Lincoln High School - Links Yearbook (Lincoln, NE)

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Voting opportunities valued Attitudes dictate voter turn-out The first opportunity for many seniors to voice their opinions by voting was in the elections of 1982. The league of Women Voters was at the school September 21 to register 18-year-olds for the November general elections. Senior Darla Borchers was among those who made a commitment to a political party. She thought it was impor- tant for young people to take advantage of their voting privileges. “It makes a good impression on them,” she said. “It makes them a part of it, instead of just letting the older people vote.” She addi-d that she didn’t think teenagers were affected by voting attitudes of their parents. “The kid might think his mom and dad really didn’t care,” Darla said, “and he thinks if he votes, maybe they’ll vote, too.” But Buford Grosscup, social studies instructor, did not necessarily agree. He said studies have shown that 80 per cent of the 18-year-old registered voters do not exercise their voting rights. In his opinion, the problem centers on attitudes of the young voter, rather than those of the parents. “The 18-year-old doesn’t vote because of disenchant- ment, lack of knowledge, and just plain laziness,” he said. “They get the attitude of ‘my vote doesn’t count.’ ” Grosscup praised courses such as Citizenship Issues as I major steps toward changing that outlook. But some students didn't need a class to generate par- ticipation in political affairs. Senior Monica Azure took an active interest in the political spectrum despite being hindered by the age requirement. Unable to vote, she en- couraged her older classmates to take advantage of the privileges they have. “I know too many people who are able to vote and ■! don’t,” Monica said. “I think those people obviously don't care what happens. Anyone who is able to vote should,” she added. “It just I might be their vote that makes a difference.” Above— Rising above the competition. Jim Keck’s advertising cam- paign stressed nationalistic themes and colors. Right—Fulfilling their (’it izenship Issues requirements. Dean Kexroth and Chris Mileus aid the campaign of their candidate. 12 — We’ve Got It, Elections

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Issues spark controversy Nuke freeze and teacher disputes affect students The issues of the world affect the students here, since they are willing to devote time to causes that they could help change. On September 26, in front of the Capitol, a nuclear freeze rally took place. Its purpose was to get people to support the freeze resolution. The crowd was entertained by various music groups such as Charlie Burton and The Blue Grass Crusade. Between groups, speakers talked of what could be done to promote the freeze. Anne Radford, one of the coordinators for the rally, said that the more student support the better. “They’re the ones that will have to live with it,” she said. “It’s their future.” On September 27, 1982, the Lincoln City Council passed the Nuclear Freeze Resolution. The resolution was placed on the city-wide November ballot. Jay Thornton, a senior, felt that the resolution was an important step to a national freeze. “That’s what the people want,” he said, “and by just going through local levels, the government will soon realize that the freeze is what a majority of people want.” But the freeze wasn’t the only issue that affected the students. The beginning of the 1982 school year brought back not only school books and exams, but also controversy between the teachers and their contracts. Ross Tegeler, social studies teacher and board member of the LEA, said that one of the major conflicts that kept the teachers from signing their contracts was the salary. While the pay for a newer teacher rose nine-ten per cent, the teachers that had been with Lincoln Public Schools longer received a four-five per cent increase. Teachers entering the profession see that there is no way for advancement, he said. Another problem was the length of the contract. The average amount of days that teachers work in Nebraska is 175, but LPS teachers are on the job for 190 days. Tegeler said they have received an overwhelming re- sponse from parents, most of it positive. “People realize that teachers are an important part of their children’s lives,” he said. We’ve Got It, Current Issues — 11

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Loft —Displayed by this billboard is the “open-door policy of Ed Zorinsky. Below—Voters take advantage of registration opportuni ties at («ateway with the league of Women Voters. We’ve Got It, Elections — 13