Merrillville High School - Merrillvue Yearbook (Merrillville, IN)

Text from Pages 1 - 84 of the 1952 volume:

FORWARD We pass this way but once . . . The things that each of us and each of you have done here, no matter how great or how small, will be the foundation of our future. The simple love and kindness, plus the education given to us by our teachers, will enable us to face the future with self-confidence. The future will also bring time for hours of remembering. The building itself will bring back wonder- ful memories — games, dances, plays, and club activities. We of the staff hope this annual will make these memories more vivid and realistic. Table of Contents Administration P a 9 e ® Faculty P a 9 e Classes - P a 9 e 13 Athletics ---- Page 37 Activities Page 31 Oh gosh! I ' m out of typ- ing paper again! Sounds familiar, doesn ' t it? Every- one seems to remember just as the bell rings and usually manages to get there just before they close. The two smiling faces in the Book Store belong to Pat Chentnik and Nona Lou Murray, who have been working there all year. Page Four SCHOOL DAYS Upper leil Eyes on the copy - Upper right Sunshine dolls Center Left No hurry! Center right Quiet, please! Lower left Is this constitutional? Lower right Dig in. Page Five Upper leit: Upper right: Pep it up All smiles Center lett: Center: Center right: The latest Here ' s how Hit it! Lower left: Lower right: Slide! The hand Page Six Upper leit: Fight! ! Center: Who, me? Lower leit: These are properties? Center leit: He ' s off Upper right: . . . and in conclusion - Center right: Soups on Lower right: Get that ball Page Seven EDGAR L. MILLER Principal CECIL A. GRAYSON HENRY P. FIELER Supi. of Schools Trustee Page Eight C. E. WALTERS Grade School Principal MRS ELLEN FRAZURE School Secretary MRS. HELEN HAYDEN School Treasurer The office slaff is always ready to help us out when we need it. Everyone knows Mrs. Frazure, our efficient secretary, who takes care of passes, excuses, correspondence, and just about everything. Mrs. Hayden is the one with all the figures in her head, tickets in her hands, and piles of money on her desk. Mr. Miller is always glad to help every- one with their problems. He has done a lot for our school and has helped us get a first-class rating this year. Mr. Miller and Mrs. Frazure pose for a typical office scene. Page Nine IRA ANDREWS Gade and High School Art Purdue Indiana Stale Teachers ' College, B S. JAMES BOVARD Social Studies Indiana University, B S. Butler University IRENE COLLINS Latin and Mathematics Valparaiso University, A. B. Indiana University University of Wiscon;in RICHARD DEMAREE History, Football Coach Northwestern University, B. S Purdue University Indiana University Akron, Ohio University CHARLES DOW Agriculture Purdue University, B S. EDWARD ENGLEHART Physical Education, Basketball, and Baseball Coach Canterbury University, B S. Indiana University, M. S. GRACE GARMONG Commercial Indiana University, B. S. PENELOPE GEORGE Grade Music and High School Chorus St. Mary ' s of Notre Dame, B. M. DOROTHY HOBBS Physical Education and Science Seattle Pacific College, A. B. University of Washington, M. A American Gymnastic Union Normal College CARL LUNDGREN Band and Choir Northwestern University, B M , M M Page Ten CLYDE MOTTS Science Manchester College, A B Ball Stale Teachers ' College, M A. Indiana University PHILIP NEEDHAM Business Mathematics and Industrial Arts Indiana State Teachers ' College, B S„ M S. Ball Stale Teachers ' College Rose Polytechnic ALEANA PHILLIPS Home Economics, Biology Indiana Stale Teachers ' College, B. S. FRANK PRUITT Mathematics and Science Indiana University, A. B„ A. M University of Illinois University ol Louisville University ol Missouri MARY REED Home Economics Purdue, B. S. Rosary College RALPH REISEN Librarian Indiana State Teachers ' College, A B Indiana University University of Chicago DORIS ROBERTSON Spanish, Commerce, Business Mathematics Ball Stale Teachers ' College, A. B. STANLEY SEMOKITIS Industrial Arts Indiana State Teachers ' College, B. S. Western Michigan College of Education DOROTHY WELDY Physical Education and Spanish Manchester College, A. B. GILBERT WELDY English and Speech Manchester College, B. S. Indiana University Page Eleven Members of the Student Council represent the whole student body in school functions. This year they have had movies, programs, and are planning STUDENT COUNCIL to sponsor the inspection for a higher rating which is to be next tall. The project for the year was to get palms for the stair landings. Page Twelve Sponsors, left lo right: Stanley Semokaiiis, James Bovard, Miss Robertson. Officers, left to right: Bert Stringham, Judy Showalterbaugh, Shirley Hurlburt, Nancy Appleton, Melvin Greiner, Bob Covaciu, Pali Merritt. FRESHMAN HISTORY The class of ' 55 had a good laste of high school life in the past year. They had very good co-operation under their class officers who were: President, Bob Covacui; Vice-President, Nancy Appleton; Secretary, Patt Merritt; Treasurer, Judy Showalterbaugh; and Ser- geani-at-Arms, Melvin Greiner. They enjoyed a skating party, and they also had a good turn-out for their Shamrock Shimmy. The freshman cheerleaders chosen for the reserve ball teams were: Juanita Davis, Sue Cool, JoAnn Davids, and Marilyn Weilgus. The student council representatives were Bert Stringham, Shirley Hurlburt, and Bob Covaciu. Page Fourteen FRESHMAN Left to Right Row 1: Dick Lehman, Kenny Metcalf, Arlin Cole. Row 2: Tom Mayer, Claude Klingaman, Charles Griener. Row 3: Don Lollis, Larry Nemeth, Joan Mathews, Marilyn Wielgus. Row 4: Lois Kros, Peggy Seveance, Pat Banser, Mary Price. Row 5: Tom Kokinda, Tim Glennon, Bert String- ham, Julie Harlow. Row 6: Sharon Marshall, Nancy Lewis, Sue Cool, Delbert Bateman. Row 7: Mary Ann Vereb, Jack Stevenson, Jim Backe, Jim Coster. Row 1: Kenny Frankovich, Ronnie Frankovich, Jack Bird. Row 2: Marilyn Jungerman, Ronnie Barbercheck, George Clark. Row 3: Wanda Frogge, Luella Bardwell, Joe Doutheil, Bruce DePew. Row 4: Nancy Frazure, Phillip Fisher, Peggy Bierer, Teresa Cockran. Row 5: Dave Stollz, Jill Frank, Coralie DeVries, Yvonne Aubuchon. Row 6: Delbert Bateman, Jerry Pierce, Ronnie Wyatt, Barbara Bilous. Row 7: Jack VanMeerlen, Laurel Moore, Judy Clark, Nancy Appleton. Page Fifteen FRESHMAN Left to Right Row 1: Ralph Halfman, David Gust. Row 2: Bill Craig, Don Lecik, Larry Gulkowski. Row 3: Curtis Kilian, Bob Korotch, Don Jones, Jim Gildersleeve. Row 4: Jerry Polomchak, Judy Yohn, Ronald Freeman, Jerry Chetnik. Row 5: Nancy Peterson, Margaret Sheets, Phillip Nicolelio, Warren Engslrom. Row 6: David Black, Jack Elkins, Richard Jeffery, Joan Davids. Row 7: Chuck Ashton, Jerry Griffin, Larry Lape, Mabel Davis. Row 1: Shirley Hurlburt, Carol Hunter, Jean- nene Jeviks, Nancy Jenkins. Row 2: Anna Marie Kopscic, Joyce Johnson, Sally Ludkie, Mary Lou Lawrence. Row 3: Carl Lefferl, Bob Jeffery, Jim Hillis, Arlitha Leggef. Row 4: Marsha Vargo, Cormido Thompson, Carolyn Gearhart, Richard Poling. Row 5: Pat Merritt, Shirley Razus, Joan Mat- thews, Barbara Yester. Row 6: Jeannette Mandley, Marlene Malloi, Judy Showalterbaugh, Joyce Shannon. Row 7: Steve Ratajec, Roy Miller, Tom Senko, Ray Niles. Page Sixteen UP AND COMING SOPHOMORES CLASS OFFICERS: Standing: Mr. Dow, Don Karslen. Sealed: Don Hurlburt, James Campbell, Don Smith, Lennie Schmidt, Mr. Demaree, Miss Phillips. In the second year of high school, the sophomore class was under the leadership of Don Smith, presi- dent; Don Hurlburt, secretary; James Campbell, treasurer; and Don Karslen, sergeant-at-arms. The sponsors were Miss Phillips, Mr. Demaree, and Mr. Dow. Later in the year Miss O ' Neal took over Miss Phillip ' s duties as sponsor. Maroon and white were the colors chosen for the traditional sophomore sweaters , which arrived just after Christmas. Shirley Miller was the queen candidate for the Football Hop. The Leap Hop sponsored by the sophomore class was held February 29. Page Seventeen SOPHOMORES ft; -v M l Mw- - V 3 m .Sir- Left to Right Row 1: Rita Katrenicks, Monty Halstead, Fred Karrle, Dick Fiel er. Row 2: Rita Friedrich, Carole Cicenas, Sandra Borman, Vicki Glennon. Row 3: Marilyn Senko, Phyllis Harrigan, Jackie Sexton, Helen Loyce. Row 4: Helene Jursic, Frances McKinley, Janis Horner, Delores Ogan. Row 5: John Shotliff, Bill Deeter, June Trussa, Jan Pierce. Row 6: Don Leir, James Ward, Eugene Webb, Roland Mille. Row 1: Ronald Lakeburg, Dale Peters, Dale Lape. Row 2: Lena Popenhagen, Loretta Szklarski, Charlotte Hunter, Shirley Miller. Row 3: Theresa Bianchi, Marilyn Wilson, Phyllis Manwaring, Pat Gavin. Row 4: Shirley Hull, Shirley Poor, Harvana Meiselbar, Pat Lewis. Row 5: Shirley Bodamer, Nellie Hennings, Rosalin Horniack, Romana Monzulla. Page Eighteen SOPHOMORES I.t ' fl to Right Row 1: Modeanne Willis, Alice Mayes, James Campbell, Richard Soohey. Row 2: Pat Mitchell, Judy Wise, Ron Pendle- ton, Joe Gilrowski. Row 3: Wayne Wallace, Douglas Ingles, David Hoeskstra, Gerald Sowards. Row 4: Donald Hughdock, Malcolm Halstead, George Keaten, Bob Smith. Row 5: Ralph Sellman, Bill Franz, Bill Horner, Ray Balestera. Row 6: Shirley Chapman, Marilyn Richards, Marilyn Miller, Rheta Shawver. Row 1: Arlin Perry, Frank Rice, Jack Williams. Row 2: Bob Wyatt, Howard Hughes, Joe Heines. Row 3: Don Smith, Don Karsfen, Larry Monroe, Arthur Deuberry. Row 4: Leonard Schmidt, Jack Pessmeg, Mar- vin Gernez, Wayne Pruitt. Row 5: Bob Purcell, Alex Fetkavich, Don Hurlburt, Joe Chiado. Row 6: Royce Jolley, Larry Herzog, Charleen Adams, Gerrie Jensen. Row 7: Delores Roll, Donna Lou Lindborg, Bar- bara Jones, Delores Cochran. Row 8: Judy Gililand, Pat Smith, Nancy Downs, Betty Jean Daniels. Row 9: Patricia Hilbrich, Mildred Alexander, Marlene Gertz. Page Nineteen The Juniors’ Hearts Were Young and Gay Mrs. Dow, sponsor; Bob Randall; Norman Schultz; Mr. Weldy, sponsor; Phil Ayers; Mr. Molls, sponsor; and Bill Amsbaugh. The Junior Class of 1951-52 started off by elect- ing Bill Amsbaugh, president; Phil Ayers, vice president; Norman Schultz, secretary; and Bob Randall, treasurer. The class was sponsored by Mrs. Dow, Mrs. Bothwell, Mr. Weldy, and Mr. Motts. The Junior class rings arrived the first of Decem- ber and were admired by all. On February 22 the Juniors sponsored the very unique Deep Sea Dance. Our Hearts Were Young and Gay was the Junior play given on March 27 and 28. The biggest event of the year, the prom, was held at the Marquette Pavilion on April 25. Page Twenty JUNIORS Left to Right Row 1: Herman Buchfeuhrer, Phil Ayers, Anthony Essick, Barbara Miller. Row 2: Dorothy Reid, Beverly Pruitt, Mary Ann Olejneczak, Doris Polomchak. Row 3: Shirley Jenkins, Kathleen Hunter, Chuck Smith, Bryant Wade. Row 4: Jim Shawver, Steve Yaros, Ed McDon- ald, David Fryer. Row 5: Dale McNary, Dan Sholiz, Bob Smith, Jim Warot. Row 1: Clarence Halfman, Ralph Gustafson, Charles Kitchell. Row 2: Dick Midgett, Bob Randall, Jerry Hamilton. Row 3: Leslie Nelson, Norman Schultz, Shirley Kros. Row 4: Judy Hollar, Judy High, Judy Nearing, Marilyn Lavery. Page Twenly-One JUNIORS Left to Right Row 1: Ransom Freeman, Jerry Blaze, Kenneth Byerly, Don Barclay. Row 2: Carl Griffin, Don Gorgas, Don Birk, Shirley Brechner. Row 3: Ronald Baessler, Jim Adler, Belly Bodomer, Anila Good. Row 4: Bill Amsbough, Sondra Frazure, Ruth Frank, Nancy Clark. Row 5: Bob Craig, Florence Stevenson, Violet Craig, Nancy Burke. Row 1: Richard Herzog, Ronald Cook, Art Kaiser, Frank Halfman. Row 2: Russel Houchin, Carl Kraft, Donald DeVries, Darrell Maxey. Row 3: Francis Marselek, Donna Halsted, Phyllis Schnabel, Maggie Rosenbalm. Row 4: Dorothy Shearer, Peggy Hillis, Shirley King, Marion Knoop. Row 5: Barbara Reveal, June Riddle, Dorothy Wolff, Joan Shaver. Page Twenty-Two SENIORS JOHN ASHTON Class President 1, 4; Camera 1, 2, President 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3, 4, Treasurer 4; Annual Staff 3, 4, Business Manager 4; Mirror Staff 2, 3, 4; Chorus 2, 4; Student Council 1, 2, 4. NANCY Nan BALLARD Camera 1; G.A.A. 2, 3; Sunshine 4; Mirror Staff 4. THOMAS Tom J. BARBERCHECK Class Vice-President 1; Camera 1, 2; Speech 3; Annual Staff 4. JAMES Jim BIALOCK Atlanta, Ga. 1; Lew Wallace 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3, 4, Baseball 3; Chorus 3; Junior Play; Senior Play. GLENN Bob ROBERT BLANKENBAKER Billings, Montana and Tolleston 1; Lettermen ' s 3, 4; Re- porter 3, 4; Track Trophys 2, 3; Band 1, 2, 3, 4; Track 1, 2, 3, 4. PEGGY Peg BOGAN G.A.A. 1, 2; F.H.A. 2; Speech 3, 4; Annual Staff 4; Mirror Staff 3, 4, Editor-in-Chief 4; Band 2, 3, 4; Student Council 4. CHARLES Chuck H. BOHN F.F.A. 2, 3, 4; Camera 4; Senior Play. DAVID Dave G. BOOKWALTER Camera 1, 2, 3, 4, Vice-President 4, Band 1, 2. Page Twenty-Four SHIRLEY Shir BUTCHER Camera 1; G.A.A. 2, 3, 4; Sunshine 3, 4, Presidenl 4; An- nual Staff 4; Mirror Staff 4; Chorus 2; Student Council 4; Senior Play. PATRICIA Pat ANN CHENTNIK G.A.A. 1, 2, 3, 4; Sunshine 4; Mirror Staff 4. Band 2, 3, 4; Junior Play. JOHN DAVID CHIADO Jr. Hi-Y 1, 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3, 4, Sergeant-at-Arms 4; Chorus 4. WILLIAM Christie E. CHRISTIANSEN Jr. Hi-Y 1. 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3, 4, Basketball 2; Football 2; Baseball 3, 4. THOMAS Tom ' L. COLE Hobart 1, 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3. 4. Assistant Chaplain 4; Chorus 4. SALLY Tatty L. DEETER G.A.A. 1, 2, 3, 4; F.H.A. 3, Mirror Staff 4; Chorus 4. CARMELLA Doll A. DE GAETANO Class Secretary 3; G.A.A. 1, 2, 3, 4; Chorus 2, 3. JOHN FETKAVICH F.F.A. 1, 2, 3. Page Twenty-Five FRANK Frankie FOREMAN Jr. Hi-Y 1, 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3, 4, Vice-President 4; Lellermen ' s 3, 4, President 4; Mirror Staff 4; Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4, Track 2, 3, 4; Baseball 2, 3, 4; Chorus 4; Basketball Trophy 3; Student Council 4, Treasurer 4 ANNE E. FRANKO Class Secretary-Treasurer 2; G.A.A. 1, 2, 3, 4, Treasurer 3; Annual StaH 4; Mirror Staff 4; Chorus 2; Football Queen 2. LOIS Cooky E. FRANZ G A.A. 1. 2. 3, 4, F.H.A 3, Chorus 2, 4 LOMA Loma Raby JEAN GEYER G.A.A. 1, 2, 3, 4; Sunshine 2, 3, 4, Treasurer 4; Speech 4, Annual Staff 3, 4, Mirror Staff 3, 4, News Editor 4, Band 1, 2, 3, 4, Librarian 2; Senior Play; Debate Team. J. Clela ANACLETA GLENNON Camera 1; Sunshine 2, 3, 4; Annual Staff 4, Plane Geom- etry 2, English 3 contests. JOAN Jo ELOISE GREIMANN Class Secretary-Treasurer 1, Treasurer 3; Camera 1; G.A.A. 2, 3, 4, Annual StaH 3, 4, Copy Manager 4; Mirror Staff 3, 4; Junior Play; Prom Queen, D.A.R. Contest 4. JOE Big Babe HALFMAN Jr. Hi-Y 2; Sr Hi-Y 3, 4, Reporter 4; Track 3, 4; Baseball 4 JANE Hamie LOUISE HAMILTON Class Vice-President 3; G.A.A 1, 2, 3, 4, Treasurer 2, President 3, 4; Annual Staff 4, Assistant Editor 4, Student Council 3, 4. Page Twenty-Six TWILA Bunnie G. HARDING G.A.A. I, 2, 4, Speech 3, 4; Chorus 2, 3, 4; Junior Play; Senior Play. ASEY Jack ROOSEVELT HILLIS Jr. Hi-Y 1, 2; Leltermen ' s 3, 4, Secretary 3, 4, Sr. Hi-Y 3, 4; Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; Football 1, 2, 3, 4; Track 1, 2, 3, 4; Baseball 4, Chorus 4; Track Trophy 3; Junior Play; All Conference Football Team 3, 4 JACK E. HOLLAR Camera 1; Science 2, 3; Speech 4, Band 2, 3, 4; Senior Play. •« EVERETT Joe E. HOMEIER F.F.A. 1, 2, 3, 4, President 3; Leltermen ' s 4, Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; Track 2; Baseball 3, 4, Chorus 4; Student Council 3. MARION Shorlie HORNER G.A.A. 1, 2, 3, 4; F.H.A. 3, 4; Chorus 4, Senior Play. ROBERT Bob HORST F.F.A. 1, 2, 3, 4, Reporter 1. NORMA Norm JEWELL G.A.A. 1, 2, 3, 4; Chorus 2; Cheerleader 2, 3, 4 RONALD Ron E. JONES Class President 2; Jr. Hi-Y 1, 2, Vice-President 1, Re- porter 2; Leltermen ' s 2, 3, 4, Historian 4; Sr, Hi-Y 3, 4; Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; Football 1, 2, 3, 4; Track 2, 3, 4; Baseball 1, 2, 3, 4; Baseball Trophys 2, 3; Student Coun- cil 1, 2, Mirror Staff 2, 3, 4; Annual Staff 4; Chorus 4; All-Conference Football Team 3. Page Twenty-Seven JERRY Dutch JONES Jr. Hi-Y 1, 2; Lellermen ' s 3, 4, Vice-President 3, 4; An- nual Staff 3, 4; Mirror Staff 3, 4; Sports Editor 4; Basket- ball 1, 2, 3, 4, Football 1, 2, 3, 4; Track 2, 3, 4; Baseball 1, 2, 3, 4; Chorus 4; Two Basketball Trophys 3; Student Council 1; Junior Play; Senior Play. JOSEPH Red P. JUKNEVICH Jr. Hi-Y 1, 2; Camera 1; Sr. Hi-Y 3, 4, Chaplain 3, 4; Lellermen ' s 4; Football 2, 3, 4; Chorus 3, 4. RAY Skip KENT Jr. Hi-Y 1, 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3, 4, Football 2, 3, 4; Track 3, 4; Senior Play. FRANKIE LEROY KING Hoxie, Ark. 1, 2; F.F.A. 1, 2; Camera 1, 2. MAX RICHARD KIRK Jr. Hi-Y 1, 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3; Lellermen ' s 3, 4, Sergeant-al- Arms 4; Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; Track 2; Band 1, 2, 3. MARILYN Blondie R. LAKEBERG G.A.A. 1, 2, 3, 4; Pep 4. RONALD Ron LANGBEHN Jr. Hi-Y 1, 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3, 4; Football 2, 3, 4; Chorus 4. NORMA JUNE LINES G.A.A. 1, 2, 3, 4; Chorus 2. Page Twenty-Eight RICHARD Rich MAYER Jr. Hi-Y 1, 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3; Lellermen ' s 4; Basketball 1, 3; Football 1, 2, 3. 4; Track 3, 4. PAUL L. MAXEY Camera 1, 2, 3. BOB Archibald MEKOLA Class Vice-President 4; Jr. Hi-Y 1, 2; Lellermen ' s 3, 4; Sergeanl-at-Arms 3, Treasurer 4; Mirror Staff 4, Sports Editor 4; Basketball 2, 3, 4; Track 2, 3, 4; Chorus 3, 4; Baseball 2, 3, 4. JOYCE MARIE MILLER Lew Wallace 1, 2; Class Secretary 4; Biology 1; B.C.O. 1, 2; Glee 2; Girls ' Club 1, 2; Sunshine 3, 4; Speech 3; Mirror Staff 3, 4, Feature Editor 4; A Cappella 1, 2; Chorus 3, 4, Secretary 3; Orchestra 1, 2; Band 3, 4; Junior Play. J. Tiny DONALD MILLS Jr. Hi-Y 2, Sergeant-at-Arms 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3, 4, Assistant Sergeanl-at-Arms 4; Lellermen ' s 4; Basketball 2; Foot- ball 2, 3, 4; Senior Play. BARBARA Bobbie JEAN MITCHELL Sunshine 1, 2, 3, 4, Vice-President 3; Speech 3; F.H.A. 4; Chorus 3. NONA Nonie LOU MURRAY G.A.A. 1, 2, 3, 4; Sunshine 4; Pep 4; Mirror Staff 4; Band 1, 2, 4; Chorus 2. LAURA Laurie F. NOVAK G.A.A. 1; Sunshine 1; F.H.A. 2, 3, 4, President 3, 4, Dis- trict Vice-President 3, State Editor 4; Mirror Staff 3; Student Council 3, 4, Secretary 4; Junior Play; Seni or Play. Page Twenty-Nine TERRY Cliffy C. PIERCE F.F.A. 1, 2, 3, 4, Secretary 3; Baseball 4. JUDITH Judy ANN PRICE Sunshine 1, 2, 3; G.A.A. 4; Chorus 4. ROSE Rosey ANN PURCELL Horace Mann 1; Social 1; G.A A. 1, 3, 4, Treasurer 1; Sunshine 2. ANNA RATAJEC G.A.A. 1, 2, 3, 4; Chorus 2; Pep 4. BARBARA Barb LEE RHODES G.A.A. 1, 2, 3, 4; Pep 4, Senior Play. HUGH Hughie RICHARDS F.F.A. 1, 2, 3, 4, Basketball 1, 2; Baseball 4; Band 1, 3. 4; Chorus 4. J. Ted ROESSING Camera 1; Jr. Hi-Y 2, Secretary-Treasurer 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3; Lettermen ' s 4; Baseball 1, 2, 3, 4. ADA Joy ROLL Camera 1; G.A.A. 2, 3, 4; Latin Contest 2; Senior Play. Page Thirty DOROTHY Red E. SERLES G.A.A. 1, 2, 3, 4; Cheerleader 1, 2. ROY R. J . J. SHANNON Camera 1, 2, 3, 4; Residenl 3; Mirror Staff 2; Basketball 3; Track 2; Band 1, 2, 3, 4; Student Council 3. W. Jim JAMES SIEVERT Jr. Hi-Y 1, 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3, 4, Secretary 4; Track. 3; Base- ball 3; Chorus 3, 4, Junior Play. MATTHEW Rabe G. SMEDEROVAC Camera 1; Jr. Hi-Y 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3; Leltermen ' s 4; Football 2, 3, 4, Captain 4; Student Council 4, President 4. FRANKLIN Smitty R. SMITH Jr. Hi-Y 1, 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3. 4; Football 2; Chorus 3, 4, Senior Play. BILL E. SPRINGER Jr. Hi-Y 1, 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3, 4, President 4; Chorus 4; Student Council 4, Vice-President 4; Prom King DORIS Dor EILEEN SPURR G.A.A. 1, 3; Sunshine 2, 4, Mirror Staff 4, Band 1, 2, 3. NOREEN Slru KAY STRUBLE G. A. A. 1, 2, 3, 4, Sergeant-al-Arms 4; Sunshine 4; Pep 4; Annual Staff 3, 4, Production Manager 4; Mirror Staff 3, 4; Band 1, 2, 3, 4; Majorette 1, 2, 3, 4; Junior Play. Page Thirty-One MARILOU Lu SUMURDY Lew Wallace 1, 2; G.A.A. 1, 2; B. C. 0. 1; Social 1; Girls ' Club 1, 2; Sunshine 3, 4, Corresponding Secretary 4; Speech 3, 4, Vice-President 4; Mirror Staff 3, 4, Feature Editor 4, Orchestra 1, 2; Band 3, 4; Chorus 3, 4; Treasurer 3, Vice-President 4; Cheerleader 1, 2. FRED TAYLOR Student Council Representative 1; F.F.A. 1, 2, 3, 4, Re- porter 3. ANNA Annie MAE WADE G.A.A. 1, 2, 3, 4; F.H.A. 3, 4. FRANCES Fran ELLEN WADE G.A.A. 1, 2, 3, 4, F.H.A. 3, 4. JOHN Big John D. WARD Camera 1, 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3, 4, Letlermen ' s 4; Football 1, 2, 3, 4. JANET Bicycle Red LEE WOODLAND Camera 1; G.A.A. 2, 3, 4,- Chorus 2. LOIS ' Rossa ROSE WLOCZEWSKI South Shore Chicago 1; G.A.A. 1, 3; Sunshine 4; Student Council 3. ELAINE E. Y. LOUISE YOUNG Class Treasurer 4; Camera 1; F.H.A. 2; G.A.A. 2, 3, 4, Treasurer 4; Pep 4; Annual Staff 3, 4, Editor-in-Chief 4; Mirror Staff 3, 4; Student Council 4. Page Thirty-Two JOHN WILLIAM WOLFE Jr. Hi-Y 1, 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3; Track 3; Phoenix, Arizona 4; Phoenix Sludent Council 4; Football 2, 3, 4; Junior Play. LUEDA Lu Lu M. GEAR Dailey, West Virginia 1; Glee 1, Beverly, W. Va. 2; Glee 2, Mill Creek, W. Va. 3; Commercial 3; Sunshine 4. RONALD Yoken D. YOUNGKIN Class President 3, Jr. Hi-Y 1, 2, President 2; Sr. Hi-Y 3; Lettermen ' s 4, Basketball 1; Football 2, 3, 4, Captain 4; Baseball 3, 4; Student Council 2, 3. SENIOR 11 seems like jusl yesterday lhal we were lhe freshmen — being pushed around and laughed al, bul laking il all wilh a smile — anxious to learn everything we could about high school life. John Ashton was our first class president. When we were sophomores, Ron Jones was our president. One of our proudest moments was when Anne Franko, our class candidate, was crowned Football Queen. As Juniors, we elected Ron Youngkin tor presi- dent. The junior play, We Shook The Family Tree , was a huge success and the prom we gave HISTORY was one that will be long remembered. For our Senior Trip we went to Detroit and then on a wonderful three-day cruise to Niagara Falls on the S. S. South American. Then a bus took us into Canada. This year John Ashton was again elected presi- dent. The other officers were: Bob T ' ekola, vice- president; Joyce Miller, secretary; and Elaine Young, treasurer. We have been grateful tor the help of Mrs. Collins and Mr. Needham, who have sponsored our class all four years. Page Thirty-Three Mrs. Irene Collins and Mr. Philip Needham, OUR ABLE SPONSORS Standing, left to right: Mr. Philip Needham, Mrs. Irene Col- lins, sponsors; John Ashton, president. Sitting, leit to right: Bob Mek- ola, vice-president; Elaine Young, treasurer; Joyce Miller, secretary. Page Thirty-Four Looking Ten Years Ahead As we leave our luxurious jet plane ai the jet- port on the outskirts of the thriving metropolis of Merrillville, we say goodbye to our cute stewardess, Marilyn Lakeburg, and our handsome pilot, Hugh Richards. Among the passengers is Jane Hamilton, who just came back from swimming the English Channel in record time. Doris Spurr is with us, too. She ' s just coming back from Africa, where she has been doing missionary work. There too, is Jim Bialock, the president of a rocket manufacturing company, and his private secretary, Nancy Ballard. Mrs. Dorothy (Series) Carpenter is arriving with us from the East Coast. Hailing a Gel-There-Quick Cab, we find Lois Franz to be the driver. As we zoom down Broad- way, we pass a sign saving, Horst ' s Airdale Ken- nels. We stop and find that Bob is out but Terry Pierce is there and tells us about his new No-flee- Flea Powder. Is it true that he and Bob run a still on the side? Next we see Roll ' s Rolling Acres, a very prosper- ous farm owned by Ada. Say! Let ' s stop at the new ultra-modern jet rocket plant. Here we are met by the owner, Bob Mekola, who is also the star center on the plant ' s basketball team. Anacleta and Tom Barbercheck work here as draftsmen, too. Arriving in town, we see the Stru-Gy Roller Rink run by Noreen Slruble and Loma Gever. Inside is the star of the Roller Derby, Twila Harding. Next door is Christies Twenty Allies which is doing very well with Frankie King as the head pin setter. Oh no! We ' re out of gas! But ahead we see the Three M ' s, Merrillville Midget Motors, run by Bob Blankenbaker. His mechanic is Dave Book- waiter and in charge of car washes is Rich (Shine ' em Up) Mayer. Say, the old grocery store is now Maxey ' s Mor- tuary and doing the grave digging is Ron Young- kin. Thai fine-looking building to the left is the new Merrillville hospital run by Dr. John Wolfe. His staff of nurses is led by Pat Chetnick, Marion Horn- er, and Nona Lou Murray. Whizzing by us is Tom Cole with his stock car on his way to the daily races. As we peek in the window of the Merrillville Toxicology Library, we see Carmella DeGaetano, the librarian. From up above, we hear a shout from Ronnie Langbehn, Champion Flag Pole Sitter of America. He says that we should visit Club 52 tonight, since a lot of our classmates will be there. In a near-by drug store, we pick up a phone to make our reservations, and hear the pleasant voice of Anna Mae Wade, the telephone operator. Step- ping out of the phone booth, we find out that Bar- bara Rhodes is the drug store cashier. In the cos- metic department we find Sally Deeter, selling her own new product, The Ultra-ray Eyelash Curler. We belter go now. Watch out! Was that ever a close one! We al- most got run over by Roy Shannon, the city dog catcher, who ' s chasing an Airdale pup. Approaching our old alma mater, we are practic- ally run down by Joan Griemann, the drivers train- ing teacher. We hear she is keeping the Three M ' s in business. (She ' s wrecked four cars already this year.) As we come in, we are greeted by Franklin Eugene Foreman, the Ag teacher, who raised the biggest corn crop in the state ' s history. Talking to him is Everett Homeir, head of the Co-op in Merrillville. By the way, Chuck Bohn is the art teacher. Well, let ' s go. Get a load of Coach Ronnie Jones — hard at work in the football stadium with his championship team. Page Thirty-Five We had belter gel all duked up for the evening, so lei ' s go lo Rose A. Purcell ' s beauty salon. Next door we find Norma Jewell and Laura Novak run- ning the Rilz Fashion Shoppe. Say! There ' s a wedding going on at the church. The preacher, Jack Hollar, has just married Elaine Young to an old millionaire professor from college. It looks like her life ' s ambition has been full-filled. I wonder how the Merrillville Press (MP) is com- ing along under the editorship of Peg Bogan. Let ' s buy a copy here. Hmmmmmm. We see that John Fetkavich writes poetry for the paper and Joe Half- man has the Advice to the Love Lorn Column. Let ' s go to the Ward and Mill ' s Turkish Bath. Well, there ' s Don and John working over Matt Smederovac, their prize customer. After our bath, we jump into our taxi and start off for Club 52. Over the radio we hear commercials done by Mari- lu Sumurdy for Anne (Franko) Breyfogle ' s Nur- sery for Children of the Ladies of the Happy Hour Bunco Club. Stepping out of the cab at Club 52, who should we see but Bill (the bouncer) Springer, the door- man. He tells us that the place is jammed with our old classmates. We are greeted by Ted Roessing, who is the owner of the Club. As we walk to our table, we notice Max Kirk, who has just arrived from fhe moon on his rocket. Why there ' s Bar- bara (Mitchell) Ungar, who is just back from her home in California. And look over there — Acey Hillis! He ' s made millions by manufacturing his hand-stitched levis. With him is Jerry Jones. The rumor is that he drives a liquor truck for the Club while coaching basketball at the school on the side. Finally we ' re seated. Three charming waitresses rush to get our order — Judy Price, Norma Lines, and Frances Wade. The house lights dim and the floor show begins. The M.C. is none other than Skip (Herb Shriner) Kent. The chorus line includes two of our old class- mates, Anna Ratajac and Janet Woodland. They are accompanied by Joyce Miller at the piano. Clap- ping the loudest is John Chiado, Captain of the S. S. South American. Then the M.C. introduces crooner Frank Smith, the latest TV heart throb. Between acts, we are approached by the cigarette girl, who is none other than Lois Wloczewski. The last act is Jim Sievert and Shirley Butcher singing that old favorite, Leprosy. Starting for the door, we see Fred Taylor, an officer in the U. S. Air Corps and J ohn Ashton, director of art for the No-crunch Candy Co. (He designs their wrappers.) Well of all people! There ' s Joe Juknevich, the rich Never Fail alarm clock manufacturer. You ' d think this was a reunion or something! As we leave to get our coats, we bump into Mr. Needham and Mrs. Collins with their families checking their coats at the cloakroom. After a short conversation with them, we leave for our hotel. In the Lu Lu Hotel we find fhat Lueda Gear is the owner and desk clerk. After a few words with Lueda, we retire to our rooms for a much needed rest after such a hetic day. Page Thirtv-Six Left to right: Row 1: Kenneth Byerly, Lenny Schmidt, Russell Houchin, Joe Juknevich, Ray Kent, Dale McNary, Ronnie Langbehn, Coach Demaree, Don Gorgas, Don Birk. Row 2: Don L. Smith, Steve Yaros, Jack Hillis, Dave Fryer, Ed McDonald, Chuck Smith, Richie Mayer, Ron Pendleton, Dick Poling, Ronnie Jones. Bow 3: Don Smith, Don Mills, John Ward, Malt Smederovac, Jerry Jones, Jackie Pessmeg, Don Barclay, Jerry Hamilton. FOOTBALL These Iwo smiling faces belong io John Stefek, our assistant football coach, and Coach Demaree, head coach. Through their untir- ing efforts our team came through with a nice showing. Page Thirty-Eight These four peppy girls have whai il lakes to keep everyone yelling al Ihe games. They are Norma Jewell, Dorothy Shearer, Peggy Hillis. and Shirley Brechner. This was their second year as varsity cheer- leaders as a group, and Norma ' s third and last year since she is graduating. Top row: Mr. Si e fe k Richard Utimaii, B itl Craig, Sl e Ralajac, Urry Nsmelh, Dick Poling, Douglas Doulhelt, Dale Pelers, Ronald Lakeburg. Center row: Ingles, Larry Golkowski, Joe BoHom row T ° m Mayer ' Bl ” Horner ' Ar,h ur Deuberry, Joe Gilrowski, Richard Soohey, Bob Covaciu, Curtis Killion. Warren Engslrom, Jim Hillis, Phillip Nicolello, Dick Fieler, Jan Pierce, Gerald Sowards, Carl Leffert, George Keaton. Page Thirty-Nine Top, left lo right: Chuck Smith, Ed McDonald, Joe Juknevich Center, left to right: Richard Mayer, Donald Barclay, Don Mills. Bottom, leit to right: Steve Yaros, Jerry Jones. Page Forty Top, left to right: Ron Youngkin, John Ward, Ron Jones. Center, left to right: Lennie Schmidt, Matt Smederovac, Don L. Smith. Bottom, left to right: Jack Hillis, Ron Pendleton. Page Forty-One The Piraies ended another successful season with 5-4 record. The boys started off by tying East Gary Edison and losing to our bitter rivals Crown Point. Then Coach Demaree got the boys rolling and they beat Griffith 31-20. They kept right on rolling by beating Wirt. The next game was for the right to stay in the conference race. In this game Hobart beat the Pirates 20-7 and went on to win the confer- ence championship. Merrillville closed up its season with a 14-6 victory over East Gary. This year ' s team will long be remembered for its team work and never-give-up spirit. Coach Demaree and assist- ant coach Stefek deserve a lot of credit for the fine job they do with the football teams at Merrillville. 1951-1952 SCHEDULE Sept. 8 East Gary We 0 They 0 Sept. 14 Edison 6 12 Sept. 21 Crown Point 6 12 Sept. 28 Lowell 6 0 Oct. 5 Griffith 31 20 Oct. 12 Wirt 40 12 Oct. 19 Hobart 7 20 Oct. 24 Valpo 19 32 Nov. 2 East Gary 14 6 Nov. 7 Dyer cancelled Ends . . Yaros, Hillis, D. Smith, So. Tackles Mills, Ward Guards J. Jones, Juknevich, Pessmeg Centers Smederovac, Fryer Quarter-backs Mayer, C. Smith L. Half-backs Pendlelon, Schmidl R. Half-backs Barkley Full back McDonald, R. Jones Page Forty-Two BASKETBALL CO-CHAMPS Jim Shawver, Ron Pendleton, Steve Yaros, Phil Ayers, Ed McDonald, Carl Kraft, Bob Mekola, Max Kirk, Ron Jones, Everett Homeir, Jerry Jones, Frank Foreman. Kneeling: Coach Englehart. The 1951-52 basketball team was one of the best. Its winning combina- tion consisted of speed, aggressiveness, determination, and good sportsman- ship. This year ' s team came out on lop by being Co-Champs of the Calumet Conference and having the best record of wins in all games of the schools that we played. This year ' s team is one that Coach regrets to see graduate, because most of them have been playing for three or four years. The season was highlighted by the winning of the Holiday Toune” ■ ’ setting a record of six wins in the Tournament, which no other school ha- accomplished. The whole school is grateful for the fine work that Coach Englehart has always Hone with our teams. Page Forly-Three RESERVE TEAM Standing, left to right: Don Hurlburt, Don Smith, Arlin Cole, Don Karsten, Dick Poling, Ken Metcalf, Dick Lehman. Kneeling, leit to right: Steve Ratajac, Bob Covaciu, Jan Pierce, Alex Fetkavich, Lennie Schmidt, Bob Purcell. JUNIOR - HIGH TEAM Standing, leit to right: Coach Englehart, Jim Randall, Richard Powers, Don Hatten, Bob Layman, David Cain, Arnold DeWell. Kneeling, leit to right: Alan Ayers, Larry Lavery, Bob Angerman, Richard Lancaster, Byron Buhr, David Metcalf, John Kraft, Joe Prediana. Sitting, left to right: Peter Gransinger, Dick Knauer, Terry Gill, Larry Yaros, Jim King, Don Bjrtos, Robert Cook, Leroy Kitchel. Lett: Chalk up lwo! Right: Watch it! Lett: Foul?? Right: One for Pion Lett: Neal one! Right: Stretch! Page Forty-Five Top, left to right: Ronnie Jones, Bob Mekola, Max Kirk. Center, left to right: Frank Foreman, Jerry Jones, Everett Homeier. Bottom, left to right: Ed McDonald, Steve Yaros, Phil Ayers, Carl Kraft. Page Forty-Six Top row, left lo right: Max Kirk, Ronnie Jones, Jim Sievert, Sieve Yaros, Don Karslen, Ron Pendleton, Joe Halfman, Ken Byerly, Don Smith, Coach Englehart. Bottom row, left to right: Lennie Schmidt, Jack Hillis, Frank Foreman, Chuck Smith, Richard Mayer, Jerry Jones, Bob Blankenbaker, Ray Kent. SPORTS AT MERRILLVILLE Merrillville High School can juslly be proud of its athletic teams for 1951-52. Not only for their record of wins but the type of boys that made up the teams and bow they played. Merrillville is establishing a tradition for having fine teams year after year. The enrollment of our school is increas- ing each year, therefore, we should continue to pro- duce finer and better teams. An athlete has to have the love of the game in his heart, because he must sacrifice his good times for practicing and training and devote his school time to making good grades. Page Forty-Seven Standing, left to right: Jim Bialock, Jim Sleverl, Ron Pendleton, Jerry Jones, Don Smith, Don Karslen, Joe Halfman, Coach Engelhart. Kneeling, left to right: Lenny Schmidt, Frank Foreman, Ron Youngkin, Steve Yaros, Bob Purcell, Ron Jones, Baseball Team Sports New Uniforms Our baseball team started off the year in their new cream-colored uniforms with blue caps. The line up was as follows: 1st H. Richards 2nd F. Foreman SS. B. Purcell 3rd L. Schmidt LF. J. Halfman and J. Sievert CF. R. Youngkin RF. J. Jones C. R. Jones and D. Karslen P. T. Roessing and R. Pendleton Other Fielders: Barkley, Yaros, McDonald, Fryer OUR 1952 SCHEDULE Apr. 14 Dyer Here Apr. 18 Wheeler Here Apr. 22 Crown Point There Apr. 23 Lew Wallace There Apr. 25 Lowell There Apr. 29 Griffith Here May 6 Dyer There May 16 Edison Here May 13 Portage Here Page Forty-Eight Upper left Ballet?? Upper right Up and in! Center left Jump, Max! Center right Words of wisdom?? Lower left Jerry sinks one Lower right Where ' s the ball?? Page Forty-Nine There go our Ihree high-stepping majorettes down the field sporting their new purple and white uni- forms. The girls got their uniforms this fall dur- ing football season. This is the second year that Nancy Burke, Nor- een Struble, and Sondra Frazure have marched to- gether, but this is Noreen ' s and Sondra ' s fourth year of marching. These girls entertained the fans with several clever routines which they made up them- selves. These junior majorettes are following closely in the footsteps of the older majorettes. They marched at several of the games and did a good job. They are Janice Masher, Judy Masher, and Joan Keaton. Page Fifty STARDUST IS PROM THEME As we entered the pavilion at Marquette Park on May 4, 1951, we were swept on to the floor by the heavenly music of Bud Pressner and his orchestra. Our old favorite, Stardust, was the theme for the evening. True to tradition, the king and queen led the grand march. Our queen, Joan Griemann, looked her loviest in her blue formal and was escorted by our handsomely dressed king, Bill Springer. The crowning of the queen and king was done by Don Lipke and Mary Ann Halfman, last year ' s prom king and queen. The evening was truly one that shall hold many wonderful memories. Page Filty-Two Don and Mary Ann crown Bill an d Joan Page Fifty-Three INFORMAL DANCES Are you slaying for the dance 5 Sounds familiar doesn ' t it 7 The dances after Ihe football and baskel- ball games had nice turnouts this year as did the clubs and classes on Friday nights. A new phonograph and some new records helped the dancers to enjoy the evenings. Most of the dances that weren ' t after games, had floor shows for added entertainment. Some of the most successful were the Sadie Haw- kins Dance, at which Bennie Jones took the part of Marrym ' Sam and rrowned Phyllis Schnabel and Richard Mayer as Daisy Mae and Lai Abner; the Twirp Hop, at which the girls had to fork over with the green stufi; and the annual Christmas Dance given by the Hj- 7 One of the roost original dances was the Hat Dance given by the Jr. Ha-Y- Page Fifty-Finn FOOTBALL DANCE The Student Comnol spammed the ammxiH Fa®!- i«M Ed® all the si itm ioafealQ aeum The iorathadil yftayers seiieried: tor toaAsili: facea ram Mate: SDima Jewel,, seamur lamJeex Imtec ymwt; Shiirtoy Mil a, Jfflpfoanore; aid Jill Frank, ireshmauL. The Jmcky ®M w i.i Kathleen whs war nranriieh MemlMHe Fa®thall: djtaees ®8 1951-52 hy Caach Demme fhgp Fiifey-lFiNra CHOIR GETS NEW DIRECTOR Page Filiy-Six The choir under ihe new direction of a very cap- able young teacher. Miss Penelope George, accom- plished a lot this year. Our able leader, a fine pianist, Joyce Miller, and the cooperation of the Joyce Miller, Dorothy Wolfe, Marilu Sumurdy, Miss George. students themselves all aided in making our choir an organization of which Merrillville can be proud. Some of its members made their first appearance this year at a Band Booster ' s meeting in the early fall. The choir as a whole made their first appear- ance at a Christmas program. Several active solo- ists were: Tony Essick and Jim Sievert, both of whom went down slate; Frank Smith, Marilyn Lav- ery, Janice Horner, Tom Cole, Rita Frederick, and Judy Nearing. There were several select groups, one of which was the girl ' s trio, composed of Joyce Miller, Marilu Sumurdy, and Dorothy Wolfe. In the spring of the year the choir sang two composi- tions at the annual contest. They also participated in a spring concert and Baccalaureate services. SOLO CONTEST HELD AT MERRILLVILLE Under Ihe direction of Mr. Carl Lundgren, the band for the fourth year, added much color to the football games. Noreen Siruble, Sondra Frazure, Nancy Burke, JoAnn Keaton, Judy Mascher, and Janice Mascher led the band in its half-time per- formances. This year Merrillville was indeed fortunate to play host to the Northern Indiana Solo Contest. There were about 2,000 participants from all over this section of the state. Among these participants were 45 representatives of Merrillville. Out of this number, four were able fo attend the state contest at Indianapolis. The band held its two annual concerts on Nov- ember 28 and April 18. As usual the band was entered in the band con- test at Knox, Indiana, on April 5 and came home with a good showing. The final touch of the music year was the com- mencement exercises on May 22 with nine seniors graduating from the band. We wish to thank all these seniors for the fine music work they have done in the past. Page Fifty-Seven Juniors Give “OUR HEARTS Under the direction of Mr. Weldy, the play Our Hearts Were Young and Gay was given by the Junior class on March 27 and 28. The play was based upon the book, with the same title, which was written by Cornelia Otis Skinner and Emily Kim- brough. WERE YOUNG AND GAY” It was a comedy in three acts telling of the ad- ventures of two teen-age girls on their trip to Paris. The leading parts were portrayed by Marion Knoop and Peggy Hillis. There were fifteen other juniors in the cast. Upper left: . . . and don ' t talk to any strange men. Lower leit: Take me away — I ' m ready. Upper right: The whole cast Lower right: . . . but he had his pride. Upper leli: All Ihis and rain loo! Upper right: What Naxl? Lower lelt: What ' s my line? Lower Right: Coming Down? r Senior Play Is A Colossal Success On November 16 and 17, 1951, Ihe class of 1952 presented a fhree-acl comedy by George Kausman and Moss Hart entitled George Washington Slept Here . The leading roles of Annabelle and Newton Ful- ler were played by Loma Geyer and Jerry Jones. The fifteen other members of the cast all contributed their share to the play. The success of the play was largely due to the capable direction of Mr. Weldy. Page Fifty-Nine This year ' s school paper proved lo be very suc- cessful. The staff worked hard to make The Mir- ror an interest ing paper. The new mimeograph machine was a big help. For an added attraction, many of the covers were done in color. Our able editor, Peg Bogan, with the help of Miss Garmong and Mrs. Bothwell have succeeded in put- ting out one of the best papers that has come out of the school in many years. A lot of praise goes to the editors and to John Ashton for the fine job they did. John turned in a good job in making the covers of the papers. SONDRA FRAZURE, production manager; PEG BOGAN, Edilor-in-chief. MARILU SUMURDY, Feature Co-editor; JOHN ASHTON, Art Editor; JERRY JONES, Sports Editor; LOMA GEYER, News Editor; JOYCE MILLER, Feature Co-editor. Page Sixty Lelt to right: Sondra Frazure, secretary; Judy High, president; Mr. Weldy, sponsor; Marilu Sumurdy, vice-president; Marian Knoop, treasurer. DEBATE CLUB Debater’s Visit Purdue Under the guidance of Iheir able sponsor, Mr. Weldy, the Speech Club started its second busy year. Because they are a member of the Calumet Foren- sic League, they participated in many speech acti- vities including debate, radio announcing, poetry reading, humerous, and original oratory contests. One of the highlights of the year was a trip to Purdue. Several of the speech students attended the Student Congress and Debaters ' Conference there. The club presented a Christmas program for the student body. The club gave the first Leap Year Dance, which was called the Twirp Hop. The club ' s activities were completed with a trip Jo Chicago to see Guys And Dolls. Page Six!y-0ne Top Picture: JANE HAMILTON, assistant editor and ELAINE YOUNG, editor-in-chief. Message From The Editor Every year we all expect and get our Merrillvue. We either like it or don ' t, and give no other thought to its con- tents. But to those of us who helped pul it out, it ' s taken a lot of headaches, work, thought, and worry; but, of course, it ' s been fun too. We hope that our effort is successful in helping you to enjoy your yearbook — and our mistakes helpful to next year ' s staff. We would like fo take this oppoortunity to thank our able sponsor, Mr. Pruitt, for all of his help and the donuts he fur- nished for the staff; the teachers; Dave Fryer, who helped out with photography; Mr. Andrews, who helped us with the art; and all the others who helped us put out the Merrillvue this year. Bottom Picture: JOAN GREIMANN, copy manager; JOHN ASHTON, business manager; and NOREEN STRUBLE, production manager. Page Sixty-Two SUNSHINE SOCIETY There were many new members taken into the club at the formal and informal initiation services at the beginning of the year. Our officers, under the direction of Miss Grace Garmong were: Shirley Butcher, president; Nancy Clark, vice-president; Marilu Sumurdy, correspond- ing secretary; Carol Cicenas, recording secretary; and Loma Geyer, treasurer. On September 22 the officers and sponsor went to Indianapolis for an officers ' luncheon. Our dis- trict convention was held at Rensellaer on October 13, and our state convention was on April 5 at La- fayette. The Sunshine and FHA went caroling at the County Home and St. Anthony ' s Home. We also went to the TB Sanitorium where we left orange elephants for the children. The election of the new officers was held at our meeting on Apri l 16 and installed at our Mother, Daughter, Ideal Ladies Banquet on April 30. We dressed 27 dolls for the Salvation Army to distribute to needy children at Christmas time. A picnic was held at the end of the year for the Senior girls and officers. Lett to right: Carol Cicenas, Marilu Sumurdy, Shirley Butcher, Loma Geyer, Miss Garmong, Nancy Clark. Page Sixiy-Four Top, left to right: Jim Sievert, John Chiado, Joe Jukne- vich, Mr. Semokaitis, sponsor; Don Mills, John Ashton, Joe Hallman. Bottom, leil to right: Tom Cole, Frank Foreman, Bill Springer. SENIOR HI-Y PRESENTS PLAQUE I ally myself with fhe nationwide Fellowship of the Hi-Y by accepting this purpose: To create, maintain, and extend, throughout the school and community, high standards of Christian character. This saying has always been the pledge ot the Hi-Y and is said at every meeting and gathering. Throughout the community the Hi-Y try to spread their standards of Christian character. Yearly they have a Father and Son Banquet, which unites the father and son closer together. The annual Christmas Dance was held, and every- one must admit, it was one of the nicest dances ot the year. The Hi-Y members of 1951-52 are planning to dedicate a plaque to the men of the school who are defending our country, and to pay tribute to those who have given their lives. Page Sixty-Five Left to right: Dorothy Shearer, vice-president; Mrs Weldy, sponsor; Elaine Young, treasurer; Kathleen Hunter, secretary; Jane Hamilton, president; and Miss Robertson. ANOTHER BIG YEAR FOR G. A. A. As always Ihe club has shown lots ol pep and interest in all the activities. G.A.A. has also led with the largest membership ol any other club in the school. The season was opened by a Flapper Girl initi- ation, complete with a style show and flapper gar- ters. The aches and pains only added to the success of a skating party held in the spring. No one will forget the big success of the Sadie Hawkins ' Dance held March 21. There was lots of fun crowning and giving prizes to Daisy Mae and LiT Abner. The annual G. A. A. banquet was held at Tiebel ' s on May 15, when the new officers were installed and the awards were presented. The team led by Noreen Slruble won the basket- ball tournament. They also had a successful volley ball tournament. The very helpful sponsors for the year were Mrs. Weldy, Miss Robertson, and Mrs. Hobbs. Page Sixty-Six LETTERMEN GO TO STATE FINALS The Leitermen ' s club has completed its third year of being one of the school ' s leading clubs. Coach Englehart has been the sponsor of the club all three years. President Frank Foreman has been assisted by an able staff of officers which includes Vice- President, Jerry Jones; Secretary, Jack Hillis; Treasurer, Bob Mekola; Historian, Ronnie Jones; Reporter, Bob Blankenbaker, and Sergeant-at-Arms, Max Kirk. The club sponsored the class tournament and a faculty basketball game. They also sold conces- sions for all home football games. Coach Englehart deserves a lot of credit for getting things done in the club. One of the projects of the club is to send some of the members to the semi-finals and finals of the state basketball tournament each year. TOP, leit to right: Bob Blankenbaker, Ronnie Jones, Max Kirk . BOTTOM, left to right: Jack Hillis, Frank Foreman, Jerry Jones, Coach Englehart, Bob Mekola. Page Sixty-Seven FUTURE HOMEMAKERS OF AMERICA Homemaker’s Goal Is Better Home and Family Living The Future Homemakers of America is a national organization of students studying homemaking in high school. The F.H.A. ' s purpose is to offer op- portunities for the further development of its mem- bers ' initiative in planning and carrying out activ- ities related to homemaking. A few of the main activities were Christmas caroling and making orange elephants for the chil- dren at the T.B. Sanitarium. The club had a fall initiation service for the new members and a spring installation of officers for the coming year. The mothers and the teachers were guests at both of these affairs. Last June, Laura Novak, state editor who pub- lishes the club ' s newsletter, and Miss Phillips, club advisor, attended a state convention at Indiana University. Other club representatives were sent to Warsaw and Buck Creek to the district meetings. The activities for the year were led by: Laura Novak, president Dorothy Shearer, vice-president Peggy Hillis, secretary Kathleen Hunter, treasurer Charleen Adams, song leader Threasa Bianchi, historian, and Marilyn Wilson, parliamentarian Page Sixty-Eight FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA Eight Gain Degree of “Chapter Farmer” The F.F.A. chapter started oft the year by elect- ing the following officers: Don Conrad, president; Phil Ayers, vice-president; Leslie Nelson, secretary; Herman Buchfuehrer, treasurer; Tony Essick, re- porter; and Don Karsten, sentinel. This year eight members worked hard at their projects to move their degree of Greenhand to the degree of Chapter Farmer. They were Howard Ewen, Marvin Gernenz, Larry Herzog, Don Hurl- burt, Don Karsten, Royce Jolly, Larry Monroe, and Arlin Perry. The F.F.A. ' s main activity for the year was a dance held after a basketball game. The club ' s activities were led by the sponsor, Mr. Dow. Let! to right: Tony Essick, Don Karsten, Herman Buchfuehrer, Don Conrad, Leslie Nelson, Phil Ayers, and Nr. Dow, sponsor. Page Sixty-Nine Left to right: Don Smith, treasurer; Steve Ratajac, vice-president; Jack Pessmeg, Sgt.-at-Arms; Dick Fieler, president; Ray Rallistero, secretary; and Mr. Demaree, sponsor. JUNIOR HI-Y Our purpose is to promote sportsmanship, honesty, friendship, and good citizenship among our mem- bers and to try to contribute something positive to Merrillville High School. Every year we vote on the two outstanding foot- ball and basketball players and present them with trophies which are highly prized by the recipients. This year we bought the school a lime-spreader for our athletic fields. Our activities consist of an annual dance (this year it was a Hat Dance), our initiation, a play night in the gym, a Christmas party, attendance of a professional football or baseball game, and the big event at the end of the year — our spring picnic. We also challenge the Senior Hi-Y to games of softball and touch football. This year the club has its largest membership. Page Seventy PEP CLUB They Really Have Pep! The Pep Club gol off to a good start this, its first, year. The club was led by the four Merrillville cheerleaders: Norma Jewell, Dorothy Shearer, Peggy Hillis, and Shirley Breckner. The club really helped pep up the football and basketball games. Part of the credit should go to them for winning all the games. At the beginning of the year, all the members bought white T-shirts with the Pirate emblem on them. During the games the members wore their shirts and sat together in a roped-off section. The club learned many new cheers and how to pep things up, which made the other schools look weak when they gave their cheers. The Pep Club had many members and its future will probably continue to be a lonq one. The club is under the sponsorship of Miss Robertson. “ y 1 9 ' Page Seventy-One SCIENCE CLUB Science Club “Goes To The Moon” The Science Club has been working hard this year on a group project to buy some science equip- ment. To raise money the members sold refreshments at two basketball games and had a dance entitled Rocket To The Moon. The feature of their dance was the showing of life in the twenty-first century with rockets to the moon all around the dance floor. Each member took an individual project to do this year. Some of the projects were the making of a power supply, building radios, and other elec- tronic devices. The club ' s objective is to be able, eventually, to install and operate a ham radio station. The club should be able to do this with the sponsorship of Mr. Motts, who knows just about everything con- cerning radios. This will mean some member will have to get a ham radio license. All the mem bers have been practicing sending codes. Page Seventy-Two Leil to right: David Fryer, Carl Kraft, Ron Bassler, David Bookwalter, and Mr. Pruitt, sponsor. CAMERA CLUB Camera Club Goes On Outing The Camera Club enjoyed a successful year under the leadership of their fine sponsor, Mr. Pruitt, and their officers: David Fryer, president; David Book- waiter, vice-president; Carl Kraft, treasurer; and Ron Bassler, secretary. The Camera Club sponsored a dance after the Hebron basketball game, January 25. One of their outside activities was a weiner roast held October 17, at the Deep River Park. Quite a few members went and everyone joined in the fun. Many mem- bers had fun taking flash-bulb pictures at the outing. The members learned a lot about photography this year, both from the slides they saw every other week, and from practice in the new dark room. Page Seventy-Three COOKS AND JANITORS Watch out! Here they come! A thundering herd ol hungry students flock down the stairs to the cafe- teria to get their delicious lunches. The cooks responsible lor the wholesome meals prepared every- day were Mrs. Varro, Mrs. Harbel, Mrs. Newcomb, Mrs. Miller, and Mrs. MacCracken. These pleasant, helpful men keep our school in tip-top condition with their untiring efforts to better the appearance of our school. They are Mr. Nicks, Mr. Hend- ricks, Mr. Pierce, and Mr. Waltz— who is not pictured. Page Seventy-Four