Assumption High School - Assumption Yearbook (Davenport, IA)

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YCSers, Sodalists Convene For Study and Frolic by Greg Cusack Politics, International Life, Leisure Time. Elections, United Nations, Dating. These were some of the topics dealt with at the YCS Regional Study Week held at St. Ambrose College this sum- mer. Aug. 8-11, 361 people associat- ed with YCS gathered in Davenport to give the movement a thorough go- ing-over. The first such venture in this area, planned by the Davenport Federation officers in co-operation with Daven- port leaders, drew people from six states. Pre-study day attendance esti- mates were broken when over 110 non- registered YCSers arrived. Iowa, Illi- nois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and even Arizona, contributed 271 stu- dents, 18 lay people, and 72 religious. His Excellency, Ralph L. Hayes, Bi- shop of Davenport, welcomed the as- sembly and expressed his fervent wish that they continue the good work. Setting the pace for the Study Week, Father James Anderson, past YCS Na- tional Chaplain, in his keynote ad- dress, asked the young Catholics pre- sent to make their existence felt in today’s world. Citing the alarming lack of Christian thinking in the modern world, he pointed out that it was their job to make Christ known. Starting Tuesday, however, the stu- dents got to work. Delegates had a choice of 10 workshops, although each student was able to attend only five. Workshops on Race, Liturgy, Scripture, and Politics were favorites, while the Beginner’s Workshops instructed new members in the basic techniques of YCS. In the workshop on Race, Mr. Char- les Toney, a local negro prominent in the field of race relations, discuwed not only the present deplorable conditions, but also pointed out the very complex background to this problem. Assisting Mr. Toney were Sister Mary Labre, CSC, and Mike Humphreys, a Burling- ton YCSer. Mr. and Mrs. Robert McGeever, a Davenport CFM couple, discussed the field of Leisure Time. Emphasizing the fact that “leisure is necessary for man to see life and the world as a whole and through this viewing to fulfill himself,” the McGeevers led live- ly discussions from the floor. Arietta Hartman, a YCS moderator well-acquainted with the aspects of In- ternational Life, led a workshop on that subject. “The purpose of a Cath- olic,” she said, “should be to develop not only an international consciousness, but also an international conscience based on Christian values. This can be done only through a dedication to Christ, universal love for all men, and an apostolic readiness.” During the afternoon and evening two hour-recreation periods were pro- vided, during which the students could swim, play tennis and baseball. Per- haps one of the biggest attractions was the dance every night following the last activities for the day. Father Ar- thur Perry from Assumption was in charge of recreation. Each day began with Prime, the morning prayer of the Church, and ended with Compline, the evening prayer. Every morning at 11:45 the Mass was offered, and on the last day the Bishop celebrated the Holy Sacrifice. The final night, led by Assumption’s Jim Miller ’61, students came through with a truly memorable variety show, which left “everybody happy.” by Roseann Laake “Six days you’ll never forget!” is not only the slogan of the Summer School of Catholic Action but also the spontan- eous response of Assumption’s dele- gates. Four Assumption sodalists, Roseann Laake ’61, Mary Stasia Stafford ’61, Tracy Plum ’62, and Jane Molyneaux '62, attended the week-long event this year at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chi- cago. The SSCA is a national sodality con- vention sponsored as a leadership school by The Queen’s Work along with the National Federation of Sodal- ities of Our Lady. The Summer School attempts to teach the-what, the why, and the how of full Catholic living, insisting on close imitation of Christ through Mary. The conference schooled the dele- gates in such topics as Communism, Spirit of Sodalities, Marriage, Segre- gation, Catholic Action, and Parliamen- tary Law. Jane Molyneaux feels that “through the SSCA, I’ve realized what a dras- tic responsiblity is left on the should- ers of Catholic youth of today to keep our faith alive and active despite the threats of Communism.” Tracy Plum enjoyed the conference on “The Relations of America” be- cause “I received a better understand- ing of the different religions; I feel that I can help non-Catholics better if I understand what they believe.” A talent show, dances, boat rides, and sightseeing tours were sponsored by the SSCA for the delegates. Tickets for Ben-Hur were also available for the group. Shopping excursions took up spare time, as did vists to art museums, the Prudential Building, and other points of interest within walking distance of the hotel. Assumption’s delegates claimed that they “walked about 600 miles a day.” All four delegates ad- mit they didn’t walk that far but “it sure seemed like it at the time.” Mary Stafford aptly sums up the week, “Six days you’ll never forget, and six nights of sleep you never got.” Cusack Presides Expansion is the number one policy of YCS’s newly elected chief execu- tive, Greg Cusack ’61. Greg was chos- en national president at National Study Week held last August at St. Joseph’s, Collegeville, Ind. Initiating an advisory board of 12 YCSers from all over the country and the Bahama Islands was among the first official acts of the new pres- ident. The board will help Greg co- ordinate the national YCS movement. JANE MOLYNEAUX ’62, relates her experiences at the SSCA to Jim Miller, Dave Cratty and Mary Stafford, all ’61. The four are comparing notes on the YCS Study Week and the Summer School of Catholic Action. 11

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Students Discover Another Math Use by Pat Swails Some students at Assumption are finding their arithmetic skill a blessing this year as they begin adding up their demerits. This newest in disciplinary action at AHS is the age-old Demerit System. Number of demerits varies with the of- fense. For instance, a lack of neatness in prepared work would net a student two demerits; while willful destruction or defacement of property earns 30. The number of demerits doubles with each entry of the same item by any teacher. Any student with 10 or more demerits must have a conference with his or her homeroom teacher. Other penalties will be administered in the process of accumulating demerits; ex- tracurricular activities after 20 demer- its will be curtailed. Any student with 30 or more demerits will be taken before the Disciplinary Board with the recommendation of sus- pension. The second semester will mark a new start for offenders. Students with 1-10 demerits start anew; those with 11-20 Science Accelerates Increased emphasis on science and freshman accelerated math courses highlight this year’s schedule changes at Assumption, according to AHS reg- istrars, Father John Boyle and Sister Mary Helen Regine, BVM. Physical science, in previous years a senior course, has been moved to fresh- man level to replace general science. Father Boyle explained that this cre- ates a balanced four year science cycle extending through biology and chemis- try in sophomore and junior years re- spectively, and climaxing with physics in senior year. An accelerated math course, modern math, is being taught in one section of boys’ freshman algebra, and one sec- tion of girls’ freshman algebra, and a section of girls’ advanced algebra. In addition to regular textbook study, these classes will use a separate text- book on modern math, explains Sister Mary Laurent, CHM, and Sister Mary Cecil, BVM, boys’ and girls’ math teachers respectively. “Ideas from the modern math text- book, such as set theory and inequali- ties, will be introduced in other math- matics classes and corollated with the work they already have ’ states Sister Laurent. Periods one, two, six and seven have been lengthened to 55 minutes, ninth period having been dropped. Father Boyle states that this “provides longer periods for lab courses and eliminates the need for seven sessions a week.” Other changes this year include the addition of a psychology course for sen- ior boys and elimination of a shop course. begin with five; and the 21-29 class re- tain only 15. At Alleman, a demerit system was established at the founding of the school. Instead of two demerits for a minor offense, they receive five. How- ever, Alleman students are allowed 100 demerits before they are suspended. A typical comment on the system was given by Mary Maher ’61, who said “Naturally, as a student, my first impression of the Demerit System was unfavorable. However, I can see it is meant to help us in all phases of school life.” The boys had no comment. Now Hear This by Karen Sanders The day was April 25, 1960. Most say it was beautiful weather; but there are some who claim it was spoiled by a late afternoon shower. The student body of Assumption High School, with the exception of the seniors, filed into the auditorium to nominate officers of the Student Government Association. Being the last candidate to speak, (ten others had preceeded him) Mike Ceurvorst presented his platform. He had only one opponent, Donald Per- ry. Since there were no major dif- ferences in their policies, the election depended on who the students consid- ered most capable. They chose Mike. He was elected, partially on the basis of his past experience as presi- dent of his class for two years, as vice- president of the Honor Society, and as secretary-treasurer of the YCS. Now, nearly six months later, the students expect results from their leader — they want him to do just that, lead. The offices he has held were indicative of his power of leadership. Joan Ruge ’61, recalls the main point of Mike’s platform: “a better and more united school to be accomplished through better use of the homerooms and committees. The aim is to have the body of committees composed of non-student council members, so as to create more enthusiasm among stu- dents.” Mike claimed that school spir- it would be heightened if committee names were published. Another point that last year’s jour- nalists will remember is that Mike considered it important for Assump- tion to be more active in the Quad City Student Congress, and perhaps even give initiative for expanding it. Fred Hawley ’62, says that “The speech given by Michael Ceurvorst is now much more important thart when he gave it during his campaign last spring. Now, it is up to him to show that he really is ready, willing, and able to serve as our leader.” CAUGHT ... an alert KB photogra- pher snaps Pat Swails ’61, at her lock- er between classes. With her skirt rolled and sporting tennis shoes, Pat is fast approaching a conference with her advisor. Need A Gown? Buying a Homecoming dress will present no problem for Mary Trainor '62 . . . unless her dress doesn’t come back in time. The dress Mary made for Homecom- ing has been sent to the regional Sing- er Sewing contest in Milwaukee. Mary won a Singer sewing kit in the district contest. The dress is now in competi- tion with 36 other regional entries. If Mary comes out on top this time, she will receive $500 and a trip to New York for herself and her family to the national Singer contest. It took 20 lessons, two and a half hours each, for Mary to complete the dress, which is made of royal blue embroidered satin. Full-skirted, the dress sports a scoop neckline and a criss-cross sash. Buttoning on a diag- onal, the jacget of a plain royal blue satin has a V-necg with a large pointed collar. Requiescant Mrs. Valeria Kraus (Mother of Fr. Gerald Kraus) Mr. James Murphy (Father of Mike (’63) and Pat (’64) Murphy) 10

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Knights Drop Opening Duo, Eye River Kings John Watts as each scored and ac ASSUMPTION QUARTERBACK John Fennelly (No. 12) crosses the goal line to make the score 13-6. Alleman went on to win the game 19-12. Note the ref’s raised arms indicating a TD. This football season Assumption Knights will think they’re battling a Hydra (mythical beast, who, when one head is cut off, grows two more) as they meet Davenport’s two descendents: West and Central. This Friday night, the Knights jour- ney to Clinton to meet the River Kings. Led by halfback Tom Waldorf, who scored three times against Assumption in Davenport last year, Clinton might find it tough going as the game is rat- ed a tossup throughout Eastern Iowa. Both Clinton and Assumption hAve battled Davenport Central, the Knights fresh from the game of last Friday; Clinton’s Kings beat Centrajl’s Blue Devils 14-6 last Sept. 16 in their sea- son’s opener. Assumption has five games remain- ing on their tight schedule. This Fri- day the team plays at Clinton (Sept. 30). Sunday, Oct. 9, revives an old riv- alry as Assumption travels to Dubuque to encounter Wahlert High’s Golden Eagles with returnees, quarterback John Skowronek, fullback Jim Ed- wards, and halfbacks Mark Connelly and Tom Mass. This is the season’s only afternoon game scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Next the Knights challenge perhaps the two biggest foes of the season, ac- cording to varsity ballplayers. On Oct. 14, Assumption visits Bettendorf High in a game that was cancelled because of snow last year in Davenport. Two familiar names on the Bulldogs roster are Scott Rocker and Stu Spar- ling, who together did an excellent job of ambushing Burlington High 34-18. This Bettendorf squad is said to be the best ever, but enthusiastic Knights aim to prove otherwise. On Oct. 21, Assumption plays host to West high school at Brady Street Stadium. West operates from a winged- T offense, much like the Knights; quar- terback Doug Tucker is the potential threat with his passing; ends Bill Mar- tin and Don Wooldridge, along with fullback LaVerne Allers and halfbacks Bill Nicholson and George Thompson round out a very talented West Squad. Knight Quarterback John Fennelly sums up the attitude of the squad with this sentiment, “We’re going after this one with one thought in mind, it’s As- sumption’s Homecoming; we’re going to win it for Coach Ambrose and the students of our school.” Knight footballers will see if an- other head grows from this Davenport High Hydra. The season’s finale is against Bur- lington high school at Burlington on Oct. 28. The Greyhounds, number one in the state last year, are led by quar- terback Dale Brown, who helped Bur- lington defeat AHS at Muny Stadium last year 27-13. Two weeks ago, Alleman copped the Quad City Catholic title, beating As- sumption’s Knights 19-12 at Municipal Stadium. As anticipated, the Knights found their main trouble via Jim and counted for almost the entire Alleman offense, which ammounted to 151 yds. A poor start enabled Alleman to build a 13-0 lead after five minutes of play. But the Knights battled back and scored twice, on end sweeps by Johnny Fennelly, although this proved to be one tally short. Assumption out- played Alleman statistically, gaining 192 yds. on the ground, but the final score means the difference, and As- sumption had lost their second game of the season, 19-12. In the season’s initial contest, As- sumption’s tough luck and first game jitters proved fatal as the Knights had three touchdowns either dropped or called back, which TD’s would have spelled victory. Instead Fort Madison’s Bloodhounds took their second victory in as many years from Assumption’s spirited Knights, 14-6. Frosh and Soph Teams Outline Their Seasons Sixty players and five coaches com- pose the biggest athletic team (num- ber-wise) in the school, the freshman football team. Having practiced since the beginning of school, frosh are readying for the four team freshman jamboree tomor- row night. The team will then be reduced to about 40 players. According to Fr. Charles Mann there is “a lot of competition” for the starting positions. The first interschool game is next Tuesday against North Scott. The Squad has had a little trouble finding a place to practice. They began on the temporary Assumption field, but soon moved to the St. Ambrose College field. Lack of room forced them to Glen Armil Park where they are currently being run through their paces by Father Mann and his able assistants, Fr. William Dawson, Messers. Tony Navarro, Dick Leonard, and Skip O’Donnell. “A 26-6 victory ... not a bad start for any football team,” say the sophs. The Assumption sophomore club led by fullback Dave Schlitter trounced the North Scott Lancers in their opener on Sept. 12. Coach “Babe” Derouin and Fr. Arth- ur Perry are confident that this year’s squad will “compare favorably” with last year’s squad who sported a 5-3-1 record. They are currently busily readying for their next tilt at Clinton on Thursday, Sept. 29. A tough nine-game schedule faces the Little Knights whose backfield con- sists of Schlitter, quarterback John Burke, and halfbacks Jim Kellenberg- er and Steve Miller. 12