Hellgate High School - Halberd Yearbook (Missoula, MT)

Page 12 text:

The summer months cooled into Fall and the 1965-66 school-year began. The concept of the old Higgins building being a separate high school apart from the new South Avenue unit had been formulating for several years and by school-year ’64-’65 Hell- gate H.S. came into existence. It was not, however, until this year that Hellgate exist- ed as a completely separate four-year high school. So as the brightly colored Indian sum- mer unfolded, the student life of Hellgate began to develop. The usual routine of Freshmen getting acquainted, wild Sophomores boasting of the greatness of their class, and the Juniors wish- ing they were Seniors, occurred. But this first Senior class was in a unique position. Since their Sophomore year they had been the upper class. Now they along with the lower classes had to begin formulating the standards and traditions that would be Hell- gate H.S., treading on new ground and mak- ing their own mistakes. Things began to move the first of Octo- ber when a Pep Assembly before the first home game provided skits. About this same time the speech and drama departments were beginning to move. The first big speech meet was at Great Fails Public in which Hellgate was w'ell represented. Preparations for the first drama production, The Curious Savage also began rolling. The all-girl dance group, Orchesis, began organizing themselves. Or- chesis did not plan any production this year, but just formulated techniques for future years. In the Fall many Seniors scrambled about gathering information about scholar- ships, college applications, and took tests such as the ACT and College Boards. During this same time the Montana Interscholastic Edi- torial Association for high school journalists met at the U. of M. Hellgate was given the honor of having the ’66-’67 president. The unity of the school was not sparked until the w'eek leading to Silver M Day. A large noise-rally in the parking lot Monday evening, combined with the chanting in the halls Monday and Tuesday, ignited the flame of unity. Then, Wednesday, All-Knights Day, the spirit rose to a frenzied pace with a large hall chant, an hour-long Pep Assembly, and the bon-fire in the Field House parking lot Wednesday night. By game-time Thurs- day the students were united and had a definite goal in mind. The spirit of good com- petition predominated even though the Knights lost by two points. From here on, in every field of student life the students were truly united, and Hellgate H.S. was finally establishing itself.

Page 11 text:

The shock of defeat faces a Knight fan. A massive hall rally the day before the Knight-Spartan game generates enthusiasm. Students join in a Snake Dance at the bonfire before Spartan game.

Page 13 text:

Enthusiasm Soars Mr. Dahlstrom di- rects a class of girls chorus. Lex Homes and Harry Northey demonstrate the graciousness of the Roaring Twenties cheerleaders.