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History of Class of 1961 - Eureka, KS

9th GradeIn September 1957 seventy-seven green little freshmen entered the big halls of Eureka High School.

We elected the following for our class officers: Madeline Wood, president; Drake Mariani, vice president; Connie Spangler, secretary-treasurer; Dennis Bennett, student council representative; and Hank Hibbard, Rockin' T representative. Our sponsors were Miss Lilley, Mrs. Gottlob, and Miss DeWitt.School

Nearly all of us were active in some organization, with Robert Lozier and Sherwood Applegate as football managers.

Madeline Wood was our Homecoming Queen candidate and Orin Hendrickson and Evelyn McCormack were candidates for Barnwarming King and Queen.

After several months of school, the seniors finally got around to our initiation. We didn't care if they took all year; we weren't in any hurry.

The Senior Kayettes also entertained the freshman girls with a Western Party.

10th GradeAt the beginning of our sophomore year, our class was still a little green, but it wasn't long before we got brave. Our class started out with an enrollment of 76 and at the end of the year we had 71.

Class officers were Dennis Bennett, president; Jerry Brizendine, vice president; Greg Gulick, secretary-treasurer; Steve Harding, student council representative, and Harold Lazzers, Rockin' T rep. Sponsors were Mr. Hough and Mr. Coffel.

Mary Hodgson was a "B" team cheerleader.

Madeline Wood was our football queen candidate again this year. Orin Hendrickson and Evelyn McCormack were the candidates for Barnwarming Royalty. Dick Braden and Madeline Wood were the Kay-Kayette King and Queen candidates.

BasketballBoys lettering in football were Jim Boardman, Steve Harding and Bill Danley. Bill Danley, Scott Higbee and Harold Lazzers lettered in basketball.

We had a few sophomores who were elected as officers in a few of the organizations. There were three on Kayette Board of Directors, one treasurer and one publicity chairman.

The following attended the Honor Banquet: Janice Brooks, Sue King, Madeline Wood, Jerry Brizendine, Dennis Bennett and Steve Harding.

In the spring we gave a formal party "April in Paris."

The sophomore girls ensemble received a I rating at the District Music Festival with the song "Startrails." Also Peggy Reed and Ginny Zenishek participated in the drum ensemble that received a "I" rating at the State Festival.

11th GradeOn August 29, 1959, 76 students, now upperclassmen, started as juniors. We elected the following officers: Dennis Bennett, president; Steve Harding, vice president; Janice Brooks, secretary; Jerry Brizendine, treasurer; Sally Teter, student council rep and Gail O'Shea, Rockin' T rep. Class sponsors were Mr. Ward, Mr. Marshall, Mrs. Huntington and Mr. Aubuchon.

Mary Hodgson was an A team cheerleader and Ginny Zenishek and Evelyn McCormack were twirlers.

The class worked hard in the different organizations with three members holding jobs as president, two as vice president, one as secretary, one as treasurer, one as reporter, and one as sentinel.

Sally Teter was the junior candidate for football homecoming queen. The Barnwarming king and queen candidates were Scott Higbee and Carmen Wygle. Myrtle VanBuskirk and Don Wiggins were Kayette-Kay royalty candidates.

TicketWe put on the three-act comedy "State Fair" during the fall with Mr. Hough as director.

FootballEleven junior boys were out for football. Tom Ashlock, Harold Beedles, Jim Boardman, Dick Braden, Jerry Brizendine, Harold Lazzers, Tom Monninger, David Silvey and Dennis Bennett received letters. Nine boys were out for basketball. Lettering were Dennis Bennett, Bill Danley, Scott Higbee and Harold Lazzers. Robert Lozier was basketball manager.

Connie Spangler and Madeline Wood were chosen to attend Girls' State with Evelyn McCormack as an alternate. Jerry Brizendine, Richard Nixon and Dennis Bennett attended Boys' State.

Janice Brooks, Sue King, Madeline Wood, Dennis Bennett, Jerry Brizendine and Robert Lozier attended the Honor Banquet.

Ginny Zenishek and Myrtle VanBuskirk were in the drum ensemble that received a "I" at State Music Festival.

On April 30, 1960, we were hosts to the Senior Class, giving them a Banquet and Prom having the theme "Hawaiian Paradise."

12th GradeOn September 19, 1960, 68 "Big Wheel Seniors", with a few spokes missing, took over Eureka High School. Our class officers were President Janice Brooks, Vice President Dick Braden, Secretary Peggy Reed, Treasurer Sue King. Ginny Zenishek was student council rep and Evelyn McCormack was Rockin' T rep. Class sponsors were Mrs. Houston, Mr. Hayward and Mr. Wedelin.

Our class colors were blue and white; our motto, "Many receive advice; only the wise profit by it." Our class flower was the carnation.

Student Council was led by President David Shaw, Vice President Scott Higbee, Secretary Ginny Zenishek and Treasurer Gail O'Shea. Mr. George Wedelin was sponsor.

Ginny Zenishek and Evelyn McCormack were twirlers; Madeline Wood and Mary Hodgson were "B" team cheerleaders.

Nine seniors served as presidents of organizations, five as vice presidents, five as secretaries, six as treasurers, one as reporter, nine in student council and nine on Kayette Board of Directors.

At the beginning of the school year we gave a party for the freshmen. This was their initiation. Remember what a cute baby John Hill made?

Senior RoyaltyOur football homecoming candidates were Carolyn Scott, Joanna Henson, Madeline Wood, Connie Spangler and Sally Teter. Their escorts were Harold Beedles, Dennis Bennett, Dick Braden, Jerry Brizendine and Scott Higbee. Dennis and Joanna reigned as King and Queen.

TFootballen boys were out for football and all lettered. They were Earl Briggs, Harold Beedles, Jim Boardman, Dennis Bennett, Tom Monninger, Dick Braden, Terry Clites, Scott Higbee, Jerry Brizendine and Charles Strickler. Jim Boardman made the all Tri-Valley league team.

Richard Nixon and Judy Bane were FFA and FHA Barnwarming King and Queen.

Carolyn Scott and Scott Higbee were basketball homecoming queen and king. Their attendants included Mary Hodgson-Dennis Bennett and Madeline Wood-Harold Beedles.

BasketballDennis Bennett, Scott Higbee, Earl Briggs, Harold Beedles, Robert Lozier, Jerry Brizendine and Gary Murphy lettered in basketball. Scott Higbee made the all Tri-Valley team. Robert Lozier was chosen on the all Southeast Kansas basketball team. Scott Higbee received Honorable Mention.

Richard Nixon and Dean Erickson were chosen as State Farmers of FFA. The Betty Crocker Homemaking Award was won by Sharon Pickens. Patty Kester was selected to attend Lions Club Band.

DrumsGinny Zenishek won her third medal at State Music Contest. She was in the drum ensemble. Dennis Bennett was in that Brass Sextet that also received a I. The senior girls in Glee Club received a I Music Festival. This was the fourth year in a row the Glee Club received a I.

GraduationThe following students were guests of the Kiwanis Club at the Honor Banquet: Sue King, Madeline Wood, Fern Mumford, Dennis Bennett, Jerry Brizendine and Robert Lozier.

The senior play was a big success with Mrs. Crum as director. The three-act comedy was entitled "Lock, Stock and Lipstick." Girls, remember when Mr. Dodd walked in the dressing room?

Earl Briggs, Harold Beedles, Scott Higbee and Dennis Bennett lettered in track. Earl Briggs and Harold Beedles were in the mile-relay team that broke the record at the Fredonia Relays on April 28.

Madeline Wood was editor of The Tornado yearbook and Gail O'Shea was assistant editor.

Seniors enjoyed the Banquet and Prom "Stairway to the Stars" given them by the Junior Class.

DiplomaThe Senior Class cooperated with the Class of 1960 in buying risers for the vocal music groups. The class also started a fund to buy stage curtains.

On May 25, 1961, 61 seniors received their diplomas from Eureka High School.

 

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