Blackford High School - Reflections Yearbook (Hartford City, IN)

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' That ' s Show Biz ' Three times a year the smell of pizza and french fries is overcome by make-up and nervous perspiration as the Blackford High School cafeteria is transformed from a place of eating to a place of acting. This year lack of a permanent stage wasn ' t the only prob- lem facing the casts and crews of Blackford ' s theatrical productions. The blizzard, coal miners ' strike, and resulting energy crisis almost dropped the curtain on the winter play, Butterflies Are Free, before it even went on stage. The cut-back of extra-curricular activities forced the actors to rehearse at the homes of Director Robert Coscarelli and senior Chris Neel. Eventually, the play itself was moved from February to April and was performed in Repertory with the spring play, The American Dame, directed by Mrs. Debi Carnefix. This was the first time any two plays have been performed this way at Blackford. Seniors Mike Sills and Chris Neel were given the Best Thespian Award and an Honor Bar. The best overall Rook- ie Thespian was Linda Tyler, sophomore, while Best Ac- tress of the Year was captured by sophomore Babette Spain. Junior Paul Montgomery was awarded the Best Ac- tor of the Year. Murray (Paul Montgomery) apologizes to Sandy (Babette Spain) in A Thousand Clowns for being reluctant in his job hunting. Building the sets can be as difficult and unnerv- ing as the rehearsals for Dave Reidy, who takes special care on the windows. 38 Drama

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They worked and won Competition: to seek or strive for something for which others are also contending. This definition held true for many clubs and organizations. Besides competing with one another by selling candy, popcorn, and other items, club members participated in class-against-class competition, tug-of-war, and the float building contests. Blackford was represented in state competition in having a finalist in the Speech and Debate meet. Band and Choir were recognized on the state competition level. The Band received two firsts and four seconds at the Solo and Ensem- ble Contest and the Choir received two seconds at the annual Band and Choir Contest. FHA also had an officer representing them at state meetings. The 1977 Reflections received second place at the annual Journalism Day at Ball State. Nation-wide competition was another thing. The Bruln- former won an All-American rating from a National Press group. Ninety-eight juniors faced the morning of the prom to take the national SAT test. Other tests were the PSAT and the National Math. ■Jp : s We ' re No. 1 boast second-hour Journalists on their victory at the annual Publications flag football game. Competing 37

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Chuckles the Chipmunk (Jamie Lewis) dem- onstrates his ability to make children laugh in the drama, A Thousand Clowns. Exchanging differences in opinions, Murray and his brother Arnold (Doug Dudgeon) keep alive the show of their contrasting characters. You ' ve come a long way. Baby! Cast members of American Dame portray the different roles of women throughout history. Astonishment registers on Jill ' s face (Kelly Bailey) as Ralf (Jeff Custer) overdoes it in front of blind Don Baker (Chris Neel). Draina 39