Urbandale High School - Echo Yearbook (Urbanville, IA)

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Barrett meets Calvin Coolidge Presented November 1,2,4, the UHS fall production of Up the Down Staircase depicted life in a New York City High School. A variety of incidents both serious and amusing, accompanied the 1960's play. Director Robert Prigge was assisted by Ronda Harwood. The cast was costumed in sixties clothing and period music set the atmosphere and mood before c'urtain. Sylvia Barrett Uulie Warrenj begins her first day ever of teaching with many expectations. Nevertheless, she encounters some unexpected problems. One of the first problems Barrett has to deal with is Alice Blake CDenise Drakej and her love for English instructor Paul Barringer CTony Adelmanj. Paul, however, shows interest in Sylvia. Barrett's patience and teaching ability are tested further by boisterous students and potential dropout Joe Ferone CDale Woodwardj. Ferone challenges Barrett to give him a good reason to stay in school. One of Ferone's administration defying acts is going up the staircase intended for down traffic, hence the title. Both Barrett and her students grow to appreciate one another as the play continues. Barrett often goes to more experienced teacher Bea Schacter CLinda Morrisseyj for advice. Much of the play also evolves around Barrett's mail correspondence with her close friend Ellen fDolly Duranj. 1 Alice Blake CDenise Drakej confides to Miss Barrett Uulie Warren! her passion for English teacher Paul Barringer. 2 ln the dressing room, Alex Saenz prepares before the opening curtain. 3 Director Robert Prigge makes casting decisions. 4 Jose QTony Vierlingj is a troubled Puerto Rican boy in Miss Barrett's class. 5 Michele Kassar gets a new face. 6 Determined to drop out of school, Joe Ferone CDale Woodardj confronts Miss Barrett. A 1 - ,- Qi . 27 5: x yr U04 -in 1 3554? 7-16 Fl 'iii fi 'lf . .-Ti,i A?!F A If M Q 1 M 'v 'hir ax I 1 9 ' n .. r., 5 . .M it -9' 'Y it , , n if 1-4 l - +- 71 . YA! fa l 1-is,L....K X 4- Faii Play - 13

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'X 1? 1 My I , ,gl 4, X9 14 ' Speech 81 Drama ,Q .11 ,V 1. I Speech competition renewed at UHS For the first time since 1971, UHS participated in the state speech and drama contest, due to the addition of assistant director Ronda Harwood. Twenty-four students went to the district drama contest at Boone on January 20. Twenty-two advanced to state level competition. State winners included the duet mine Seclusion-Exclusion with Dale Woodard and Tracy Thompson, duet act 6 Rms. Riv Vu. , performed by Lisa Gibb and Tony Adelmang one-act play The Bald Soprano with Dolores Duran, Scott Nelson, Tracy Howard, Tom Chao, Denise Drake, and Dean Betzg one-act reading Once upon a Playground with Raschell Baldwin, Robin Burke, Michele Kassar, Sharon Ellis, Teri Johnson, Sara Rawland, Alex Saenz, Lisa Swaney, Kevin Lumsdon, and Tony Vierling. The Bald Soprano received an outstanding presentation award, and was invited to enter the all- state festival at Drake University. Speech district contest was held on February 24 and six contestants advanced to state in their various categories: Raschell Baldwin, interpretative poetry: Denise Drake, reading prose, Brian Hokanson and Doug Grant, radio announcing, Alex Saenz, storytelling, and Annette Swardt, expository address. 1 Senior Brian Hokanson polishes his humorous acting entry. He received a II rating at the state speech competition. 2 With the assistance of Miss Ronda Harwood, drama director Robert Prigge prepares nine students for the speech and drama state contest. 3 Participating at state level in both speech and drama contests, Raschell Baldwin is awarded l ratings. 4 Competing in the expository address category senior Annette Swardt practices for director Ronda Harwood. She earned a I rating at the state contest.