Homer L Ferguson High School - Mariner Yearbook (Newport News, VA)

Page 12 text:

65% turnover forbodes tension, natural hesitancy « The initial shock of a 65% turnover in student body, a new principal and community resentment toward the school system, certainly forboded many changes in my role as a school administrator. However, once the uncertainty, tension, and natural hesitancy concerning the unknown had been supplanted by under- standing, I found that my job had not really been changed at all. Coach Charlie Woolum clutches an award as Mr. Wayne Begor talks to Coach Harlan Hott. Schedule blues plague Mrs. Shirley Hangen, senior class counselor, between semesters. Busily sorting out excuses, people, notes, Mrs. Janet Custin checks up on attendance.

Page 11 text:

... though I found myself in the building I had taught in for several years it actually was a different place because the people in a building determine its personality. I had to adjust, too, and this I had not anticipated. It is an astounding fact that the black students and white students get along well in my classes. I find less cruelty between students and that there is an obvious attempt at pleasant relationships, which was not true in previously all white classes. m Students appreciate Dan Shanks ' humor as he speaks his mind in a give-and-take session. That ' s how it is, explains Mrs. Mary Deal to Beth Saliba as Nancy Weiner stands by. Students pass in their history assignments to Mrs. Susan Taylor as they leave class. Poised and waiting for the music to start, free floor gymnasts exercise in a FHS gym. Bongo drums and records establish the right atmosphere for visiting dance instructors. Delinquent teachers sneak out of school to make their weekends just that much longer. Words of advice from Coach Freddie Travis boost team moral in a basketball time out.

Page 13 text:

Problems differ Our success in Athletics this year has had a positive effect on our stu- dents. We have not enjoyed this kind of success previously. The re- organization of the School System has definitely improved our pro- gram in the area. I believe our students havecome together as a unifying force in sup- port of our total program. While our student body in general is outstand- ing, our student problems are of a different nature from what they have been in the past. Principal Ross M. Hines discusses matters with PTA president, Dr. Randall Chambers. Splurging in a surprise brownie break, Mr. Tim Walter and Mrs. Virginia Pepper relax. Cards, cards, and more cards clutter Mrs. Marie Gentry ' s desk in the main office. 9