Memorial High School - Reata Yearbook (Houston, TX)

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ly awaiting the final minutes of graduation i fidair. Perfectly poised Lisa Rollins rushes onward. 'Nsw.,.w.,,, NNIN-Q. 'H--K S Late comers rush to find their place in the stadium for graduation rehearsal. ! dise M s, l r flip in J M f ' , K :W 'QM , -L Z ,M Q ff K ,,-, ai WM 3 Q wi , Cindy jordan and Susanne Humphrey try on their Caps in the Senior Office. Lost in the Crowd, Gigi Driscoll looks for her assigned seat during rehearsal. GRADUATION -87

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Confusion and celebration Finding a date to the prom, paying the fee for cap and gown, sending graduation announcements and then writing thank you notes for gifts were just a few of the things that made up the last confusing weeks of high school for seniors. Approaching graduation was almost forgotten as seniors rushed to pay incredible library fines, recover lost books or decide what school to have their final transcripts sent. The constant threat of possibly having to take finals spurred students fo show up on time to class every day. Teas, brunches and dinner parties given for girls in honor of their graduation, stole time from the girls, while boys spent time planning for Round-up, the big senior get together the day before graduation. During the last week of senior classes, a graduation practice was called. Seniors found their own transportation to the Spring Branch Community Coliseum by 8 a.m. Principal Wayne Schaper directed the rehearsal by giving simplified instructions to the rowdy group. David Lapin said of the rehearsal, lt was weird going through graduation practice because we all knew that our high school days would soon be overf' School continued on as normal until May 20, the last full day of classes for seniors. Although many seniors were to take finals the next day it didnft seem to hinder any parties that night. Caught up in the excitement of the day Karen Baker said, l'm so glad it's almost over, lt feels so good to be gettin'outf' Accepting his diploma, David Lapin shakes Principal Wayne Schape-r's hand in gratitude. 86-GRADUATION The final rows ofgraduates arise to accept their diplomas. Leading the 7976 graduating class in the opening pledge of allegience are Mr. W L. Davis, Mr. john P. Holloway, Mr. Wade Pogue and Mr. Nolan Morgan. Below: Seniors practice filing out of the stadium into the collseum. ,saw

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Seniors march into the coliseum to receive their diplomas. 88 - GRADUATION Welch touches every heart May our ambitions be our goals, and may our goals be our destiny, concluded Cordon Welch as he brought to a close his commencement address to the graduating class ofI976. The evening started at 7:15 when students were asked to meet in their assigned seats at Tully stadium. Hiro Taniguchi said, As I reviewed my last four years, I found that everything I did or had done flashed past my mind as I sat on the bench at the stadium!! After the seniors had filed into the Coliseum the invocation was given by Chaplewood Methodist Churchfs Associate Pastor Roddy I. Bland. The National Anthem was sung by Treacy Williams. The Baccalaureate sermon was given by Dr. Willaim M. Pratt, Pastor of Memorial Drive Baptist Church and father of graduating senior james Pratt. Administrative Principal Gerald W. Clanton presented the Magna Cum Laude and the Cum Laude students to the audience. Cordon Welch then gave his commencement address. After it was delivered Gordon received a standing ovation from the seniors as well as the entire audience. Senior Principal Margret Luther presented each cap and gown clad student while Principal Wayne Schaper shook hands and handed the student his own empty diploma cover. The actual diploma could not be picked up until the following Wednesday and only if the student was able to show a receipt for his cap and gown. As each senior walked across the stage, he was cheered by his family, friends and fellow classmates. A few outgoing students went out of their way to show appreciation to the faculty and the administration, like Seth Reinerwhen he gave Mrs. Luther a good-by kiss. As the last name was called out everyone cheered and caps went flying everywhere. Nick Chriss said after graduation, When I was a freshman, one of my teachers told me these years at Memorial would fly by. Now that I'm a senior I understand what she meant. Four years of high school is enough and graduating is nice, but knowing you're on your own is kind of scary in a way.