Jefferson High School - Revolution Yearbook (Bloomington, MN)

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devote to homework or extra curricular activities. Approximately 150 students were polled in mid-December on the ways in which they spent and obtained money. Of the over 50 per cent of the students who were employed, the average number of working hours per week was 16. Two-hundred dollars per month was the average income. Most of the students responded that they spent the most money on entertainment and clothes. Those that owned cars claimed monthly payments were their biggest expenditure. The high cost of a college education prompted many students to deposit about 30 per cent of their income into a savings account. Part-time jobs are the best bet for bucks Mentioning the word ‘‘teenager’’ to any executive of the clothing or entertainment industry immediately caused dollar signs to pop into their eyes. The selective demands of the high school age consumer could easily have determined whether a company made a profit or a loss. The buying power of teenagers was so great that advertising and promotion was geared solely towards the tastes and values of high school students. Where did all of this money come from? Most students would admit that begging for money was not totally out of the question, but part-time jobs were the main source of income. Finding a job seemed to be much easier to most students than trying to convince their parents that they really needed designer jeans or their own “wheels” to be socially acceptable. Even then, sacrifices had to be made. Earning money was great, but the jobs were usually less than desirable. Bagging groceries or having to work on Saturday night at a fast food place wasn’t anybody’s idea of a career. The student’s time spent as an employee cut into the time he or she could 26 $igns of the time

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Dating was fun, but not always affordable Becky opened her closet, only to find that every outfit she owned either made her look pale, fat, or too skinny. She spent the next half-hour trying on clothes, finally deciding that her “ugly” turtleneck and jeans would have to do. Facing the mirror, she thought to herself, “I hope he won’t think I’m weird.” Meanwhile, Jim was having his own doubts. “What am I gonna talk about? She probably just feels sorry for me.” Jim and Becky were fictional, but the situation wasn’t. Most students went on a date at least once in their four years of senior high. If the experience only caused worry and anguish, why did students date? Frequent responses to this question were, “It was fun to talk to somebody new” or “I wanted to know that person better.” Almost no one would admit that dating could have led to a lasting relationship. Most students felt that dating in high school was meant to be more fun than serious. It was remarkable to observe the behavior changes of two people when they were removed from their peers. Going out with a girl was quite different from cruising Lyndale Avenue with “the guys”. Suddenly, it became important to Jim that he looked nice. That ripped t-shirt would not have impressed Becky. He also had to refrain from yelling out the car window at girls, an obvious no-no. Becky felt that she should act more mature. After all, dating was more sophisticated than T.P.ing trees with a bunch of giggly friends. Being typical high school students, Becky and Jim probably went to a movie and a place to eat. Halloween and Animal House were popular movies among high school students. Pizza Hut, Zantigo, Arby’s, and of course McDonald’s (Mac and Don’s), were the favorite hangouts. Sometimes dates were a little less than fun. Not everyone could find someone with common interests. Some people enjoyed discussing Darwin while others preferred to talk about the Eagles’ new album. It was disappointing when a person who had seemed so dynamite turned out to be a real “jerk”. Dating had its pluses, too. Kissing goodnight was probably the most anticipated (or feared) moment. “Going out” was a fun way to meet other people and create strong friendships. PAGE 24 — Top: Scraps of memorable occasions are often saved. Lower: Doling out the bucks for a movie at Southdale Cinema are juniors Rick Decklever and Laura Schwantes. PAGE 25 — Top: “Phone calls are the next best thing to being there’’ as junior Karen Sherbarth discovers. Lower: Pontillo’s pizza is a favorite of sophomore Jill Carrel and junior Paul Degrood. Dating • 25

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Mary (an average student) received a $100 paycheck from her employer. Mary had hoped to save most of her check for the future, but like many other students, the price of movie tickets and clothing gobbled up her meager earnings. An economic view of her week’s expenditures is shown at the left. PAGE 26 — Top: Price and style are important factors to consider as senior Barb Fong browsed through a rack of skirts. Lower: With an eye on the gas pump senior Dan Dahlen watches the dollars tick by. Signs of the time hair cut and perm $45.00 record album $7.99 pack of Wrigley’s gum $0.20 pair of Levi’s jeans $18.00 pair of Calvin Klein jeans $38.00 pair of hiking boots $60.00 pair of Nike tennis shoes $36.00 Erasermate pen $1.50 Buck Hill ski lift ticket $8.50 one bowling game and bowling shoes $1.45 girl’s letter jacket $58.00 guy’s letter jacket $125.00 Signs of the time 27