Caddo Magnet High School - Odyssey Yearbook (Shreveport, LA)

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Expressions and creations come alive in Drama and dance One of the most unique qualities consti- tuting the Magnet school is its ability to bring the arts in a more realistic sense to the lives of its students. The dance and drama departments, although two diverse courses, are examples of the arts within the school curriculum. According to new drama coach Denise McGuffey, “Drama gives students the op portunity to try new and diverse things. A lot of students in the drama program are not interested in acting, but in directing and the technical aspects.” Students en rolled in the drama program take part in painting and constructing scenery, direct¬ ing techniques, and projection as well as visual effects. Senior Gregg Ashley sees drama as, “.. . a chance for me to develop my personality into a working field of study.” Many who are as serious about dance as Gregg is about drama realize that this is true. These students see the reality of a dream in dance teacher Ginger Folmer. Her determination, finesse, and style is re- vealed to those in her classes. Mrs. Folmer sees dance as a great way to express her creativity as well as keep in shape. She believes two types of students take dance. One type takes dance out of curiosity while the other takes dance to extend his knowledge and dreams in dance. Mrs. Folmer is demanding of her students, re- quiring each to participate daily and devel¬ op a healthy mental attitude toward dance. Through the determination of its lead- ers, Magnet is able to offer the performing arts instructors who are sure of their sub- jects and who help those students who make contact with their creativity develop a style all their own. Senior Karen DeLouche concentrates on poise while Ginger Thomas concentrates on staying on her feet. Ballet and tap classes are a fun, challenging way to develop flexibility and poise. Helping to assemble props is one task in which Drama students engage. Ms. McGuffey, drama teacher. guides senior Gregg Ashley and junior Susan Murphy in putting the final touches on their masterpiece. really on her toes Senior Suyah Loud almost always can be seen with a smile on her face. With talent like hers, there is good reason for the cheerfulness. A bundle of energy and vitality, Suyah Loud was the unanimous choice of the dance department for outstanding honors. Suyah has been an eager participant in every school dance activity since she en- rolled four years ago. As a freshman dance student at Mag- net s own Artfest, Suyah combined grace, poise, and action. Renditions of jazz, classi cal ballet, and tap dancing were some of the contributions she made. Shreveport Regional Arts Council host- ed its first annual parish wide celebration of the fine arts last year, and Suyah was again there in the midst of the activity. She performed a popular tap dance number entitled “Fiddler,” which was based on the classic musical Fiddler on the Roof. Suyah also presented “Fiddler” during intermis- sion of the 1985 Mystic Maiden Pageant. Vibrant and eager to dance the hours away, Suyah Loud has been a whirlwind of the “light fantastic.” The dance troup at Magnet will miss the energy exuded by the tap-tap-tap of Suyah s dance slippers. Magnefs Mrs. Folmer and Mrs. Johnson have really kept Suyah on her toes, but she has yet to let them down. Take a bow for your efforts, Suyah Loud! 76 • Academics

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Erik Rutland draws attention with his toe tapping sax. The Jazz Ensemble is full of young talents just like Eric. Seniors Dalonda Maddox and Shannon Rose sing out with gusto in Mrs. Britton’s choir class. Highlights of the year include singing in festivals, singing in Christ mas programs, and being a part of a talented group of young singers. note-ably the best David Murray drums up his share of attention. An energetic and dedicated musician, he is noted for his enthusiastic support of the jazz ensemble. He had rhythm; he had music; he had pi- jazz. He was Magnet s own musical hit man. Ranking high on the instrumental music departments scale of performance was senior David Murray. Measure for measure, David pounded the beat, providing the rhythmic backdrop for the school jazz ensemble. An accom plished drummer who pians to pursue a career in professional music, David has made significant contributions. As jazz instructor Dorsey Summerfield often noted, Magnet has had more than its share of fine musicians, but David has al- ways projected something special. He has seemed happiest while seated in the per cussion section of any group that plays music. His interest, dedication and stamina made him a standout in any crowd. Not only did he provide leadership and drive for many worthwhile school events, but he also added his own touch of class (Class of ' 86, of course) to Mr. Summerfield own Polyphonics. David could be counted on to do his best in all his musical endeavors, but he was also a valuable and dependable member of YACA, according to art instructor Edward Allen. Senior David Murray proved that he knew how to beat out the competition art- fully. Music Department •

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It is more than a matter of discipline It is ROTC “WeTe the best,” nonchalantly comments Bili McCollum, battalion executive officer for the Magnet R.O.T.C. unit. Despite its small size in contrast to other units in the parish, the Magnet group received the dis- tinction of the first honor unit in the parish. Obviously, the Magnet R.O.T.C. battalion performs with style and pride. Guides LTC Grassi and 1SGT Martino recognize the importance of leadership training in R.O.T.C. They concur, “We try to let the cadets run the battalion.” Stu- dents are not obligated to military Service, as some may assume. Rather they are giv- en a unique opportunity to acquire leader¬ ship skills and experience and discipline. Furthermore, R.O.T.C. students learn a va- riety of practical abilities, such as map- reading, first aid, and marksmanship. Students can actually pursue and spe- cialize in a specific area of interest to them. Despite our having no shooting range at Magnet, A B Rifle team members have for the lst 2 years participated in the city championship competition. The R.O.T.C. Rangers actually teach first aid, map read- ing, and physical fitness. The Rangers re- present an elite group, a group for which it is an honor to belong. If you were lost, you wouldn’t be lost for long if you were travel- ing with a member of the ROTC Orienteer- ing Team. Only a year old, the Drill Team has already participated in numerous com- petitions and parades. Through personal determination, Mag- net’s R.O.T.C. accomplishes much through its students, causing them to de- velop a healthy physical, mental, and so- cial outlook on today’s society. Junior Scott Caudle is framed by ROTC members saluting their swords. Extra care must be taken to prevent any sharp disagreements between these men! These ROTC members reveal true grit. After a long, hard day of school. what better way to relax than with a few hundred pushups? commanding respect A quiet smile, friendly wave of the hand and polite “thar.ks ' ■ always accompanied Clay Cathey on his rounds to collect attendance cards from first hour teachers. Tali and lean, Clay Cathey looked the part of the campus leader he was. Being the battalion commander of JROTC first meant that Clay had to dem¬ onstrate his knowledge of military Science and his potential for leadership. He suc cessfully completed a rigorous examina- tion and grueling interview to emerge as one of the two top cadets in the parish JROTC program. No sooner did the school year begin than Clay and JROTC geared up for action. Starting with the October field day at Barksdale Air Force Base and continuing through the military ball in April, Clay ef- fectively led his troops to superior ratings at the Annual Formal Inspection. Quick to give others credit for their hard work, Clay, who was rifle team captain this year, commended his sponsors and his fel- low cadets for their participation with the numerous after school practice sessions, the Independence Bowl, and the novice teaching experience at Stoner Hili Lab School. Proud to wear his ROTC uniform and proud to be a Magnet student, Clay Cathey deserved a meritorious award for his quiet leadership and esprit de corps — Reserved Officers Training Corps, that is. Drama And Dance And ROTC • 77