Niles Township High School West - Spectrum Yearbook (Skokie, IL)

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Bart Conner spends time at West signing autographs for his fans. West students are proud of Conner ' s accomplishments. Speaking into the microphone, Conner answers a question from Robert Gersh- bein. Robert questions Bart ' s plans for the future. Besides signing autographs, Conner also poses for many pictures. Sophomore Evelina Stipisic smiles as Bart talks to her about his memories of Niles West. Bart Conner Assembly 29

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Sure, Bart Conner was an excellent gymnast in high school, but who would ever dream about seeing him win the gold?! Coaches and family had faith in Bart, just as he did in himself. After years of training, an elbow operation, and hard determina¬ tion, Bart Conner brought home the gold. On Wednesday, October 10, with television cameras and newsmen in place, Bart came to talk to cheering girls and guys. The band played Olympic songs to welcome him. The Star Spangled Banner was sung by Mrs. Owens, the Niles West chorus instructor. As Bart entered the auditorium there were loud chants of U.S.A.! In his speech he told the audience about his great struggles and hardships. You can ' t just assume something is going to happen, you ' ve got to make it happen, stated Conner. After Bart Conner talked, he asked for questions from the audience. Many people wanted to speak but only a few were selected. The assembly included speeches by John Burkel and Bart ' s Olympic coach. They mentioned that Conner will be starring in episodes of Love Boat, Different Strokes, and Highway to Heaven. To keep all entertained, Conner did a routine flip-flop which was a crowd- pleaser . Immediately following the assembly Conner met with selected people who had purchased his t-shirts. After that, he had a press conference with Dr. Ring and many others. When asked what his feelings were about returning to West, Bart answered, It ' s so great to be back home! Lucky senior Nicole Goetz receives an autograph from Bart Conner. She is one of the selected few able to do so. Coach John Burkel, one of the speakers at the assem¬ bly and Conner ' s high school coach, says a few things about Bart. Our Coach Burkel played an importanl role in Conner ' s great triumph. 28 Bart Conner Assembly

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Homecoming week gives everyone a chance to get into the spirit. Sheriff Puff dresses up on Cowboy and Indian Day. Spirit Soars Cruisin ' to Victory was the theme for this year ' s Home¬ coming. The spirited week consisted of five days aboard the luxurious Niles West Victory Ship ! On Monday morning, everyone, ready in their nautical clothes, embarked from Skokie at 7:30 a.m. During the day students had flipper contests on the promenade deck. They docked in Hawaii Tuesday morning with their grass skirts and leis. The activity for the day was a limbo contest which was also held on the promenade deck mods 11-22. On the third day of the cruise students remained on the ship and gathered in the main hall for a pep assembly. The Home¬ coming court was announced, and the soccer and football teams were introduced. Music played by the band helped to raise the crew ' s spirit. After this, the Varsity Cheerleaders and Pom-Pon girls performed their routines, uplifting everyones ' spirit even more. On Thursday morning the passengers on the victory ship docked in Greece and remained there, wearing their togas all day. They finally finished their voyage Friday morning, as they docked in Skokie at 7:30 a.m. At last they had arrived in Indian territory! They were ready to start the day out with a huge pep assembly where the king and queen were crowned. Immediate¬ ly following the assembly was the Homecoming parade. The week ended with a dance for the passengers held in The Cap¬ tain ' s Ball Room on Saturday night, from 8:00 to 11:00. Showing school spirit is freshman Ross Fischoff. His headress and warpaint transform him into a real Indian chief. Bending under the limbo stick is senior Jackie McDonough. The victory ship made a stop in Hawaii for a day. 30 Homecoming Week