Forest Park High School - Tracer Yearbook (Ferdinand, IN)

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Graduation Day—Not Ending but Beginning, President of the senior class, Steve Meyer (left); valedicto- her (right), speak on topics of their own choice trying to rian, Eileen Olinger (center); and salutatorian, Elaine Bee- convey a little hope and inspiration to the graduates. May 21, 1972—after 12 years of waiting the big day was here. But the closer the day came, the less they wanted it to arrive. And solemn faces stared out at dreams rising and fading before their minds’ eye. Graduation day had come to be called commence- ment day because it was a beginning more than an ending. And all those people present were celebrating the growing up of another generation. “We’ve only just begun”—the theme the three speak- ers followed—brought memories, tears, silent prayers, and hopes to the graduates’ minds. President of the senior class, Stephen Meyer, was the first of the speakers. He spoke of the present and dared the graduates to do the best they can with what they have. Valedictorian, Eileen Olinger, spoke of the future and urged the graduates to “live life its ful- lest.” And finally, Elaine Becher, salutatorian, spoke of the past and how much high school had meant to the gradu- ates. The graduates were no longer children; they were no longer adolescents. They had reached adulthood, and they made it final with the lifting of their tassels and the turning of their rings. Graduating senior, Becky Begle, receives her diploma and a word of congratulations from Superintendent Earl Buechler. 18

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“A Star We’ll Remember” was the theme chosen by the juniors for the 1972 Junior-Senior Prom. A lot of hard work went into the making of what the juniors hoped would be a memorable experience. The prom, held at the St. Anthony Community Center, will indeed be long re- membered. Upon entering through a flower-covered walkway, the students and their guests immediately noticed the star- studded navy crepe paper completely covering the expan- sive ceiling. Candlelight and music by the “Christopher Robin” set the scene for a lovely evening. Despite a few mishaps, such as sagging crepe paper and a shortage of punch, both students and faculty talked and danced the evening away. King Alvin Hoppenjans and Queen Mary Alice Helming were crowned and reigned throughout the evening. During a lighter moment class wills were read. Bowling at Hunter’s Bowl in Huntingburg and various parties and breakfasts kept the students and faculty out until the wee hours of the morning. Straggling home after an unforgettable night, everyone was glad to get a few hours of rest before looking ahead to the inevitable school days. Memorable Evening ABOVE: Barbara Snyder and Terry Englert look in on the goldfish which inhabit the bubbling fountain at the Junior- Senior Prom. Sinking crepe paper may be a disappointment to some, but to others it just brings fun and something to get together to talk about. LEFT: The faculty good-natured- ly participates in the senior wills. Mr. Tyring has just in- herited a pruning shears and a possible victim. 17

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Because We Have 6Only Just Begun to Live9 The seniors wait, solemnly attentive during the benediction, moments after enter- ing the gym. Shortly thereafter, the 118 seniors were formally declared 1972 graduates. Kristy Fritz, with mixed emotions, leaves the gym for the last time. 19 During the first few moments of the commencement exercises, the seniors stand quietly.