Blake School - Reflections / Call O Pan Yearbook (Hopkins, MN)

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WITH TODAY'S TOMORROWS 14

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Blake’s students have also played a major role in putting the school together. Thrust, in 1974, into a co-edu-cational atmosphere with new and different teachers, peers, and campuses, the students have finally settled into their new school. They have developed a pride in their school and have now begun to treat it as their own. All Blake students contribute to the life of the school. As one grows from a freshman to an alumnus, the Blake student involves himself in a number of activities. As a freshman, the student hangs out in the renovated third-floor lounge and heads a Phyllis Wheatley toy drive. As a sophomore, the student becomes more involved in the school while receiving a driver’s license and joining the race from Northrop to Blake at the end of the school day. The junior student can be seen raising money for Prom or being concerned with assembly speeches and SAT tests. As a senior, the student busies himself with college applications, conferences, and interviews. Otherwise this student is relaxing in the Senior Room or studying in the library. Student life doesn't end with the class day. After-school activities provide some of the better moments of school life. Participation in school plays, concerts, and the talent revue is very high. Students are more involved in organizations, sports, and academics than ever before. Dances are becoming increasingly popular, as are athletic events. Homecoming remains a highlight of the year as it reflects the pride, enthusiasm, and interest the students have in their school. Students are happy with the Blake Schools, and they have taken it upon themselves to make it a better place to learn. Their increased participation within the school reflects the students' attitude that Blake presents more than an education: it is a home away from home. It is a place to form new friendships, to develop talents, and to gain new perspectives on life. Since the merger nine years ago, the students have come to love and enjoy Blake as a friend. 13

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Individuals differ from one another, each in his own unique way, and yet ironically when these individuals form groups of people, they take on a special character just as one person can. The unification of many varied talents creates a quality unique only to that specific group of people. The student body is made up of over 400 individuals, and over 75% of these people are underclassmen. Thus it is important to be aware of, to understand, and to recognize their many qualities and special interests when we try to spell out the character and personality of our community. The freshmen, as always, go through an adjustment period. The new environment, which they soon become adjusted to. is the cause of many anxieties, insecurities, and first-quarter butterflies. One very helpful program which helps guide the freshmen through their first year of high school is the Senior-Nine program, in which each nine has a senior who will be a year long buddy. Soon, with time, the freshmen no longer feel so new, and they begin to develop a routine for their remaining high school years. The sophomores, who are neither involved in the Senior-Nine program nor J.C., always seem to have the reputation of being “in the middle. However, one cannot forget the vitality and vigor they add to our school life. They remain a vei7 united class with tremendous school spirit and many leadership qualities. Many people say, “Sophomore year is the hardest year ; yet still one never fails to see a gallant sophomore either watching or participating in a sports event, a play, or some other extra-curricular activity. The junior - oh those juniors - what a bunch of radicals! With a unique personality and insistence upon being different! Junior Concessions and other fund raisers are organized by the juniors to put on the Junior-Senior Prom. As college becomes closer to reality, they are working harder and harder and are letting their unique talents enhance their involvement and leadership in the school community. Each class has its own unique characteristics which contribute to the makeup of the school. Without the variety in its constituent elements, our school atmosphere would be a different one. not necessarily worse or better, simply different. Each year the atmosphere changes as new underclassmen replace old. So cherish these memories and qualities during the 1980-81 school year, for next year the scene will have changed. 15