Douglas Southall Freeman High School - Historian Yearbook (Richmond, VA)

Page 9 text:

At DSF challenges are not confined to the classroom alone, although they are most ap- parent there. The hours a Rebel spends after school prepare him for a different kind of contest. The athlete drills, readying himself for the next day’s game, match, or meet. The budding actor rehearses, then walks onto a bare stage, making it come alive before the audience. Rebels work hard not only to create standards but also to maintain them. An all- state band must practice if it is to continue to entertain and inspire listeners. Delegates to language tournaments or student conven- tions must keep abreast of the new develop- ments in their fields if they wish to preserve DSF’s established tradition. Each day brings new challenges to everyone. Whether pre- pared or taken by surprise, Douglas Freeman students meet them with ingenuity and de- termination. To Rebels, meeting challenges is an accepted, rewarding way of life.

Page 8 text:

Reg ie é oe Pe Rebels meet challenges from unusual sources Every challenge does not arise from a crisis. There are the subtler ones—improvement of an academic average, qualification for col- lege entra nce, acquisition of teachers’ and classmates’ respect. These come forth quietly and stand in the background. They are the forces that cause Rebels to set their goals, then strive to reach them. There are the chal- lenges that one expects, looks for, and recog- nizes. But there are the others, the unex- pected ones that come quickly and without warning. These arrive disguised as special announcements, heavy snowstorms, re- peated fire drills, which interrupt the orderly progression of school life. After these intru- sions, scattered students must resume tasks and pick up the broken threads of their dif- ferent activities to join them together again.

Page 10 text:

Student life at DSF challenges Rebels to perform at their best No phase of student life is without its challenge. Classroom activities demand a student's attention, even on the laziest spring days. Caught gazing out of a win- dow, he cannot supply a correct answer at the required moment. Dramatic pro- ductions invite students to memorize lines, paint scenery, or manipulate a spotlight. While actors on stage practice their timing, workers backstage rush about prompting, setting up props, pull- ing light switches. Athletic contests call not only for stamina and ability from participants, but also for spirit from spec- tators who hope and strain with a runner or jumper. Rebels work to find their roles, and they play them with enthusiasm.