J J Pearce High School - Mustang Yearbook (Richardson, TX)

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Putting it to the test It was the end of the semester, but instead of being excited, most of the students Were filled with dread because before they could begin their new semester or their summer vacation, they were re- quired to take final exams in their classes. Although the tests were held only twice a year, the study- ing and preparation that went into taking the exams made it seem like a lot more often. Final exams were held to test the students' knowledge of the subjects they were supposed to have learned during the semester, and many of the students ended up relearn- ing the entire semester the night before the exam. These exams counted for one-fifth of the stu- dent's grade, so they took the time to prepare for their exams carefully. Although final exams were im- portant to the students, they almost seemed like nothing com- pared to the emphasis placed on the SAT and ACT college entrance ......---v-'- exams. The SAT, or Scholastic Ap- titude Test, and the ACT, Aptitude Comprehension Test, both tested the student's knowledge on basic English and math skills. These tests were important to the students because most colleges re- quired that students seeking ad- mission take one or both of these exams in order to be accepted. Because so much emphasis was placed on these tests, the Saturdays spent in the Richardson High School auditorium taking the tests on lap desks became dreaded dates. Tests, both semester exams and the SAT! ACT, played a big part of the student's year. These tests counted toward everything from passing a class for the semester to getting into the college of his choice. As senior Kathy Heye said, I hate taking exams and tests, but if, and when, I do well, I feel great and all of the time spent studying was worth it. CGibbsl ,,,........-,Ma A Hoping to improve his SAT score junior Geoff Morris reads How to Bea the SAT. COliverJ A K! I l ..-n-n-nun Q,-.-no Seniors Caron Navias, Kathy Heye, and Laurie MacDonald do some last minute 26 I Student Life - Tests ......-..---w cramming for their trigonometry exam. COliverl 2 1 l I l 1 l

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Dnly time will tell Do you remember not buying a icket to the senior slide show, neaking in free, and bragging .bout it to your friends? Or hoping he Skitzoids would have an en- lore so there wouldn't be enough l time to take your algebra test? Wasn't it fun finding the cute guy or girl you liked, and sitting next to them? For juniors and seniors these memories are probably a recollec- tion of the good old days. It was so much fun getting the entire stu- dent body together for a good time and a much needed break from schoolwork. As soon as that bell Rehearsing during second period, Suzanne Beall sings while Iohn Sheroke waits to come in. fDinwiddiej During the canned-food assembly, Maria Callender sings a solo in the spotlight. fBriggsJ t rang, students swarmed into the auditorium which throbbed with rock music. Sophomores were warned not to sit in the lower sec- tions, which were reserved for seniors. Yes, assemblies did get radical - there was smoking in the upper rows, obscene com- ments yelled by the audience, and small groups who always caused trouble. Because of this behavior, Mr. Stamps decided to ban general assemblies. Students went into a panic. What about fund raising assemblies and the senior slide show? Nighttime assemblies were our only option, even though the turnout would be greatly reduced. During the school day, though, we settled for teacher option assemblies, even though few teachers opted for them. Even though coming to school at 8 p.m. was a bit of hassle, who could possibly miss the senior slide show or the talent show? What will hap- pen next year? Only time will tell. Wan Peltj Terri Green, Chris Smith, Suzanne Beall, and Mike Shockney perfect one of the many pop tunes for the Forte spring show. fDinwiddieJ an 'Zu Life I 25

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enior David Clinton takes his English exam first semester. fOliverJ Amazed at the number of books they have to take home, juniors Mary O'Kief, Suzanne Seaman, and Iulie Miller plan on doing a lot of studying Sunday night. KO iverj junior Peter Sime signs up to take his SAT. fO1iverJ S - . 1 I -'X Finding some quiet time alone, sophomore David Goss studies for his biology exam. fOliverj Tests - Student Life f 27