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

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Unfamiliar faces, new classrooms, and a variety of organizations and cultures opened the school year — one week later than origin- ally scheduled — at Ferguson. Student-to-student communi- cation was hampered, for past school ties dominated student associations; but in time the conflicting identities were dissolved. No longer could one be recognized as a Viking, Trojan, Typhoon, Farmer or Monarch; instead, each came to realize his new Mariner status. Within classrooms and clubs, goals varied; within the different cultures, con- trasting ideals were present. Teachers and administrators also faced change. Half of the facu lty was new to Ferguson; but it was a new Ferguson even to those who knew the building. Every- one had to adjust to a whole new ball game,” a new principal told them, as well as to temporarily frozen salaries (with retroactive pay finally coming in January) and to the absence of eighth and ninth graders. But while people searched for a possible method linking the assortment of aspirations, the development of new and reorganization of old clubs aided in weaving a closer relationship, unifying the goals and Diminishing the Diversity 17

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Lights, camera, action, says Mr. Bob Dris- coll as he focuses lights on a folk singer. Baton raised, Mr. Wray Herring directs the stage band through another performance. Describing the goals of the basketball team, Coach Woolum talks shop with a reporter. Technical complications are left upon John Bright as he sets controls for radio show. Discussing current activities and projects, club members chant in an afternoon meeting. Involvement in many school activities often keeps junior Ellen Bryant late afternoons. Male chorus members demonstrate the in- tense concentration necessary for a great show. 16

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Social Studies fuse modernity, antiquity Cassette tape recorders, pro- jectors, and supplementary books were put to good use in the Social Studies Department as NDEA funds became available again. Teachers ran off tests and information on their new ditto machine; creative projects and educational programs were videotaped and played back in class. But social studies center around people, not machines. Many United States History students studied Colonial Williamsburg ' s architec- ture on the spot. In a six-week session. Miss Sylvia Olney and Mr. Bob Driscoll team-taught Urban Studies, with a field trip to Norfolk to identify components of a city. Game-playing government classes learned of international power struggles via “Dangerous Parallel. Economics students spent second semester in individual study and projects. International Relations was reinstated in the curriculum after a one-year absence. Outstanding Social Studies student Lee Dise was voted out- standing delegate to the Model United Nations held at Madison College, where Noel Kornette, Robert Shelton, and Rick Witty joined Lee in representing the United States.