Memphis University School - Owl Yearbook (Memphis, TN)

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Seniors Question Accepted Traditions Perceptively refusing to accept statements merely on faith, many sen- iors exhibited a trait of questioning whatever they encountered: adminis- trative policies, the newspaper-student council controversy, and the demise of senior biographies. Chapel presen- tations by evangelist Pete Gilquist and Memphians for Patriotism were de- bated in informal conversations and in newspaper articles. Peer judgements of classmates tackled such subjects as Lunn ' s mo- rality, Alden ' s political ideology, Cris- ler ' s appreciation for teachers ' jokes. Brown ' s tall tales, and Sambo ' s fero- ciouness. Certain faculty members ' personali- ties and teaching methods were lam- pooned in imitations that invariably began Boy, you shoulda learned that last year! However, the most effective outlet for this aspect of curiosity and inquisitiveness was the classroom, where student-teacher communica- tion afforded ready knowledge. t .MBB K Seniors — i45

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This page: (top) Coach Thorn categorically denies David Larson ' s accusation that seniors not enrolling in a college will beconne, in admin- istration files, non-persons. (bottom) Rick Alden and John Anderson represent divergent political views of the Class of ' 72 during chapel period pledge of allegiance. Opposite page: (top) Russell Day views the physical attributes of Piglet Magazine ' s Miss April. (bottom) Randy Big Mac Taylor: I guarantee you gentlemen, this quarter we ' re going to nail you to the wall. 144 — Seniors

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Tradition Influences Seniors The competition, emotion, responsi- bilities, creativity, and personal rela- tionships that made up the life of a senior were all elements of the tradi- tional influence of MUS. The Class of 72 sported such accomplishments as 15% National Merit Finalists, a nation- al trampoline champion, two Junior- Senior football game victories, and a fire prevention poster artist. As in other years, seniors stepped forward to carry on MUS ' councils and clubs, take starring roles in dramatic produc- tions, fight CBHS loudmouths, and criticize Hutchison ' s formality. Nick- names like Rat, Jug, Goose, Moon- Man, and Snake seemed to abuse classmates, but face it, they were all in fun. Although this sense of tradition was the overwhelming factor influencing the development of a young man at MUS, it did not, however, stifle indivi- dualism. Seniors knew their goals and achieved them in spite of MUS guide- lines. One found Hutton sparring pro- fessional boxers, Michael doing volun- teer counseling at Highland House, and Tommy Kirkpatrick being ill twice a week. The stereotyped football jock image was defied by Read ' s role in 7000 Clowns, Todd ' s all-around involvement, and Morgan ' s, well, dat- ing a lot. The general excellence of the individuals of the Class of ' 72 col- lectively comprised the excellence of the class as a unit. ' 46 — Seniors