Lincoln High School - Links Yearbook (Lincoln, NE)

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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

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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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Changes vary Precedents are set Additions to the school in 1982-’83 were not limited to the 599 new faces in the sophomore class, nor were they restricted to the building itself. One change that affected everyone involved in the Lincoln Public Schools system was the acquisition of a superintendent to replace John Prasch. Dr. Roger Clough took over for the retiring Prasch on October 4. He left Mason City, Iowa to accept the job, but is no stranger to Lincoln. He is happy with Lincoln’s “outstanding educational system.” “If I could pick any community and school system to be part of, Lincoln would be it,” he said (Lincoln High Ad- vocate, Aug. 30, 1982). Administrative changes were also made closer to home, but involved regulations rather than personnel. One of the most widely discussed revisions concerned the attendance policy. No longer were three unexcused absences allowed before a student was removed from class. Under the new system, one unexcused absence was enough to have a student spend time in detention either before or after school (the students had their choice). Senior Craig Riecke wasn’t concerned about the change. “It really doesn’t affect me,” he said. “As long as (at- tendance director) Dr. (Jean) Kleitsch is happy. I’m happy.” Craig will be pleased to learn that Kleitsch is satisfied. “I just think we were ready for a change,” she said. As of first semester 1982, an average of 20 students per week spent time in detention. According to Kleitsch, that figure represents a substantial decrease in last year’s average. Although the faculty had not commented on the policy, Kleitsch said she had received no negative feedback from the parents. “Parents love it,” she said. “I haven’t had one say, ‘no, they can’t go to detention.’ ” Another addition has been made in the attendance area. Lincoln High became the first high school in Nebraska to use a computer as an aid in recording attend- ance. Besides policy and its support systems, an archive room is underway in the Media Center. Although work will probably not be completed for several years, according to media specialist Marj Sawin, items ranging from Pep Club uniforms to old Advocates are being gathered for display. 14 — We’ve Got It, New Things