Midlothian High School - Trojan Yearbook (Midlothian, VA)

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Students Speak on Current Events David Price, the first place winner, can be seen in action. Steve Ipsen prefers facing the camera to facing his audience. Paul Humphreys closes his eyes hoping to forget that the entire audience con- sists of upperclassmen. 10 Academics

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Law Day It is not a rumor that students voluntarily talked with state and local legal authorities; it is a fact. A new program involving cooperation be- tween the community and the teachers called - Law Day was introduced this past fall. It origi- nated in the minds of administrators who came up with this new program in order to fill a course { requirement. The program was discussed with the Social Studies Department, and all thought it would provide the students with a chance to talk with experts and learn many things that would not be learned in class. Also, it would be of value to stu- dents in relation to their future. The Social Stud- ies Department became the sponsor of the program. The purpose of Law Day was to give students the opportunity to question authorities in differ- ent legal fields. The social studies teachers told their students the general areas that would be covered so they could prepare questions to ask. When the day came, students from the Social Studies Department visited with the authorities on an individual basis; this was not a lecture. Representatives were both local and state, and included Mrs. Joan Girone as well as an F.B.I. Nan Graham and Mary Matthews question Morton Walker of the Bon Air Learning agent. Both were well received. Teachers hoped Center. to expose students to these people and then get some student input. All involved thought it was worthwhile and a success. A vibrant speaker is found in Cheryl Bryant of the Diagnostic Center. A group of students listen to explanations from Trooper Baggott. Academics 9

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Laura Perry was caught giving her speech with her eyes closed. Preparing a speech in thirty minutes is not an easy task. However, this did not intimidate the volunteers for the 1978-1979 Extemporaneous Speaking. Of the nine participants, each proved that he was capable of performing well under pressure. Topics were chosen from articles on current events appearing in Time, Newsweek, and U.S. News and World Report. Each person re- searched one of the three topics he had chosen. After making his selection, he was allowed thirty minutes in the library to prepare for the five minute speech. Judges for the Extempo raneous Speaking were Mrs. Driver, Mr. Rowlett, Mrs. Pappalardo, and Mr. Hester. The contestants were judged on thought content, clarity of organization, ade- quacy of supporting details, and poise. Speeches were on inflation, political parties, women’s rights, tax revolt, and foreign affairs. David Price won first place with his speech on foreign affairs in Afghanistan. David will go on to represent Midlothian High School in the state competition. Andy Wakefield uses his hands in place of visual aide. Academics 11