McClellan High School - Lion Yearbook (Little Rock, AR)

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From Fund Raiser To Major Production The Sounds Of Now Has Entertained Students For 13 Years he day was Thursday, March 26, 1970. The place was the McClellan High School gym. As the students crowded into the gym, Rae Holling- worth, Ted Barnes, and Dan Chandler walked to the microphones. This was not the beginning of any ordinary as- sembly. This was the beginning of a tra- dition that would last for more than a decade. This was the 1970 Sounds of Now. In 1970, Virginia Hollingworth, For- mer Choral Director, decided that some sort of fund raising had to be done in order to expand the schools, music li- brary. Mrs. Hollingworth also wanted to do something to increase the number of students involved in the choir pro- gram. Presenting a program which would allow students to show off their musical talents as well as a program which would be enjoyed by all students seemed to be the best and most worth- while decision. The many choir members chose six- teen songs which were popular songs in that year. Among the songs sung were Leaving on a Jet Planef' Raindrops Keep Falling,' and Aquarius!Let the Sunshine In. The students who performed at the 1970 Sounds of Now probably had no idea that they were a part of something that would be a lasting tradition. I e As the years passed, new stage tech- niques and scenery were used. The use of a backdrop became an essential part of this annual event. New sound sys- tems, which were purchased with the profits from previous shows, were also used. Later colorful programs with ar- tistic designs were added as well as a theme for the show. In 1977, choral director Virginia Hol- lingworth presented her last show. However, Mrs. Hollipgworth's retire- ment did not put Sounds of Now on a backburner. When David DeArmond took over as choir director in 1978, he continued the tradition of an annual Sounds of Now, expanding on Mrs. Hollingworth's ideas. Mr. DeArmond and the choral de- partment presented the Sounds of Now in the gym for four more years until the construction of the auditorium. Continuing a tradition of excellent entertainment, the 1983 Sounds of Now began with the illusion of floating plat- forms, and the use of smoky clouds, and flashing light. Obviously, the theme was Illusions Dressed in black pants and shirt and a tiger print tie, former student Steve Leopard introduced the 1983 Sounds of Now with his version of Mr. Robotof' Mimicking robots from the popular vid- eo of this song, the backup singers per- Laura Brantigan's hit song Please Stay is performed by senior Alisa Minick. formed with mechanical movements and expressionless faces. Portraying what has traditionally been known as a nerd, 1983 graduate, Beau Menely sang the popular song SWangini . Senior Alisa Minick per- formed Please Stay and Senior Bill Monk performed the Alabama hit Dixieland Delight. You and I, the song made popular by singers Eddie Rabbit and Crystal Gayle, was performed by seniors Karen Quinn and Scott Talley. Junior Brent Rose sang Billy Joel's hit song Allen- town, and Steve Buck performed the song Africa. The final act was senior Tom Falls and junior Kevin Breeding singing the song Every- bodyis Working for the Weekend. Through these performances the theme Illusions became the thir- teenth production of the Sounds of Now. Sounds Of Nowfll

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-A Backup singers Bill Monk, David Head, Kathy Venable, Susan Craig and Valesa Davis perforrn with robot like motions to the song Mr. Roboto- jim ua-5 l Singing the song Rosanna are Steve Leop- ard, Tom Falls, Scott Talley and Roger Daven- port. Performing the song Don't Tell Me You Love Me is 1983 graduate Greg Murtha. 10!Sounds Of Now

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e Flnal Traditional End Of The Year Activities Reminds Students That Only A Few Weeks Were Left In COuHtd0Wn The School Year. he Miss MHS pageant, held April 23, continued a tradition of al- most two decades of recognizing the school talented beauties. One of the ten finalists selected in March would become the new Miss MHS: juniors, Janean Polanski and Wendy Childersg seniors Kara Jolliff and Toni Taylor, and 1983 graduates Diane Ball, Kim Graves, Karen Jones, Lisa Anderson, Robin Cal- houn, and Kim Mordecai. These fi- nalists were judged on talent, even- ing gown, and special attire divisions. Senior Toni Taylor was named first runner-up, Lisa Anderson and Kim Graves tied for second runner-up, Dianne Ball received Miss Conge- niality, and Kara Jolliff received the talent award. Karen Jones, senior was crowned the 1983 Miss MHS. Juniors and seniors then turned their attention to the Senior Prom held April 9 in the Ballroom of the Excelsior. The theme Unforgettable Dreams became reality because of the magnificent granduer of the ballroom. Just one month later, seniors began forming lines for graduation practice. On the evening of May 19, cars began streaming toward Barton Coliseum to the school's graduation ceremony. Five hundred and three seniors were ushered by Grand Marshalls Karen Quinn and Brian Costa. Receiving the honor to ad- dress their senior class were Brett Da- vis, Mike Kyzer, Lora Laffin, and Kyle Butler. Every graduation has its emotional moments. This ceremony's moment came after Kyle Butler's speech enti- tled H2003 Reunion. Kyle received a standing ovation not only for the sub- ject matter of his speech but also be- cause he had earned the admiration and love of the entire school. The 1983 Miss MHS Pageant was won by senior Karen Jones. Formal attire does not keep these seniors from dancing 'knew wave at the 1983 Senior Prom.