J J Pearce High School - Mustang Yearbook (Richardson, TX)

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Among soft drinks and cookies, seniors David Gregory, Kristin Whiting, and Iohn Kight study during one of their weeknight practices prior to the team's selection. The team won first in the regional competition, taking more than half of the medals awarded and went on to the state competi- tion in March, ICrawfordl is ew ' M' 2 P lx? Speaking to old and new members of the Pre-Law Club during the first meeting, senior Keith Fern president of the club, outlines the activities for the new school year. lBoleyl Honors Clubs-Organizations X 141

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HO ORS CLUBS Friendships and competitions for students Meeting friends and competing in contests was what the honors clubs were all about. Students were exposed to competitions which helped to enrich their understanding of the subject that their club stressed. Contests were a way to make new friends and feel the spirit of competi- tion. The Computer Math Club par- ticipated in a district computer program- ming contest in the spring. The Pre-Law Club participated in a mock trial com- petition against Berkner, and Mu Alpha Theta competed in a math contest in Plano and hosted another one on cam- pus. 'tThe chance to meet others with my interests and to get the experience of taking contest tests is a lot of fun, sophomore Kelly McCord, a member of Mu Alpha Theta, said. Another was to make friends and help others was through service projects. Stacking books in the library served as the first semester project of the National Honor Society. This was an opportunity for the members to work as a team for the project which greatly benefited the school. Preparing for the Academic Decathlon competition resulted in deep friendships for the team members. Hlt is definitely worth the time because of the people and because we learn so much, junior Steve Tagtmeier said. The best thing is the people. You spend a lot of time with them and become very close. lDardenj Q Sk. KY. ix rr N R sts: Q F egg Q: is it After receiving the details about the cost, senior Laura Venincasa signs up for a graduation pin during a Mu Alpha Theta meeting. lBryan1 140 X Organizations-Honors Clubs Designing a program on a Texas Instruments computer, senior David Creemer, president of the Computer Math Club, types commands for his high-resolution graphics program as Dr. Ron McPherson, sponsor of the club, looks on. lBryan1

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HO CRS CLUBS Teachers help students use their talents Providing an outlet for academically talented students, the honors clubs were a challenge for sponsors as well as members. The clubs included the Com- puter Math Club, the National Honor Society, the Pre-Law Club, and the Academic Decathlon. The teachers that were involved helped the gifted students use their talents in productive ways. The Computer Math Club furnished activities related to computers for students who had a knack for computer programming. The club provides an opportunity for students to share ideas relating to computers, Dr. Ron McPherson, sponsor of the club, said. The club participated in various contests in the spring enabling interested students to stay active in computer programming. The National Honor Society, con- sisting of academically and community-active students, provided a reward for outstanding students with these qualifications. The honor society participated in one community-service project per semester. The honor society shows a position of importance for the students, Miss Mellanie Shepherd, sponsor of the group, said. Mu Alpha Theta, a national organiza- tion for exceptionally talented math students, was a way for math students to meet others with similar talents and in- Rt., Conferring with Mr. jim Wohlgehagen during a Mu Alpha Theta meeting, senior Trevor Blumenau, president of the club, asks about details concerning an upcoming math contest. IBYYHHI 142 X Organizations-Honors Clubs terests. Mu Alpha Theta was formed to promote understanding and enjoyment of math, Mr. jim Wohlgehagen, spon- sor of the club, said. The club par- ticipated in math contests and spon- sored other activities which enriched understanding of higher math. The Pre-Law Club, which consisted of juniors and seniors, gave students an orientation to law and the criminal justice system. Pre-Law Club activities introduce students to the aspects of law,'l Mrs. Rose Harp, sponsor of the Pre-Law Club, said. The mock trial com- petition and visiting the city courthouse gave students a bird's-eye view of how law functions in society. t'The Academic Decathlon encourag- ed students to value academics, Mrs. Polly Gilbert, sponsor for the team, said. t'The team creates an excitement for academics as much as sportsf' The com- petition, testing the team on various sub- jects ranging from fine arts to literature to history and science, required a wide range of knowledge. The team, prepared by listening to lectures, watching films, and reading books. The members placed first in the regional competition and went on to the state competition in order to attend the nationals. Honors clubs, by valuing academics, exposed students to many new situa- tions and ideas. jDardenj Writing a computer graphics program on a T Instruments computer, Dr. Ron McPherson, sj sor of the Computer Math Club, types comma on the keyboard. fBryanl f i -.