Assumption High School - Assumption Yearbook (Davenport, IA)

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Liturgy and Laity Let s Schedule A Rally by John Crossen “We’ve got the pep! We’ve got the steam!” Did you ever listen to the fans at the game? They sit up there cheering and coaching every play. They send in imaginary men and call all the signals. Every- body wants to be heard. “Dominus vobiscum! Et cum spiritu tuo!” Did you listen to the students at our first Student Mass? They participated in a big way too. We need more of these Masses. How about having one each month on school time, with each class taking a turn at sponsorship? Just as Father Robert Walter, the athletic director, schedules games, Father J. V. Ryan, our spiritual director, could schedule Masses. How about class presidents leading their team (class) in their turn at a Dialogue Mass? Why not a “pep rally” to practice the Mass? Let’s direct that enthusiasm and leadership in God’s direction. Don’t let the Devil block this goal. His de- fense is no stronger than our offense. Let the devil have his steam — as long as we have the pep. Student Recommends “Assumption students for Kennedy to the Assumption students for Nixon to the right!” That’s just one of the many possible ways we could have a straw vote here at Assumption. Perhaps seniors and freshmen could back one candidate, sophomores and juniors the other. We have campaign buttons, posters and banners left over from last year when the seniors failed to stage a mock convention. They bequeathed these to us; we could use them in a mock election. More possibilities include a grand campaign with speeches, debates (such as on TV,) panel discussions, and interviews — all these, of course, with student participation. Student campaign teams for the candidates could be set up. They could be organized similar to the student-J.F.K. movement in Rock Island. However, we would want both candidates represented. This straw vote could take place one week before the national elections, using replicas of the official ballots. If we have some industrious and adventurous students, maybe voting booths could be built. They could be used in school elections for years to come. “Genuine student interest must be stirred up in this coming election! A mock campaign and election will prove our interest in Christian politics,” says Steve Mesmer, ’61. We need a real roust-a-bout campaign, possible only Policies Guide Paper These policies will guide the Knight Beacon through the following year. 1. The Knight Beacon is the student publication of Assumption high school. All material appearing is stu- dent work. 2. We will continue to develop the portfolio format of this original student publication. Through the text we provide newspaper coverage; through pictures we give yearbook coverage. 3. As a yearbook we will record, as a newspaper we will predict. 4. In our editorials we aim to discuss student is- sues, presenting both sides of the problem. 5. We will highlight all phases of school life through explanatory features coupled with illustrative pictures and cartoons. 6. To promote creative writing we will accept orig- inal student work for possible publication in the Knight Beacon. We urge all students to submit their work to the editors. 7. The staff welcomes constructive criticism. If in- terest warrants we will initiate a “Letters To the Ed- itor” column in future issues. 8. Through our writing we will integrate and reflect Christian ideals by presenting the news as “a beacon in the night.” through the ingenuity of high school students. There are many ways this show can be put on the road. Certainly the Student Government Association could back it. If they are unwilling, perhaps Mr. Joseph Maher’s and Sister Mary Irenaeus’ American Govern- ment classes will? L.d’A. The Staff Use For Senior Inheritance left! 5

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President Confirms Planks An experienced politician, Michael A. Ceurvorst, who stands firmly on the planks of his platform will be the official representative of AHS for the ensuing year. Mike emerged from the spring SGA elections sport- ing a decisive victory. This represents an overwhelm- ing vote of confidence by the student body. As a representative of the students, Mike believes that he “must represent those who elected him.” Holding the positions of class president for two years, secretary-treasurer of YCS and vice-president of the Honor Society, Mike has attained invaluable experience in leadership, his chief duty as our new president. Three important planks comprise Mike’s platform: (1) to give better homeroom representation; (2) to en- courage more student participation in school activities; and (3) to form a more closely knit school. To bring about these changes he plans to make use of special committees organized by one or two stu- dent council members, but the committee member- ship will consist of non-council members. This will give many more a chance to participate in preparation for school activities. He also plans to make better use of homerooms under the same system. “In name, we are Assumption high, one school. In reality, too often,,” emphasizes Mike, “we are As- sumption high boys’ and girls’ divisions.” Through the student council program for this year he plans to aid the “breakdown of the barrier” and “speed up this unity.” Editorially we will back Mike and the Student Council. H.V.F. KNIGHT BEACON As a Beacon in the Night The Knight Beacon is published eight times a year by students of Assumption high school. The yearly subscription rate is $1.50. CO-EDITORS: Hal Feeney Roseann Laake FEATURE EDITOR: Sally Healey NEWS EDITOR: Ken Wolf SPORTS EDITOR: Scrap O'Donnell SPORTS STAFF: Gary LaFayette. Mary Ann Keller YCS—SODALITY: Greg Cusack STUDENT COUNCIL: Mike Ceurvorst CIRCULATION: Carole Westphal. Buster Hobein ADVERTISING AGENT: John Jayne CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER: Paul Bauer PHOTOGRAPHY DEPT.: Denny Hogan. Bob Hill. Joe Nahra Nancy Spencer Jean Meyer ART: Merwin Hart EDITORIAL STAFF: Laurence d'Autremont. John Kane. Bill Keefe. Rita Macken. Karen Sanders. Pat Swails. Mary Ann Walter. John Crossen ADVISOR Fr W. F. Wiebler Awards Distinguish Beacon In its first two years of existence the Knight Beacon has won national acclaim. Besides receiving the All- American award from the NSPA, last year’s Knight Beacon merited its first “Newspaper of Distinction” award as well as All-Catholic from the Catholic Press Association. The groundwork has been laid; we will try to “fill the shoes” of our predecessors. Last year at the trial the Knight Beacon was ac- quitted on the charge of not being a truly Catholic publication. No doubt, we will again be prosecuted, and you, our readers, will be our judges. Read what we write so that you may judge. H.F. R.L. Sam Sets Out Welcome Mat For Freshmen Dear Freshmen, Congratulations for achieving your prominent new position on the social ladder to success. As an As- sumption freshman you will enjoy privileges not avail- able to less distinguished persons. This fall your activity book will allow you to cheer a tough AHS football team to a victorious season. This book will also admit you to other varsity con- tests such as basketball and wrestling. Diane Miclot ’61 bought hers the first day. Maybe you would rather be a participant! You won’t find your talents wasted here at AHS. Football, wrestl- ing, basketball, golf, baseball, tennis and track are all part of the Assumption athletic program. Girls also have a chance to excel in athletics. The Girls Recreation Association (GRA) provides competi- tion in bowling, badminton, volleyball and basketball. “Everyone on stage” is an anticipated summons to the Assumption thespians. Always alert for new talent, the AHS drama club invites you to tryout for a part in the celebrated “Three One-Act Plays.” Later in the year some of the better performers will be cast in a more elaborate production. Getting a chance to use stage make up and dressing up in an unusual costume are two of the things Margie Ries ’62, vividly remem- bers from last year. YCS, the Sodality, and the Vocation Club are mainly concerned with spiritual development. YCS and the Sodality develop young Christian leaders through weekly group meetings and general sessions. Instilling an awareness of other students is one of the prime attri- butes of YCS in the opinion of senior Greg Cusack, National YCS President. Developing religious voca- tions is the basis of the Vocation Club. You may wish to run for a class office. As a stu- dent council member you will be able to represent your fellow students through meetings and committees. SGA President Mike Ceurvorst ’61, has announced that non-council students will compose the main body of the Assumption’s committees. “What about developing our social life?” Roger Ca- wiezell ’64 says. The administration feels that your first school dance is such an important affair that it should be saved untl the end of the year. In the meantime you will be able to attend the exclusive Freshman Party, plus other special activities. Of course you can’t forget your studies since this is why you are here, but moderation is one of the prime virtues. 4 Yours truly, Sam Senior

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SGA President Vows Service To Students SYMBOLIZING Assumption Democrats, these two silhouetted students reflect the hope that Senator Kennedy w'ill be chosen to lead the country. Democrat Politicians Support Party Last year the student body elected Mike Ceurvorst to their highest office on the basis of the campaign he waged. This year the students will eocpect him to carry out those promises. Already he has begun to effect these goals: 1. To better school spirit through more publicized student participation. More non-council members will work on and get credit for council projects. This year, the spotlight will be shared. Al- ready, such non-council members as Tom Eaton and Chuck Skelly have co- operated in selling programs. Kim Votroubeck, Mary McCarthy, Ed Soenke, and Ann Balluff are work- ing with Doug Duda, Tim Maher, Evy Panther, and Jane Mumey (the chair- man and only council member) on stu- dent directories. The project should be completed in early October. 2. To better inter-school relations through the Quad City Student Con- gress. The QCSC has 10 member schools this year but still lacks busi- ness. By directly asking for an ex- change of council representatives for SC meetings and for exchange assem- blies such as we had with Alleman (these take about two years to organize because of the schools’ schedules), we will accomplish two objectives. First, relations between member schools will be improved because of the familiarity and geniality such a program will effect. Second, it will give the dormant Congress some wake-up work. 3. To better faculty-student relations by working with the faculty and tak- ing their advice in matters concerning their departments. Naturally, we won’t always agree with their advice because our viewpoints are different. But dif- ference is healthy and expected. It is to be welcomed as a sign of a vital school. 4. To solidify the student council by establishing files on all SC activities, making it easier for each succeeding council to serve its purpose. We have a file system ready to go. 5. To insure the continuance of foreign exchange students by learning from this year’s, Helmut Steiner. We owe Father Robert Amborn our thanks for securing Helmut through the NCWC (National Catholic Welfare Council). 6. To gain permission for post-basket- ball game dances. There is a definite possibility of having several of these, although no promises can be made. These are major goals in student council this year. With student and faculty co-operation, we will achieve them; without it, we can’t. Mike Ceurvorst Student Council president Assumptionites — along with stu- dents from West and Central Highs, St. Ambrose, Marycrest and Mercy School of Nursing — will be serving on various political committees this fall. Their work will include copying names, telephoning, and canvassing the voters. “Although unable to vote, many As- sumption Democrats will be participat- ing in the upcoming national election,” Mary Ann Guile ’62, an AHS Youth for Kennedy, states. “By joining the Youth for Kennedy Organization they AHS Fireproof? Definitely Not! by Rita Macken “No such thing as a fireproof build- ing?! . . . But I thought .... I mean .... I heard that, Assumption .... Are you sure?” The fire marshal — John Denekas, whom I had called for information on Fire Prevention Week Oct 3 — quick- ly destroyed all confidence in fire- proofing with his words, ‘There is no such thing as a fire proof building. We have put out fires in them too.” Kind of unreassuring, isn’t it? If we take the normal precautions (no smoking, disposal of rubbish), we don’t have too much to worry about, the marshal said. Assumption is new and equipped with the latest equip- ment in case such an emergency arises. “During Fire Prevention Week re- member the tragic fire at Our Lady of Angels School,” says Sister Mary Ann Esther, BVM, girls’ principal. “That week will spark off a drive of posters, inspections and fire drills here at As- sumption and throughout the city. Let’s keep it from being a ‘hot time in the old town’.” will be not only helping their party but also learning the intricacies of arousing voters in their own city and nation.” Projects such as a car wash, selling Kennedy buttons, tie clasps and hats are on the agenda for raising campaign funds. Any student interested in joining this organization should contact one of the Assumtpion members — identified by a Kennedy button — or go to the Democratic Headquarters, 212 East 4th Street, tonight (Sept. 27) a 7:30. The Knight Beacon knows no “Youth for Nixon” organization in the area, but the editors state they will give him coverage in the paper. AHSChorusPlans Tribute To R. H. South Pacific, Oklahoma, The King and I. Sounds of these great hits, and more, may be heard this spring if Sis- ter Mary Frances Agnese’s “enchanted evening” comes true. She hopes to pre- sent a tribute to Rogers and Hammer- stein, composed of choral, pantomine, and piano arrangements. Only the senior group will give public appearances. Sister explains, “Just as freshmen aren’t allowed on the varsity team, so the young choral members wait until they are more experienced and accomplished to ap- pear before the public.” About 250 students compose Assump- tion’s two mixed choruses. Sister Frances Agnese, director of the groups, outlines this year’s schedule as ap- proximately the same as last year’s. As usual, these will be the traditional Christmas and St. Patrick’s day pro- gram. At the state music festival the group hopes to maintain the superior rating received last spring. 6