Alliance High School - Bulldog Yearbook (Alliance, NE)

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“The Sythe” is a terrifying prose selection, presented by Junior Laurie Hoff. Forensics Team Wins Variety of Placings Placing first in the District Class A Speech Contest, along with qualifying nine for state, was the highlight for the Alliance Forensics Team. Alliance’s only event placer in state competition was Jim Podhaisky, who placed fourth in After Dinner Speaking. Jim Podhaisky relates the humorous aspects found throughout speech contests. Long nights of hard work and dedication in revising, editing, and cutting, experienced by all thirteen members and Coach Don Clarke, ended only in disappointment. A bubbling personality is a vital part of Tracy Swanson’s after-dinner speech, entitled “Avon, what a calling.” Facial expressions are a large part of Gerald Messer-smith’s humorous prose presentation. Oral Interpretation of Drama: Jim Podhaisky, Charlene Edwards, Gerald Messersmith, Lori DeFord, and Jeff Gonzalez-four superiors. Oral Interpretation of Poetry: Charlene Edwards-two superiors and two excellents. Duet Acting: Brian Rockey and John Paulsen-three superiors and one excellent. After Dinner Speaking: Jim Podhaisky—two superiors and two excellents in preliminaries and one superior and two excellents in the finals, placing fourth in the state. After Dinner Speaking: Tracy Swanson-one superior, two excellents, and one good. Original Public Address: Patty Kollars-three superiors and one excellent. After his total physical breakdown in “Equus,” Alan, portrayed by John Paulsen, is comforted by Dysart, performed by Brian Rockey. 19

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One-Act Receives Disappointing Rating at State “Night,” by Leonard Meifi, was the selection for the district one-act competition at Chad-ron this year. The play easily received a superior rating. After practicing for two weeks, the cast headed for Kearney with their hopes high for a good placing in state competition. Unfortunately, the one-act suffered a defeat in the preliminaries at the hands of a Lincoln East production, which later went on to win the overall competition. The play dealt with the audience’s feeling with the play rather than just observing the performers’ actions. The concept of the play was misinterpreted by a judge, and the Alliance team came up with a very low rating. Undaunted, the cast came back to polish, edit, and practice, for the district oral interpretation competition in March. Cast members included: Jeff Gonzalez, Fibber Kidding; Charlene Edwards, Filagree Bones; Lori DeFord, Miss Indigo Blue; Gerald Messersmith, Dobin Brest Western; and Jim Podhaisky, Man. The one-act was produced by Mr. Don Clarke and student directed by John Paulsen. Charlene Edwards tries desperately to get her point across to Jeff Gonzalez. Members of the cast mockingly try to comfort Jeff Gonzalez after his breakdown. Jim Podhaisky enters carrying the body of DOG, which he must bury. Gerald Messersmith conveys his many feelings for the man in the coffin. Lori DeFord and Charlene Edwards confront each other as to which of them the man in the coffin really loves. A moment of tranquility is witnessed by the cast during the burial of DOG. 18

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The Concert Choir adds some old razzamatazz to the 1-all Concert. 9 Lori Montague and Lori Liggett share sheet music while preparing for District Music Contest. Tenors and basses are: Dan Kumetat, Steve Cripc, Rick Parish, Brian Vandeventer, Bill Mosser, Bruce Thompson, John Harris, Bob Keith-ley, and Bob Maxwell. The choir spent many hours of rehearsal to work on a technique of singing to attain a sound which was full and balanced. Throughout the year, a total of five concerts were given and a variety of music, ranging from modern and jazz, to the 17th century classics were performed at each. This was the first time in which music students could letter. Points could be accumulated by advertising for concerts, singing the Star-Spangled Banner at athletic events, and singing at all concerts. As a result of their varying activities, the choir was exposed to many types of music. This, therefore, provided the students with a broader understanding of music. Choir officers are: Julie Jensen, treasurer; Peggy Wagner, vice-president; Brian Vandeventer, president; Sue Powell, librarian; and Dee Gonzalez, secretary. Members of the Girls’ Glee arc: Deb Buskirk, Pauline Schance, Kim Hubbard, Dorothy Christie, Joan Zurn, Deb Nelson, Kim Evcrton, Juanita Peterson, Laurie Stafford, Marlene Rose, Lorraine Bowman, Kate Sherlock, Vickie Hoff, Barb Childers, Jeanie Bryan, Kim Jones, Vicki Reitz, Lynctta Harsin, Polly Sullivan, Sheila Leever, Rene Thompson, Judy Nuss, Brenda Powell, Leslie Sollcy, Janinc Berry, Kim Bedient, Rose Hardy, Kathy Howell, Rochelle Boots, Shari Hoffmann, Deb Underwood, Lori Clark, and Tonya Benda. 20