Cooper High School - Talons Yearbook (New Hope, MN)

Page 16 text:

Weekends Bring a Whirlwind of Pleasures The thought and concentration that make up a Cooper student’s school week doesn’t go unrewarded, Friday signals the beginning of a welcome occurrence—the weekend. It signifies the time for social activities, for a release from the past week’s built-up tensions, and for a renewal of spiritual bonds. Crowds gather for Friday night’s basketball game to cheer their team and to exhibit enthusiasm for their school. After the game and some time spent with friends, a night’s rest paves the way for a new day. A vigorous release into a world of action is a true characteristic of a Saturday afternoon. For many it means a part-time job, work around the house, an afternoon with friends, or a visit to downtown Minneapolis for a shopping spree or some library research. Hidden in Saturday night is the true spirit of the weekend in the form of a dance with a terrific new band playing, a new movie that the critics raved about, or a party that in- cludes all the nicest and most fun to be with people. Families are brought closer together in church and Sun- day reflects this significance in the strenghtening of family ties it brings. Monday, for some casts a grim shadow on the rest of the week, but there is always the glorious weekend, symbol of relaxation and freedom. 12 On Saturday there is always something to be done around home. So, Larry shovels the walk and does other odd jobs around the house.

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All-important gestures give life to a scene and spirit to the play. Perfection Has Its High Price Practice is making use of one’s time and energy in striving for excellence, for something better than the status quo. In the true sense, practice means long, hard hours of work—hours when a person wishes he or she could he anywhere else or doing anything different. Often, this search for perfection demands dedica- tion beyond the call of duty: cinderman may he forced to toil up and down the halls long after the rest of the team has gone if he hopes to take first place. A play cast may he required to spend nights and weekends rehearsing for a performance. A debate team must spend precious time in libraries doing research. But then, after the long hours and hard work, the pinnacles finally are reached. The cinderman may set an all-time record as he takes place; the cast ex- periences a thrill as they hear the applause from a standing-room-only audience; the debaters swell with pride as they hear “... and Cooper, 1st place.” Then, too, there are those who don’t gain what they seek—maybe they don’t place at all or even make the team, maybe every performance is a flop and plays to half-empty houses. But, still every try, every attempt, even if it fails, leads a person to new knowl- edge, gives him new insights, and lets him know he did his best. All those successful and not-so-success- ful have worked hard, hut they know many rewards —through practice. 11 With an eye to the page and an car to the sound, choir members strive for perfect blend. V v

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Seconds tick away as the Firday night Spiritual activity provides stimulation, encouragement, and strength. Like most young people, basketball game nears its end. The big Larry spends time Sunday morning in worship of his God. game seems to start the weekend fun. A “night on the town” offers the chance to take in the latest movie. The Ter- race is the convenient local movie theater. The weekend passes and the cycle begins again. Students arrive by car, bus and walking to work their way to- ward another weekend. 13