Amherst Regional High School - Goldbug Yearbook (Amherst, MA)

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DEDICATION BUD KNEELAND Every school day a wide-eyed, rosy-cheeked fellow wearing the latest G.Q. fashion and shiny brown leather shoes brings into the often humdrum atmosphere a delicate twist of humanity and good will. His name is Rufus (Bud) Kneeland. Anyone who has ventured through the Junior Hall can easily testify to his cheerful and pleasant disposition. It’s incredible how he manages to smile and whistle so much”, comments Jeff Nissenbaum. He is sort of like the Pillsbury Dough-Boy minus the Chef ' s hat”. Mr. Kneeland doesn’t spend all of his time cracking jokes and whistling patriotic melodies. He teaches Driver’s Education and Physical Education. It’s the best of two worlds”, he relates. I can enjoy both the in-classroom experience of Driver’s Education and the out-of-class freedom of Gym. In this way, I can see how the kids handle themselves in separate environments.” It is more than the school system that has treated Mr. Kneeland well. The students have also made his stay more pleasant. He says, The students are a diverse group of people. They are above average intellectually and have sound minds. These characteris- tics make it more interesting for me to teach.” It’s obvious that Mr. Kneeland likes kids. If he were teleported to Kansas or Oklahoma, for example. I’ll bet he would still teach, even if it meant teaching kids to drive tractors, pick corn, or shoot coyotes. It’s probably this keen interest in teenagers that has also led Mr. Kneeland to coach Varsity athletics. Although now he only coaches the Golf Team, Mr. Kneeland previously coached both Varsity Football and Varsity Basketball. From these experiences as Coach, Mr. Kneeland believes that every school should be equipped with a strong sports program. Schools help an individual to think clearly and to understand the methods of our society and others; however, the education found in a school system does not teach the student to think actively. In sports, an individual doesn’t have time to write a ten- page paper on his activities. He or she must reason clearly under pressure and still manage to choose the best option.” Besides his pro-athletic attit ude, Mr. Kneeland possesses a fierce patriotism. To him, the American Flag represents 207 years of the right” way. Some students call him a conservative. Others call him a creation of his own generation. These names don’t bother him. He believes in what he says about America and he’s willing to share these views with anyone who cares to listen. So if you feel like discussing the U.S. involvement in Lebanon or whether or not the Patriots will make the playoffs. I’ve got just the man for you. You can find him either rewinding an outdated Driver’s Ed. film or teaching a gym full of teen-agers to stretch in unison to Jane Fonda’s workout record, but when you find him, you’ll know you’ve found a friend. - M.M. For the last 17 years the High School Science Department has been privileged to have Jennie Oberlander as an instructional aide. Mrs. 0. has offered precise and consistent support to our science staff. She has provided help in situations which required effort and understanding far beyond what could reasonably be expected of an aide. Mrs. O’s quiet efficiency, dependability, and knowledge have been major factors in the development of excellent laboratory experiences for our students. No task has been too demanding or too mundane for her to assume and accomplish. She is generous with her time and energy whether working with teachers or students. Mrs. O’s kindness, caring and competence continue to serve as examples for alt of us.