Center High School - Yellow Jacket Yearbook (Kansas City, MO)

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News events occurring throughout the school, city, state, nation and world attracted the attention of many students during the year. Three changes in sports roles captured the eyes of fans across the city. For the first time in three years, the Royals lost the American League Western Division to the California Angels. In addition, the Royal's organization fired Manager Whitey Herzog and replaced him with Jim Frey, a former coach of the Baltimore Orioles. With a new outlook on the game and a new rookie quarterback by the name of Steve Fuller, the Chiefs hoped to prove powerful contenders in their division, but once again fell short. However, for the first time since 1973, the Chiefs drew sellout crowds. The Kings, hoping to repeat last year’s feat, wanted to win the Midwest Division once again. However, they faced the situation of playing in Municipal Auditorium after the partial destruction to the roof of Kemper Arena last summer. President Carter, feeling the pressures of a pre-election year, campaigned across the country. He included a stop in Kansas City on October 15 to speak at the National Conference of Catholic Charities. For the first time in history, a Pope toured the United States. Pope John Paul II's trip to America included stops in Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago, and Des Moines in early October. Inflation caused concern to many throughout the year. The blame for it was placed on the ever present energy crisis. Throughout the year, especially the summer, gasoline became almost extinct and if found, the prices were outrageous, rising to 98.9 cents by December. As time goes by, the news events occurring take a more important role on students’ lives. In future years, we may be the ones making the headlines.

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4 1. President Jimmy Carter addresses the National Conference of Catholic Charities at the Radisson Muchleback Hotel on October 15. as Bishop John Sullivan and First Lady Rosalyn Carter look on. 2. The roof of Kemper Arena collapsed from a rain-wind storm on June 4. 1979. in the early hours. 3. Making a series of stops in the United States. Pope John Paul II addresses a crowd in Des Moines. Iowa. 4. King’s player Ernie Orunfeld travels downcourt in hopes of scoring. 5. Whitey Herzog, fired as manager of the Royals, gazes in distress after hearing of the news. 6. As gasoline supplies run short, the No Gas” slogan appears quite frequently. 8

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As in years past, the tardy policy stood out as an important key issue. Students tried to make it to class on time, while teachers doled out detentions to students with three tardies. However, two new issues made subjects of conversation quite frequently during the year. First, the use of the intercom system surprised many this year. Every morning, at the beginning of second hour. Mr. Banaka made announcements which lasted about five minutes. Second, a new government regulation ordered all thermostats to be kept at 65 degrees. Many students wore coats and sweaters during the day to compensate for the low temperatures. In addition. Center moved closer to a change of atmosphere. This year stood out as being unique because it marked the last of its kind. 1980 remained the last year Center existed as a three year high school. Primarily because of declining enrollment, the School Board decided to move the Freshmen up to the high school. Most students, however, were unaware of the actual plans which will take effect starting with the 1980-1981 school year. 10