Moline High School - M Yearbook (Moline, IL)

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All high school graduates have been faced with questions, but the most prominent has always been “What lies ahead?” Remain the Same as Classes Come and Go With the same anticipation and uncertainty that all seni ors have felt, another MHS class has been graduated— as the fiftieth class of the “M.” Unlimited opportunities have led senior classes to study a variety of subjects, create new activities, and start new fads. In the early decades of this century inexperienced but devoted members of the 1913 senior class blazed a trail in the publication of a yearbook. Also originating in this year was the now-traditional wearing of caps and gowns. For years at Moline High upperclassmen learned Swedish, German, penmanship, and calisthenics; but, with the flow of time, the curriculum has changed and these courses are now gone. In the midst of this studying and having fun, many seniors were forced to grow up quickly as they watched their class- mates and perhaps best friends leave, even before gradua- tion, to serve in one of the three wars which the “M” has seen. In both the wintry days of January and the balmy days of June, MHS graduates received diplomas and left the friendly halls of Moline High. Class valedictorian and salutatorian appeared in double number for many years— one set for each of these two graduation ceremonies. Soon this system changed to only a June commencement; and then, in 1959, a further change was made. The old custom of naming two seniors as scholastic leaders of their class was altered to an arrangement in which the top two per cent is named as the scholastic honor group. As many years have drawn to a close, outstanding seniors have been honored by a variety of awards— one of which has been the Merit Shield, first given by the class of 1926. With these, thousands of seniors have departed from MHS, leaving their feelings of youth to the flood of future generations. As in 1962, the ADC productions during the early 1950’s added that extra spark of gaiety to the senior year. 29

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Lunchtime in 1919 meant a relaxing break from studies as it does today— a time to talk with friends and rest for afternoon classes. Senior girls in the early 1900 8 enjoyed the now-outdated ruffles and frills of their everyday school garb. Memorable Events of Each Senior Year Since the 1920 s, time has not lessened the fun of the thrills and spills of a sledding party in the brisk out-of-doors. Recording important senior events, the class of 1923 took pride in compiling an “Outline of History.” 28

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President Woodie Acord reviews plans for a busy doza and Carol Thomgren; and Steve Marsho, year to interested class officers: Andy Seitz, secre- vice-president, tary -treasurer; literary board members , Jess Men- Sponsors and Officers Guide ’62 Seniors Having at last reached the crest of their high school days the class of 1962 began the last semesters with hopes for fun in many ways: studying, cheering, and partying. Adventuresome senior girls attracted the interest of many passers- by as they cycled along twenty-third avenue for early registration. With anticipation they re-entered the spacious rooms and halls of MHS. There the stage, gym, library, and cafeteria awaited the fa- miliar activities of the school year. With the changing of seasons came the suspense and excitement of the colorful homecoming festivities. The coronation of fellow class- mates, the gala parade, and the exciting game offered added meaning to the carefree seniors. This gaiety faded all too quickly into difficult aptitude tests, interviews for jobs, and program-planning with Mr. Jack Coder and Miss Helen Anderson, new senior counselors. Traditional College Day, November 21, interrupted daily sched- ules to give seniors the opportunity to chat informally with campus and business representatives from many locales. As the days drifted by, Meg Holden, exchange student from Liver- pool, continued to delight MHS students with her charming Eng- lish accent and personality. Upon her arrival Meg found much in common with fellow senior Jill Morgon, who had spent the past sum- mer in Austria as Moline’s first participant in the American Field Service program. Attending MHS classes and cheering their teams for the final time as students, upperclassmen progressed from the brisk autumn days into the cold blast of winter. After Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and the completion of semester examinations, the days of the final stretch sped by with amazing rapidity. Spring arrived and senior committees carried out plans for the coming events: the unique AE)C production, the memorable senior ball, the customary wills and prophecies of Swingout and the Maroon and White caps and gowns for Graduation. The Golden “M’s,” com- memorating the fiftieth anniversary, were distributed and received by excited students. The joy, solemnity, and nostalgia of Baccalaureate and Com- mencement soon merged as the ’62 graduates were set adrift in the turbulence of the ever-changing world. 30 Class sponsors Mr. Frank Willits, Miss Frances Johnson, Miss Barbara Garst, and Mr. Frtiz Boom offer assistance throughout the last year ' s activities.