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

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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 -.

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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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E 5 E 2 2 .,:,E W -M-fir nm. ,,,. iw ,ff ., iltlii X .,.. , ,,. ,,, ,,, 5. 1 if f if ,V M f lk.,,,..... 4 I X 1f' if O Z ba.. W I 3 I I. i . 'l VL . I J as S N.. Wi -if Taking orders for the National Honor Societys homecoming mum sale, senior member Mitch Smith records a transaction during lunch. lBryanl X w Mrs. Polly Gilbert helps seniors Laura Marshall and Rollin Craig in the research library. Mrs. Gilbert was also sponsor of the Academic Uaczathlon team this year. fCrawlorfll Honors Chills-CJrganizations X143