, but of dreaming, arguing and loving. These
years have formed our lives, how do you say goodbye to a part of yourself? Remember in grade school when we couldn’t wait to get upstairs and be
big kids. Recesses were the best part of the day then. Way back there in
grade school we were forming friendships and becoming a class. Then we moved
to the high school building. I bet if these walls could talk they would
remember us. Why, haven’t we known every knick and cranny in the old
building? We never seemed to notice it being just a building, however, for
this is our school, our home for many hours of the day. Just think of the
halls. How many times have we gone up and down them? It seems odd now to
count the few more days we will wander here. I think of all the joys and
tears we have shared in these halls. Do you remember being asked for your
first date here or was it the thrill of being asked to the prom? It has not
all been gay here, however for we have had some hot arguments and a few
bawling outs in these corridors. Yes, some of the most outstanding events in
our lives occurred in these halls, In these halls of ivy. Do you have memories of the pit? I do I remember working in the cage
and I recall the girls asked the boys to dance since they wouldn’t ask us.
Then there was the time before the Twist when we danced every noon hour. Perhaps the most memories lie in the gym. At how many games did we
cry our eyes out for either the joy of winning or the disappointment of
defeat or else screamed till we were hoarse.
Will we ever forget our team taking a trophy from Kentland? Think of
all the buttons, hats and other paraphernalia we bought to back our team. We
didn’t mind though because they were our team and we were proud of them. The
sock hops also come to mind when we speak of the gym. The curiosity of wondering whose going with
whom and of course the special joy of dancing with that extra special someone
has also been a part of these sock hops. Of course we will remember our prom
in the gym. How we worked and worked to make it the best prom ever, and of
course we all were sure it was. Even the petty arguments we had were
forgotten that night, for when we entered that Paradise, we were so proud we
could have split. The stage brings thought of the plays with their silly costumes, the hours
of rehearsing and the pride on opening night. Many memories of the band lie
here also, practicing every morning for contest, concert, state fair, ball
games or one of the numerous other engagements. Remember the broken horns,
lost music, or one of the other calamities that happened here. All this will
soon be replaced by others who have come to take our place. Oh, we won’t ever forget all our activities. How many conventions,
trips, parties, drives or other activities have we planned? Remember all our initiations, each one
different, and each one special. The thing that brings back the most memories is the mention of our
class. We have been a unit, together
through thick and thin. The teachers may have been right when they called us
down, but we were a class and no one could run us down. Five o’clock came awfully early when we
worked at the fair. How wet we got at those car washings and how full at the
bake sales. How many magazines did you take that you really didn’t need? How
much a part we are of each other’s lives. But in a few days we will separate
and go our different ways. True, we will have those friends our lives become
more and more varied. Yes, in a few days we will say farewell. Farewell to a
way of life, but it will not be a complete wonderful and beautiful memories
of our lives. Yes, our footsteps will cease to echo here and our voices cease
to ring, but a part of every heart will linger at our alma mater in these
sacred halls of ivy. So I say farewell to all these things with an ache in my
heart and a tear in my eye but with golden memories that will linger forever. After 45 years, this is still a great article. -- J.S., MHS Alumni Historian |