Jacksonville High School - Crimson J Yearbook (Jacksonville, IL)

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6 7 Acting as one of the narrators for the Salute of Black Heroes production. Cathy Wilson helps to introduce the numerous characters who spoke of their role in American history (1). Michelle Pitts presents the biographical information about her character. Biddy Mason (2). The mass choir, under the direction of JHS graduate Harlan Abby, provides a musical addition to the 40-minute program (3). Kory Shephard moves about the stage as she tells of the life of poet Phyllis Wheatley (4). Bobby Webb plays the dual role of Benjamin Banneker and William Whipper for the program (5). Vincent Andujo delivers his lines as Lewis H. Latimer (6). Titonia Scudder portrays the role of Sojourner Truth in the performance (7). 3 Black History Program 29

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Students Celebrate Black History Month Jacksonville High School students celebrated Black History Month with a 40-minute production entitled: A Salute to Black Heroes.” The group presented the program at two assemblies for the school and later performed the program at Mt. Emory Baptist Church. The production was under the direction of Shir-lee Pettit-Banks, who wrote the program. Twenty students made up the cast with senior Carrie McCrary, acting as narrator. Other cast members included Julio Andujo as Lewis T. Wright, Vincent Andujo as Lewis H. Latimer, Nathan Blue as a narrator, Greg Brown as Jean Baptiste Dusable, Joy Caldwell as Nannie H. Burroughs, and Michelle Pitts as Biddy Mason. The role of Sojourner Truth was portrayed by Titonia Scudder; Kory Sheppard played Phyllis Wheatley; and Bobby Webb played the dual roles of Benjamin Banneker and William Whipper. Also featured as narrators were Cathy Wilson and Lynn Lawrence. The black history month production was created by provide educational entertainment. 28 Black History Program

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A Dazzling Frosty Frolic “Frosty Frolic” was the theme of the 1986 Christmas Dance, which was held at the JHS cafeteria on December 12, 1986 from 9-12. The dance took place after a home basketball game against QND. This year’s Christmas Dance was a much more dazzling experience compared to years past. The decorations were very well done. The suspended snowflakes were accented with metallic blue and silver ribbon. The seniors elected to the court included Liz Airsman, Joan Long, Julie Rowe, Rachel Thomson, Ken Dobson, Chris Jokisch, Steve Symons, and Mike Thies. Karin Curtis was selected as the 1986 Queen, and Jody Claussen as the 1986 King. The royal couple were crowned by the 1985 Queen Sonya Spangenberg, and 1985 King Rob Crowe. The coronation ceremony had a new twist — a silver “carpet” was rolled from the front of the cafeteria to the Queen’s chair and, as the court proceeded to the front, a short biography was read about each individual. After the announcement of King and Queen, the court danced to the theme song “Will You Still Love Me” by Chicago. Jax, the band from Homecoming, provided the entertainment. l The crowd dances to a slow song (1). Seniors Bruce Roegge, Mike Thies, Paul Hadden, and Chris Jokisch congratulate Jody Claussen for being chosen the 1986 Christmas King (2). Court members Rachel Thompson, Kenny Dobson, Liz Airsman, and Steve Symons dance during the queen’s dance (3). Heather Baptist hugs Karin Curtis after the queen announcement (4). The 1986 Christmas Court includes Liz Airsman and Steve Symons (5), Chris Jokisch and Julie Rowe (6), Joan Long and Mike Thies (7), and Kenny Dobson and Rachel Thomson (8). The 1986 Christmas Queen and King are Karin Curtis and Jody Claussen (9). The court (10). 30 Christmas Dance