McCallie High School - Pennant Yearbook (Chattanooga, TN)

Page 14 text:

Merit Semifinalists. Front Row: Paul Burke, Stephen Thomas, Joe Bennett, John Shaw. Back Row: Vic Stephenson, John Choi, Neal Brackett, Wayne Blackburn, Benny Halliburton, Noel Hunt, Preston Burton, John Sims Baker lnot pictured, Ansley Mosesl. Having taken A.P. American History as a junior, Preston Burton gives advice about the trimester exam to Joe Bennett. After A.P. English class, Noel Hunt and John Sims Baker discuss the finer points of Freud- ian psychology.

Page 13 text:

King Garners Autumn Crown By Joe Bennett Her initial reaction to her nomina- tion for Autumn Queen was one of hysteria. She became nervous over the prospect of being paraded in front of 500 unruly McCallie stu- dents. Nevertheless she rose to the occasion, and after an impressive, if not awing, appearance in assembly, Miss Kimberly Sue King was crowned the 1980-81 Autumn Queen. Five candidates were nominated for the honor by the Varsity Football and Cross Country teams: Lee Franck, Notre Dame, Sherri Hilde- brand, East Ridge, Kim King, Notre Dame, Meg McCall, G.P.S.p and Lisa Schumpert, Christian School. These five then attended an assembly, where they were introduced to the drooling student body. Students in grades 9-12 then voted for their choice. The following weekend, at halftime of the Kirkman tfootball game, Miss King was crowned the winner. Kim was a junior at Notre Dame High School, where she has been a cheerleader and a member of the Booster and Spanish Clubs. But at least a part of her loyalty belongs to McCallie. Strangely enough, it seems that Kim traded in her Irish cheerleading uniform for a blue and white one. When asked why she pre- ferred to cheer for McCallie, Kim re- plied that she had just always been for McCallie. But further probing revealed another primary motiva- tion: to cheer for her boyfriend, Robby Taliaferro. Evidently Kim's heart belongs to McCallie, or at least l An elated Kim King recesses from the field, having been crowned by Mr. Vernon Cox, president of the McCallie Parent Association. to the McCallie senior. So Kim was already well-known among McCallie students as a cheer- leader. But facing some very worthy competition, she modestly doubted her chances of winning. Her selec- tion came as a complete surprise, as the name of the winner had been a closely guarded secret until the crowning ceremony. That night, es- corted by a shaky Marc Harwell, Kim remained calm. Marc kept asking me what to do if I won, but I told him not to worry because I knew I wouldn't. Moments later Kim left the field, after donning the genuine tiara crown of the McCallie Autumn Queen. Kim King and her cheerleading partner Jay Faires show their Tornado spirit during the kickoff of the Howard football game.

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I4 iolizgws The 14 seniors out of a class of 140 who were chosen as National Merit Semifinalists comprised the largest number ever for McCallie. Why were these 14 picked to receive this honor? They must study con- stantly and cram for standardized tests, right? No. The answer is much simpler, they all scored 189 or bet- ter out of a possible 240 on the PSATXNMSQT. This annual test prepares stu- dents for the SAT and determines the students who are eligible for Merit Scholarships. The Semifina- lists include less than the highest one percent of all seniors nationwide and are eligible to become finalists and receive merit scholarships. McCalIie's total of 14 was the high- est in Chattanooga and second high- est of all the high schools in the state. In addition, nine other seniors received commendation for their scores. The 14 Semifinalists defied classi- fication, because they represented such a wide spectrum of interests and activities. Diversity was the rule. John Sims Baker, Vwho joined Preston Burton and John Shaw as the only boarding student Semifina- lists, took pride in the quality of the Tornado during his editorship of the student newspaper. Almost never lacking in enthusiasm, he cheered the football team on from the side- lines as a yell-leader. Having been a member of the Student Council, the Senate, Cum Laude, and Keo-Kio, Baker still considered being a Semi- finalist an honor. He also pointed out, Taking the PSAT in my sopho- more year certainly helped me reach the high score I made when I took it the next year. Noel Hunt's many contributions to McCallie were reflected by his elec- tion as President of Keo-Kio. All stu- dents respected him as a figure of the Senate's authority when he made announcements concerning Senate cases. Hunt also emphasized his preparation, noting that, The workload at McCallie provided me with a good background for taking standardized tests. Senior Senate representative Cross Country runners Gregg Middleton and Paul Burke prepare for the day's workout as Vic Stephenson shows them their previous best times. Benny Halliburton served two Stu- dent Council terms and was Presi- dent of Cum Laude. Halliburton was also active in football and baseball, but was by no means the only ath- lete to achieve semifinalist ranking. Joe Bennett wrestled on the varsi- ty team for three. years and led cheers during the football season. Paul Burke managed to wrestle and run both Cross Country and Track. Vic Stephenson, Neal Brackett, and Gregg Middleton held positions on the Varsity Soccer team. Ansley Mo- ses was a two-year Varsity Basket- ball player. John Choi took a break from his books and played Varsity Tennis. Wayne Blackburn and John Shaw demonstrated their talents in the arts. Blackburn exhibited expertise in musical performance, while Shaw both acted in and directed dramatic performances. Steven Thomas rounded out the diverse group, a group of whose common accomplishment McCallie School should be proud.