Mater Dei High School - Hi Lights Yearbook (Evansville, IN)

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Following announcements Good Morning this is Septem- ber 7, 1981 ... This unfamiliar male voice came over the inter- com on the first day of school. It may have startled some and others may have taken no notice of him. Now for the first time in 20 years, Mater Dei had a new prin- cipal, Mr. Joseph Delehunt, who succeeded Sister Mary Carmel Spayd. The Uniontown, Pennsylvania, native not only brought with him his early morning greetings but also different attitudes and ideas. In the beginning of the 81-82 school year I felt apprehensive. Mater Dei had its own tradition, its own history, I was unfamiliar with them and I was determined to get to know them. Delehunt kept Mater Dei ' s tradi- tions, but a few things were changed and added. In October of 1981 during a volleyball game with Castle, a few Mater Dei stu- dents became rowdy, shouted vulgarities, and displayed very poor sportsmanship. Delehunt, along with the stu- dent council, laid down the law. They drew up a set of rules and penalties. The athletic situation, stated Delehunt, was a sooner or later thing. It was bound to happen. We dealt with it very well. This was a crisis where things worked out and the students learned a lesson. Dress code also became a part of Delehunt ' s updating process. In February, 1982, he allowed the girls to wear pullover sweaters. On April 1, 1982, Delehunt instituted more laws and changed part of the dress code. It will go into effect in September of the 82-83 school year. Delehunt commented about this, Mater Dei ' s dress code was and is very good. It just needed a few changes to bring it closer to the present. It gives the students a chance to look good and be able to do so inexpen- sively. Delehunt remarked on how he had received a positive attitude from students and faculty alike. It is difficult job being head administrator because you get no instant feedback as a teacher does. When I do receive feed- back, it is positive. He also said how he enjoyed working with teenagers. They are all exciting to be around. They keep me young, and they are a constant reminder of my high school days. When the academic year came to a close, Delehunt ended the year as he had begun it! Good morning, this is June 9, 1982. Since today is the last day of the year, we will be on a special schedule ... — Kim Preske KEEPING OFF THE STREET; Mr. Joseph De- lehunt, from Union Town Pennsylvania, is more than just Mater Dei ' s new princi- pal. He enjoys bicycling, hiking, and camping in his spare time. But after being involved in the National Catholic Education Association, Indiana Sec- ondary School Administration, the Na- tional Association of Second School Principals, the Evansville Area High School Athletic Council, and the South- ern Indiana Athletic Council Steering Committee, there doesn ' t seem to be much time left to spare, (Photo by Geoff Coates)

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;X I DRYIN ' OFF: Class sponsor Mr. John Stratman rests after the storm hit at Weslake during the junior class party. A tornado supposedly touched down just a mile away. (Photo by Alan Burdette) PUTTING A ' DAMP ' ER ON THINGS: Margarita and Louisa Silva take cover at the girls track sectionals. The meet was held at Central track, despite the rain. (Photo by Alan Burdette) EN LIGHTNING I! ' The weather in Evansville proved to be as unpredictable as ever. Thunder- storms over the Memorial Day weekend thwarted many outdoor activities. Here, a bo lt of lightning illuminates the downtown area, particularly the newly erected Citizens Bank building. (Photo by . Geoff Coates) AFTERMATH: The severe thunderstorm which ripped through the area towards the end of school took its toll on Mater Dei. Left, a power line is damaged. Right, a huge tree by the side hit uprooted. (Photos by Bethe Ledbetter)

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GOTTA BE CRAZY TO WORK HERE I: Principal Mr. Joseph Delehunt ' s secretaries didn ' t even know each other until 1981 . Mrs. Mary Groves, left, started her job as bookkeeper in June. Mrs. Charlotte Vanhooser has been taking care of the office records and students for the past 1 4 years. They say they have built a good relationship working together and have gone to many MD ball games and wrestling meets together. (Photo by Bethe Led better) GET YOUR TICKETS HERE: Mrs. Marty Lemberg. graduate of Indiana State, has been the athletic secretary for two years. She is responsible for not only selling tickets for all of the Mater Dei athletic events but she also hires officials and arranges bus trips for out of town events. (Photo by Kathy Konrad) RIGHT HAND MAN: Mr. Todd Rudnick has been assistant principal for two years. He moved to Evansvillefrom Michigan City, Indiana when he was offered a job in the administration. This year he admits he is Mr. Joe Delehunt ' s right hand man. (Photo by Geoff Coates) COURTESY OF CULVER: Mr. Bob Culver is the head maintenance man at Mater Dei. He is the father of Bob Culver, senior, and supports him and all athletes by making posters and hang- ing them on the entrance to the gym. Culver made signs for the students to boost their spirit and congratulate their winnings. I really enjoy working here, and I love the kids, said Culver. (Photo by Bethe Ledbetter)