Monacan High School - Legend Yearbook (Richmond, VA)

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Solo performance. Using props to enhance his point, this debater prepares for his final arguments. Two of a kind. Though physically dissimilar these two debaters have more in common than meets the eye. Debate 69

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The power of persuasion at work Monacan’s belief in the development of well-rounded students is exemplified in its wide range of extra-curricular offer- ings. For example, a student who has in- terests in performing or public speaking has the opportunity to participate in ac- tivities such as the Theatre Society or the Debate Team. The success of both orga- nizations in the furthering of achievement by students helps, without a doubt, to make Monacan work. Although Monacan’s debates team is only two years old, it’s growth and ac- complishments are highly commendable. During the 1983-84 school year, under the guidance of sponsor Mr. Lamar Brandt, the team attended seven tourna- ments, placed team members in various speaking and argumentation competions eight times, and placed eighth in the state. Many members of the team felt that CS SS Practice makes perfect. Rehearsing presentations pays off in competition. 68 Debate the culmination of the year came at the Great Smokey Mountain Invitational De- bate and Forensic Tournament, at which the varsity team placed ninth, the affirma- tive half of the four-man team placed first, and the negative half of the fourmanteam placed fourth. Combined, the scores of the four-man team earned Monacan a first-place trophy; this accomplishment contributed to Monacan’s winning of the forensics and debate sweepstakes tro- phy. With continued growth and achieve- ment, the debate team experienced a successful year. With the unity of crew members and performers, Monacan’s Theatre Society boasts of an outstanding history of pro- jects. In 1983-84 the Society’s projects consisted of two productions, Teach Your Children and HMS Pinafore; the annual Talent Show; and a banquet for members. As an active member of the Theatre Soci- ety, a student can choose to participate on crews such as those of publicity, house, sound, or stage. Of course, many members choose to devote their time and talents to performing. Either way, a stu- dent has the opportunity to accumulate enough points to become a member of the International Thespian Society. Due to the Theatre Society Monacan is able to enjoy the arts in a professional and well- planned setting. Obviously, a student who wishes to be either in the spotlight or behind the scenes has special opportunities at Mon- acan. Through organizations such as de- bate and theatre, students develop poise and comarderie. Their accomplishments help to make Monacan work.

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Justice At Home “Innocent until proven guilty’’ — our country’s legal system was founded on this principle. Contrary to popular belief, Monacan’s concept of justice is based on the same idea, and it is embodied in the Honor System. A student cannot be pro- nounced guilty of a violation of the Honor Code simply by the insistence of a teach- er. B oth teachers and students have an alternative to a private, emotional con- frontation — an impartial body of stu- dents — the Honor Court. Sponsored by Assistant principal Mrs. Donna Crane and consisting of three sen- iors and two students from each of the other classes, the court serves the pur- pose of offering a student a trial by his peers. After carefully considering testi- mony given by both the teacher and stu- dent, or students, involved, any witnesses they may wish to call, and any evidence submitted, the Court announced its deci- sion. As another guarantee of justice, the student has the right to appeal to a Facul- ty Board of Review. In spite of what is said at large, the Honor Court exists to fairly judge the guilt or innocence of students. Students may claim that no one is found innocent and some teachers may say that the Court is biased toward the students. However, the truth can be seen in the record of the Court and in the respect with which a ma- jority of the faculty and student body view it. The justice of the Honor Court helps make Monacan work. 70 Honor Court ee Honor Court: (front) Mary Ann James, Wendy Pohlig, Bonnie McDuffie, Belsha, Ann Baldwin, unid. Krista Mead; (back) Unid., Leslie