New Athens High School - Vespa Yearbook (New Athens, IL)

Text from Pages 1 - 80 of the 1956 volume:

Beauty of NACHS As the Sun Rises for Another Day New Athens Community High School —the school we arc all proud to call our own! 1 hough at times we mav complain about our school, we are never really sorry lor the education it has given us. Since the year 1931, when NACI IS was established, it has been the place where many students have spent manv hours, both at work and at play. Our school, like the sun rising steadilv over the horizon, has slowly hut surely made progress. Many shadows have crossed our path, but as the time moves on thev become smaller, just as the shadows which the sun casts. NACHS, steadily growing, became a unit district high school in 1954. The seventh and eighth grades were transferred to this building to form a junior high school. Again on November 5, 1955, the voters and supporters of NACHS made a step in the right direction for better education. Thev brightened the faces of NACHS and her students by approving a proposal for the construction of a new grade school, to be annexed to the present high school building. New features are in store for the high school students, and everyone knows that after the completion of this school we will have a better place to study and a better opportunity to serve our community. Readin Riting SCIENCE AND MATH: Courses in science and math arc designed to give the student a keener insight into the physical world. Chemistry, physics, biology, general science, algebra, geometry, and advanced math all help the students to see what a complicated age we live in. Sometimes lield trips, such as the trip to the Science Fair and to Shaw’s Garden, are used to help illustrate these courses. Mr. Robert McCabe, Mr. Walter Loesche, Mr. Don Schriner, and Mr. Walter Price, instructors, are always on hand to help the students achieve the highest degree of understanding in these subjects. VOCATIONAL: For the student who plans to enter into a career immediately after completing high school, the training in the Held he may wish to enter is considerably varied. In our newly completed agriculture, industrial arts, and homemaking classrooms, the student usually has projects which enable him to “sample” future life. Experience in business education is also provided by practice in secretarial work and the operation of new types of business machines. Mr. Joseph Picron, Mr. Walter Price, Miss Betty Shaughnessy, and Mrs. Rachael McMurrv work hard instructing you! BIOLOGY — The study of living things. CHEMISTRY — Will there be a violent exothermic reaction? GEOMETRY — Lines vs. Curves. AGRICULTURE — Original construction HOME ECONOMICS — “We learn to sew a and repairing on the farm are in fine seam. That is just one of our many eluded in the ag. program. achievements in home ec. INDUSTRIAL ARTS — What busy little industrialists! And ’Rithmetic MUSIC: In our music department an opportunity for the student to improve himself in music is given by chorus, hand, and solo work. I lerc are opportunities for a student to appear on programs, march in parades, go to festivals, and participate in contests. Each year these students work harder, for competition is increased. This work is under the able guidance of Mr. Don Sexton and Mrs. Frances Hun-saker. HUMANITIES: To help the student understand man’s activities and appreciate his arts, we have a fine department which offers subjects such as history, English, French, and sociology. To live a richer and better life the student must know how to use the English language through grammar. I le can understand our future much better if he understands our history. He can understand society better by studying sociology. Thus, he has a better understanding of mankind. Mrs. Gladys St(x key, Mrs. Marilyn Barron, Mrs. Dorothy Oelrich, and Mr. Ed Thies, instructors, help to promote this understanding. IESSON — Oh! Those crazy mixed-up notes! U. S. HISTORY — Dreaming of those far-away places! FRESHMAN ENGLISH — There's nothing like relaxing while we study English. GENERAL BUSINESS—Banking projects now, will help keep our check books balanced SHORTHAND—Shorthand crooks and curves make us TYPING — Practicing to later. (We hope) dizzy? make their fingers fly. Mr. Robert McCobe Mrs. Rochoel McMorry Mrs. Dorothy Oelrich Full of wit and good humor, he is always ready to answer all our eager questions. Calm and poised, she has a i uiet solution for any problem xvltich may arise. Her good nature and courteous manner have gained the respect of all. Taught to the Tune Mrs. Marilyn Barron Bachelor of Science in Education, Southern Illinois University. English I and II, French I. Librarian. Mrs. Frances Hunsaker Southern Illinois University. Choral Music. Mr. Walter Loesche Bachelor of Science in Education, Southern llli nois University Mathematics, Science, Geography. History. Mr. Robert McCabe Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, McKendree College. General Science, Biology, Chemistry. Mrs. Rachael McMurry Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, Iowa State College. Homemaking. Mrs. Dorothy Oelrich Bachelor of Arts in German and History, Gustavus Adolphus College. Girls' Physical Education. Eng lish IV, American History. Mr. Joseph Pieron Bachelor of Science in Education, Southern Illinois University; Master of Science in Education, Southern Illinois University. Industrial Arts, Director of Grade School Athletics. Mrs. Marilyn Barron In her friendly way she is always ready to lend her assistance to all. Mrs. Frances Hunsaker Mr. Walter Loesche Her enduring patience has helped A true friend whose calm mantis to bring home our choral ncr and hearty laugh are welcome honors. when needed most. Mr. Joseph Pieron Although carefree, he meticulously strives for perfection. Mr. Walter Price A real handy nuw to have around, for he can do most anything. Mr. Don Schriner is interest in people, along with his drive and determination, has accomplished a great deal for our school. Mr. Don Sexton Under his capable leadership and guidance our band has gained much recognition. Of The Hickory Stick Mb. Walter Price Bachelor of Science in Education, Northeast Missouri State Teachers College; Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, University of Missouri. Vocational Agriculture, General Mathematics. Mr. Don Schriner Bachelor of Education, Eastern State Teachers College; Master of Science in Education, University of Illinois. Algebra I, Advanced Mathematics, Plain Geometry, Driver Training. Mr. Don Sexton Bachelor of Music Education. Millikin University Instrumental Music, Band. Miss Betty Jane Shauchnessy Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Minnesota. Master in Education, Macalester College. Certified Professional Secretary—1951. Typing, Shorthand, Bookkeeping, General Business, Secretarial Practice, Publications. Mrs. Gladys Stookey Bachelor of Arts in English, McKendree College, English III, lamguage Arts. Mr. Ed Thies Bachelor of Science in Education, Southern Illinois University. Sociology, Health Education, f'hy sical Education. Varsity Sports. Mils Betty Jane Shoughnessy With her friendly, dependable advice, she is always ready to help you with your problems. Mrs. Gladys Stookey She has a lot of good ideas and cleverly carries them out to our advantage. Mr. Ed Thies Though at times it may be hard, he keeps calm and calls the plays that lead us to many victories. TYPEWRITER KfTBOARI deoeeoeo oooocoooo OOOQOQOQO 3 ooQrAoooi Managers of NACHS Working In Harmony 1 he many responsibilities of operating our school are placed in the very capable hands of our superin tendent, Mr. Bain W. Hunsaker. Through his outstanding leadership. New Athens High always tries to put its best foot forward and is willing to tackle any task. 1 he zip and zest of NACI IS is highly encouraged by Mr. Bain W. Hunsaker, while the office girls, cooks and custodians lend a helping hand to maintain system and order, carry out their varied duties, and provide a cheery atmosphere in which the students can fulfill their responsibilities. The hard work of the office is shared by Carol Kraus, Juanita Dudeck, secretary; Mae Wolf, Violet Weber and Kenneth Robert. The office machines are kept in constant use by Julia Ballard, Helen Schaller, Mary Ann lindauer, Doris Steinwagner, Carla Walborg and Barbara Cole, office workers. Smiles from our cooks Mrs. Laura Scholes, Mrs. Edna Lischer and Mrs. Our school seems to shinel It s always spic and spanl Martha Lischer help to create a pleasant surrounding for the noon time Thanks to our janitors, Mr. Philip Leilich and Mr. Emil meal. Ziegler. mm Posting the latest notices are Mary Schneidewind, president; and Frances Emge, secretary-treasurer of the Student Council. The onlooking members are Jenie Sue Fischer, Joyce Weide-monn, Mae Wolf, Pattie Hesse, Beverly Tanner, Karen Nadler; second row-. Bobby Rohr, David Kammler, David Roth, Jim Woods, Lyle Schaller, Donald Spalt, Ronald Blair, Louis Emge, Jeanette Beck; standing Joseph Schneider, Frances Emge, Mary Schneidewind, and Mr. Don Schriner, sponsor. They Carry Well The Responsibilities Placed On Their Shoulders THE STUDENT COUNCIL, a name that is almost magic in any school, which is composed of two representatives from each class and the class presidents is the school’s governing bodv. I hey have sponsored the Christmas Party, freshmen initiation, Student Council Week, and have established a local Teen-Age Center. Mary Schneide- wind represented the group at the Illinois Student Council Convention at Chicago. THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY, a new organization at NACHS. with its exacting standards is held in the highest esteem by all. Membership in the society is considered the greatest honor a student can lx awarded. 1 he Society is not solely academic, though its members must maintain a grade average of eighty-five per cent. It stresses four cardinal points—scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Each member understands that his character and conduct must exemplify the loyalty that he has pledged when initiated. Pledging their loyalty to the flag, Mrs. Dorothy Oelrich, Mrs. Gladys Stookey, sponsors; Frances Emge, Carol Leinecke, Carol Stonge, Janet Kirch-hoefer, treasurer; Vivian Skoer, vice-president; Susan Legendre, Jane Stutz, Rose Marie Range, secretary; Mary Schneidewind, president; Helen Schaller and Joseph Schneider exemplify the honors bestowed upon them. 'it erest ACus Pular soci ,s I ... organization at 1 S is the Chris’ Athletic Association, affiliated with the Illinois I ligh School C.iris’ Athletic Association. I he organization promotes an interest in athletics and outdoors. ' Ci.AA. member must make good sportsmanship a constant factor her condo - in r Cor� duct. NQdine w sh°oi Q fre,de iQnn d Loir:c;; , •. how, Helen o ' Del|Q R ° Qrie ir ° Joyc; £ . Mor9iQe8rh'C-o'yn BS°rek- Beck o ,Qn- V,r ®Ush- o,h M°rdo . Woei,2 e ’Ce HerZOg M°« eoh„. “ ' • z Bonnie xa n -Qrol pr . °r° yn MVra JUeo e McBride cu Fr®ch i 9 - ''•«� wh'S'’ Through „ Oorothy (X.|r h of Mis the elohi °Ur Ptttficien, Itowhng league whfch a many. h ,s enjoyed hy go niouQ' vo„ o9ree Frances 'E“e;er'y Tonne, Dorothy •yn Hand, Erna s® j Ca'0' Kroo,. Eve- Bachmonn. Frances G ' Ruhl« Sue Vio.e, Weber. Bat P° i«r- Mary Wolf. Barbara Borbara Cole. Becker. Vivian Skaer s K ew,,z' Sondra teinecke Susan I dt° Krau ' Carol wogner 'ja ’ w Le« nd'«. Doris S.ein-secretary? n,CC W°e',Z' ° d C-° Stonge. I He girls sponsor many social events such as a candlelight initiation service and a Starlight Party to honor the school's athletes. The C..A.A. will continue to raise its standards and strive for the idcjls o� the Association. Amateur bowlers, Ruth Mucrtch, Carlo Wal-borg, Juliana Nuernberger, Fern Mueller, Mary Schneidewind, president; Joan Hoffman, Marianne Kirchhoefer, Rose Marie Kosarek. Priscilla Dudeck, Mary Ann Lin-dauer. Jeanette Beck, Janice Woelfz. Edna Range. Dorothy Oelrich, sponsor; Sh,Hey Brun9s. Mary Ann Range. Kathryn Pannier and Delia Ba.h, ho.e domed (roe, the ne-ly (ore.ed G A A. League. The leaders of the F.F.A.I first row: David Skorci, Norman Keen- Schneider, president; Mr. Walter Price, sponsor; Leroy Dinges. ond ■gstem, Elmer Ragland; Standing: Kenneth Schopfer, treasurer; Fred Mueller Arnold Rowold, secretary; Kenneth Robert, vice-president; Joseph Our Land Is Biggest and Our Land Is Best Learning |o do. Doing to learn. Earning to live, and Living to serve — the motto of the F.F.A. which helps each and every member to achieve a higher standard of living. Some of the many activities of this organization include the long remembered barn-warmings. Carol Stange was crowned the Chapter Sweetheart for 1955-1956 and was presented with a beautiful white sweetheart jacket. The annual pest contest, actively participated in, was won by Fred Mueller, with a score of 13,315 points. As the winner, he received five dollars. The Father-Son Banquet, presented every year, gives the fathers a chance to see the worthiness of this fine club, the Future Farmers of America. Herbert Porker, Eugene Birkner, Tred Mueller; Standing: Elroy Parker, Harold Wiegand, Otto Holle, Dale Meyer, Armin Stehl, Charles lampc, ond Robert Mueller ore the mechanics of the F.F.A. 12 F.H.A. initiation, a solemn service, is being conducted by Carol Stonge, Erno Spolt, Judy Pannier, Carol Leinecke, Carolyn Beck, vice-president; Frances Emge, president; Helen Schaller, secretary; Doris Steinwagner, treasurer; Mary Sch-neidewind, Janet Kirchhoefer, Vivian Skaer; standing: Kathryn Pannier, Nadine Weidemonn, Myra Juenger, Evelyn Honft, Carol Kraus, Mrs. Rachael McMurry, sponsor; Rose Marie Range, Violet Weber, Gail Ruhl, Marjorie Bush, and Shirley Bruns. Keep The Home Fires Burning Juliana Nuernberger, Carla Walborg, LoVerna Boll-meier, Bernice Herzog, Luello Waeltz, Carol Freeh, Carolyn Bardos, Mary Lou Barthel, Rose Marie Kosarek; standing: Sandra Kraus, Frances Knewitz, Susan Legendre, Mary Ann Ruess, Priscilla Dudeck, Sue Bochmann, Joan Hoffman, Dorothy Gasser, Edna Range, Mary Ann Range, Jeanette Beck, Beverly Tanner and Janice Waeltz, gathered around the National Emblem, are striving to fulfill the eight purposes of the F.H.A. “Facing the future with warm courage and high hopes ’ is one of the many ideals of the Future 1 Iomemakers of America, one of the most active groups in school. Distributing Civil Defense folders and caroling are among the most interesting community projects. Sock hops and skating parties are held for the school; while Christmas gifts are sent overseas for the needy. Janice Waeltz, Verio Mae Kuehn, Barbara Cole, Joyce Herman, Fern Mueller, Marianne Kirchhoefer, Joan Hanft; standing: Mildred Cortner, Mae Wolf, Deity Sauc.'wcin, Helen Grott, Della Bush, Mary Ann Lindaucr, Sondra Becker, Vernell Ebert'n- t, Ruth Ann Muench, Mary Wolf, Jane Stutz, Diane Loeschc, Barbara Knewitz and Myra Shulz are pre-pa-ing to wish the unde-privileged children overseas a Merry Christmas. homemakc9s AMERICA With a song in their hearts” Margie Bush, Carla Walborg, Doris Steinwagner, Joan Hanft, Frances Knewitz, Mae Wolf, Mary Wolf; second row Sue Ann Bachmonn, Ruth Ann Muench, Carol Leinecke, Carol Stonge, Joyce Herman, Della Bush, Helen Schaller; third row: Kathryn Pannier, Verio Mae Kuehn, Judy Pannier, Juliana Nuern-berger, Myra Juenger, Priscilla Dudeck, Barbara Cole, Janice Waeltz, Sandra Kraus, Helen Grott, Diane Loesche, accompanist Sondra Becker and director Mrs. Frances Hunsoker prepare for a choral program. Ronald Blair. Daniel Knewitz, Kenneth Kraus, Gary Hubler; standing: Lee Schaller, Terry Worms, Terrence Bochmann, Donald Spall, Jim Ragland, Joseph Schneider and director Mrs. Frances Hunsaker are squeezing in a last minute p-actice before a performance. Practice Makes Perfect Ein Zwei Drei Spiel I—Daniel Knewitz, Lee Schaller, Bruce Kosorek, Arnold Rowold and Ronald Blair, the German Band, are off to a good start. A great deal of pleasure and enjoyment has been brought to audiences by these musical groups. The boys and girls choruses perform in the Christmas Program, the Spring Concert, and participate each year in the 11 ISA Music Contest. The German Band plays at basketball games and adds life to many other special programs. Comprised of the first chair players of the brass section, the Brass Sextet brings recognition to our music department through its excellent showing each year in the II ISA Music Contest. The best of the brass section ore represented here: Lee Schaller, Donold Wilson, Carol Stonge, Mr. Don Sexton, director; Bruce Kosarek, Joseph Schneider and Daniel Knewit. 14 The bond ond Jockettes prepare for one of their marching engagements. The Jockettes ore: Juliana Nuernberger, Carlo Wal-borg, Marjorie Bush, Carolyn Beck, Ruth Ann Muench, Nadine Weidemann, Helen Grott, Mae Wolf, Mary Wolf and Mojorette Sue Ann Bachmann. The band members are: First row-. Ronald Blair, Arnold Rowold, Jeanette Beck, Carol Stonge, Melvin lischer, Carol Leinecke and Sondra Becker. Second row. Myra Jucnger, Evelyn Hanft, Frances Emge, Vivian Skaer, Lee Schaller, Mary Schneidewind, Don Wilson, Joe Weidemann, Bruce Kosarek, Lyle Schaller, Joseph Schneider, Emily Walker, Carol Kraus, Carol Ann Schwartz, and Jane Stutz. Third row: Beverly Tanner, Kathryn Pannier, Judy Ballard, Charles Oberholtzer, Frances Knewitz, Kenneth Kraus, Joyce Herman, David Kammler and Daniel Knewitz. Standing: Director Mr. Don Sexton, Donald Spolt, Mary Ann Lindauer, Terry Worms, Joan Hoffman, Sandra Kraus and Carolyn Bardos. We Start With a Toot and a Bang, then Music Fills the Air The band, an organization of which we are truly proud, is a great asset to our school. Due to the willingness and hard work of each member and the competent leadership of Mr. Don Sexton, the hand has made much progress. In both District and State Contests our hand members have gained a lot of recognition. The busy schedule of the hand includes the annual Christmas and Spring Concerts, the annual joint concert with Freehurg High School Band, basketball games and many marching engagements. The ”Jackettes,” composed of nine girls who together spell out the words “New Athens,” add a great deal to the appearance of .the band. The girls precede the band in all the parades and perform many peppy marching drills. Guys and gals with the Christmas spirit. 15 Picture 1 Blow Mon Blow! The woodwind trio, Carol Leineckc, flute; Sondra Becker, oboe; and Ronald Blair, clarinet; practice diligently while Melvin Lischer, flutist also, watches. These four and Arnold Rowold, clarinet player not pictured, will ploy solo's at contest. Picture 2 Contest! Here we come! Last minute preparations for solo music contest held at Bethalto, Illinois. Lee Schaller, trumpet; Dove Kommler, trombone; Donald Wilson, trumpet; Daniel Knewitx, trombone; Joseph Schneider, baritone; Bruce Kosarek, boss; Mr. Don Sexton, director; and Carol Stonge, French horn. Picture 3 My! Aren't we windy! Carol Kraus, Carol Ann Schwartx, and Jane Stutx, saxophone players and Doris Stcinwagner, bass clarinet player get together for a jaxx session before solo contest as Sue Ann Bachmann, majorette, twirls to their music. Picture 4 They tell us proctice makes perfect! Mr. Sexton, our director, does a fine job of preparing the band for music contest. Contest, Here We Come! Picture 1 Mixed chorus sure is fun! The chorus under the direction of Mrs. Frances Hun-sakcr is anxious for contest. We all have our fingers crossed! Picture 2 Will we ever be ready in time for contest? Ronald Blair, tenor; Diane Loeschc, soprano; Lee Schaller, boss; ond Marjorie Bush, alto in the quartet; Barbara Cole, soprano; Carol Stonge, second soprano; ond Doris Steinwagner, olto in the trio; listen as Lee plays piano and Ronnie directs. Picture 3 What harmony! The girls sextet, Dianne Loeschc and Juliana Nuerngerger, sopranos, Joyce Herman and Marjorie Bush altos; Della Bush and Sondra Becker second sopranos, practice once more before contest. Picture 4 Voriety is the spice of life and we hove plenty of it with the varied vocal soloists Sondra Becker, Carol Stonge, Lee Schaller, Ronald Blair, Barbara Cole and Juliana Nuernberger, anxiously await the anticipated day. The Editorial Staff of the Vespa, consisting of Helen Schaller, Janet Kirchhoefer, Miss Betty J. Shaughnessy, Juliana Nuern-berger, Elmer Ragland, Vivian Skaer, Carol Stonge, Carol Lein-ecke, and Mary Schneidewind view other schools' yearbooks with interest. Carolyn Beck, assistant business manager of the Vespa, points out sale slogans for the Vespa Campaign to the Business Staff: Raymond Muench, Terrence Bachmann, Frances Emge, Carolyn Beck, Mary Ann Lindouer, and Daniel Knewitz. Deadlines Are Due and Work is Piled High Carol Leinecke Mary Schneidewind Carol Stance Frances Emge Terrence Bachmann Vivian Skaer Elmer Ragland Editor Literary Editor Photographic Editor Business Manager Advertising Manager Sectional Editor Sports Editor Mary Ann Lindauer, Carolyn Beck, Daniel Knewitz - - Business Janet Kirchhoefer, Helen Schaller. Staff Juliana Nuernberger Betty J. Shaughnessy Literary Staff Sponsor A yearb(K)k is a major project. It is an all-year job. The lxx)k must be planned, articles must be written, pictures must be taken, and the book must lx financed. The Vespa Staff, selected from students of all four classes and advised by Miss Betty Shaughnessy, has done a splendid job. Both hard work ond fun made the publication skit, The News Reaches the Hills,” o booming success and one of the highlights of National News Week. The cast included Frances Emge, Carol Leinecke, Carolyn Beck; standing. Carol Stange, Roymond Muench, Susan Legendre, Violet Weber, Mary Schneidewind, Elmer Ragland, and Terrence Bachmann. 18 But in Spite of it All We Have Fun Galore The Business Staff made up of Violet Weber, Myra Juenger, Terrence Bachmann, Editor Susan Legendre and Co-Editor Mary Schneide- Corolyn Beck, Miss Betty J. Shaughnessy, Raymond Muench, and Elmer Rag- wind view points of interest in the Spotlight with land refer to the mot book to add interest to the Advertising Section. the staff, composed of: Carol Leinecke, Carla Wal- borg, Sondra Becker, Susan Legendre, Mary Schneide-wind, Ruth Ann Muench, and Mary Ann Lindauer. Our school paper, the Spotlight, represents far more than just picking up a newspaper and reading it. I.t not only brings news to the students, faculty, and alumni of NACI IS, hut it also serves as a record of school functions and contains many interesting features. I his monthly publication is a result of the hard work and fhe interest of everyone on the staff, and in past years has improved in many ways. In the years to come we will recall many fond memories by rereading our old issues. The Spotlight is affiliated with Quill and Scroll and the National Scholastic Press Association. Only the outstanding journalists of both the Spotlight and Vespa are members of Nu Alpha Chi Sigma, the New Athens chapter of Quill and Sere'1 which is an International Honorary Journalism Organization. The industrious students hard at work are: Miss Betty J. Shaughnessy, adviser; Vivian Skaer, Carol Stange, Carol Leinecke, Susan Legendre, Mary Schneidewind, Janet Kirchhoefer, secretary, and Terrence Bachmann. Seated. Frances Emge and Helen Schaller, president. Susan Legendre - Editor Mary Schneidewind - - Co-Editor I krrence Bachmann - Business Manager Violet Weber - Circulation Manager Myra Juenger - Bookkeeper Elmer Ragland - Sports Editor Betty Sauerwein, Fred Keck - Sports Reporters Carol Leinecke. Frances Knewitz Carla Wal borg Ruth Ann Muench - - Reporters Carolyn Beck, Mary Ann Lindauer Daniel Knewitz - - Advertising Staff Betty J. Shaughnessy - - Sponsor VCJt Mrs. Marilyn Barron, second from left, is busily showing librarians Gail Ruhl, Janet Kirch-hoefer, Julia Bollard, Erna Spalt, seated; Rose Marie Range, Susan Legendre, Jane Stutz, Bernice Herzog, and Mary Lou Barthel the contents of the library of which she is in charge. The school library, with its wide variety and classification of books, has helped students to obtain a thorough understanding of reading material. Linder the supervision of Mrs. Marilyn Barron and several student librarians who work a period a day, other students can obtain useful information and books for pleasure reading. This year, over four hundred new books have been added to the library and thirtv-five subscriptions of magazines fill the magazine racks. During National Book Week, pamphlets giving information about our library were printed and distributed to the students. Whether in Books or in Records, Languages are a Challenge and a Delight. Circle de Francais, a newly-organized club is comprised of students delighting in French studies. Among their activities are the following: giving a banquet even.' Christmas for members and invited guests, taking field trips, discussing places of interest in France, keeping informed on current events in France, subscribing to a French paper, and viewing French films. Lounging in the sun, listening to French records, is the French Club consisting of: David Kammler, vice-president; Ronald Blair, president; Lee Schaller, Mae Wolf, Larry Phillips, Mary Wolf, Frances Knewitz, treasurer; Carla Walborg, secretary; Donald Spalt; standing: Mrs. Marilyn Barron, odviser; Harold Wiegand, Nadine Weidemann, Joe Weidemann, Mary Schneidewind, Gory Hubler, Doris Steinwagner, Joseph Schneider, and Rose Marie Range. 20 Each year (he junior and senior classes present a play. 1 he constant nightly practice, the study of lines and cues, and the fun and laughs enjoyed by everyone, are all a part of the finished product of which we are very proud. DAMSELS IN DISTRESS Damsels in Distress” by Jay Tobias, a rolicking comcdv presented bv the class of ’56 in their junior year under the direction of Mr. Dale T. Walker and Mrs. Betty Price, will long be remembered. GRANDMA’S BEST YEARS “Grandma’s Best Years” by Earl L. Russell, hilarious and side-splitting, was presented by the class of ’57 under the direction of Mr. Don Sexton and Mrs. Gladys Stookev. We re just o couple of Damsels in Distressl Put ’er there Babel The Stars of Tomorrow “Watch me stretch me bubble gum! “How ya gonna get us outa this mess?” “May I kiss your hand?” Vivian Skaer and Joseph Schneider reigned as Cinderella and Prince Charming for one night. They were crowned by the retiring king and queen, Burke Potter and Alice Weidemann, and received a beaujtiful compact and cuff links and tie clasp. Susan Legendre, junior class vice-president, made the presentation. Cinderella — The Prom — the night when everyone’s dream was a wish come true, and our Fairy Godmother seemed to watch over us. The theme was beautifully accentuated by large drawings of Cinderella’s Fair)' Godmother and of Cinderella and the Prince. (Pictures 1-5) A glittering castle towering into the clouds of blue and white crepe paper, was the setting before which a beautiful jeweled crown was presented to Cinderella and Prince Charming, bv the retiring king and queen. (Pictures 4-6) The hall of blue and white streamers was decorated with rich, splendid, golden crepe paper chains, opening into the profusely decorated gym where soda was dispensed from a pumpkin shaped stand. (Picture 2-5) After the traditional banquet, dancing to the dreamy music of the Melody Men was enjoyed. A Dream is a Wish Come True 22 (Picture 1 and 2.) During the year NACI IS students display their talents at assembly programs and public performances. An added attraction to this year's assembly schedules was the Thanksgiving Program prepared by the students in the history and English classes of Mrs. Dorothy Oclrich. The theme was the progress of I hanksgiving from early colonial times to the present day. A Yankee Doodle” dance, typical of the Civil War Period, was performed bv five girls. (Picture 3.) The annual Christmas Program under the direction of Mrs. Frances I lunsaker and Mr. Don Sexton, with the co-operation of the band and choruses, reflected our vibrant Christmas spirit to the audience. A feature of the program was a tableau of the angels, shepherds, and wise men paying homage to our King. (Picture 4.) Santa Claus and helpers distributed a packfull of gifts to the students and faculty at the Christmas Party, an event which is eagerly awaited each year. 1 hroughout the year, students of NACHS look forward with anticipation to summer activities. 1 his year Vivian Skaer attended GAA Camp, Carol Leinecke attended FI IA Camp, and Emily Walker, Evelyn Miller, and Carol Kraus attended music camp. (Picture 1) Six ambitious FFA'ers, Robert Mueller, Arinin Stehl, Joseph Schneider, Norman Koenigstein, Arnold Rowold, and David Skorcz, attended the judging contest at Springfield, Illinois. (Picture 2) I errence Bachmann. Joseph Schneider and Frances Enrge were chosen bv various organizations in New Athens to represent our community at Bovs’ State located at the Springfield Fair Grounds and Girls’ State at Jacksonville, Illinois. (Picture 3) I'he NSPA Convention at Chicago was a delightful event for Carol Leinecke, editor of the Vespa; Miss Betty Shaugh-nessy, publications sponsor, and Mary Schncidewind, assistant editor of the Spot-light. (Picture 4) Special Events Add Spice to our Life We Freshies must eat, too! Jacks of all trades. What a crazy mixed up game! Is this what a N.S.P.A. convention is like? 1 lurry, or we’ll lose—hut please don’t drop the egg! Ooom-pah-pah, and the publications hand is off! We how to you almighty seniors for we are lowly dirty birds! I do? — Do 1 mar I guess I do.” Doesn’t she appear an attractive heart queen? Work and Play Make Our Days Gay! 24 I • J . Vv’'' r: --v i . • • • ■ : : vv- _ _ • a a a a • • • • • • • • .. r J • • •• . • .• ••• ' • • y '✓ . y i • • . • With o plan like this we will sure have the next game in the bag!” says Coach Ed Thies to Daniel Knewitz, manager, Clint Keck, Jim Woods, Jack Bchnken, and David Hager. The Yellow Jackets, of whom NACHS is very proud, have completed a successful basketball season with a record of !7 wins and 10 losses. With the return of only six lejttermen, a rough and trying schedule confronted the Jackets, but the bovs had the drive and sting which was needed to insure many victories. Although competition was keen the Jackets brought home first place honors in both the K;is When We Say Our Team is Good Clint Hero Keck possessed the needed spork both defensively ond offensively. Dale Kicker Meyer had the rebound powers needed to gain control of the ball. Calm, cool, and collected describes the attitude of Fred Fritz Keck during a game. Get up and go were the key words of Jim Woody Woods basketball ability. 26 The Big Wheels of Basketball in New Athens High School — Coach Ed Thies, John Main, Fred Keck, Don Wilson, Dole kaskia and New Baden Invitational Tournaments. The squad was defeated, in a close game, by Steeleville in the final game of the District Tournament, ending the 1955-56 season. The Yellow Jackets provided Solid’s the Word Meyer, Jim Woods, Clint Keck, Donald Spalt, Jack Behnken and Assistant Coach Joseph Pieron. a thrilling season for their numerous, cheering fans. 1 he leading scorer for the year was Jim Woods with 516 points followed by Clint Keck with a record of 422 points. Don Willie” Wilsons onthusiom was a desirable asset to the team. Jack Jackie” Behnken was known as the squad's safety-man. Donald Sid Spalt always entered the game with fight and scrimage. John Johnny Main, with speed and drive, was the team’s best ball handler. To these girls belong one of the high honors and privileges in school — that of being a varsity cheerleader. Sondra Becker. Carol Stange. Carol Leinecke, and Frances Emge have proven worthy of this honor by their display of school spirit and sportsmanship, which has helped to maintain a winning team. Go Fight Win Barbara Cole, Sandra Kraus and Ruth Ann Muench will always have the honor of being the first B Team cheerleaders of NACHS. T he experiment was very successful because of their spirit anti eagerness to cheer the team to victory. Wow! what a shot! The victory smiles of coach and team after winning the Kaskaskia Tournament. Tenseness and excitement are experienced in the shower room before game time by the team as a whole. The trophy won bv the Yellow lackets in the New Baden Invitational Tournament is being accented from Cheerleader Carol Leinecke bv Jim Woods and the rest of the team. The up and coming Varsity Jackets! Larry Stahl, Louis Emge, Jim Kneeling i is Richard Forhan. Giving the fans a look at the Newman, Eugene Napier, Coach Ed Thies, Assistant Coach Joseph Jackets, these players take the floor before the A’ team Pieron, Cletus Miller, David Roth, Marvin Kaiser, Larry Phillips. except in tournaments. GAME WE THEY Lebanon 67 53 Waterloo 51 53 New Baden 51 48 Freeburg 55 70 Waterloo 47 49 Fight New Baden 65 62 New Baden 79 61 O’Fallon 51 84 Red Bud 66 43 Rebound Bed Bud Valmeyer 60 83 39 73 O’Fallon Columbia 64 68 67 56 Drive Dupo 27 41 Mascoutah 60 71 Mascoutah 45 47 Valmeyer 73 52 Lebanon 59 45 Dupo 45 86 Columbia 71 52 Lebanon 65 54 Bed Bud 53 44 Freeburg 46 40 Waterloo 45 43 Marissa 71 62 Aviston 56 49 Steelevillc 44 54 To get more fun out of noon hours and Jo encourage good sportmanship and more sports participation, Coach Ed Thies and Mrs. Dorothy Oclrich formed girls’ volleyball teams and boys’ basketball teams. Teams were made up of boys who did not participate in varsity basketball; all girls were allowed to play. During December and January, the boys’ and girls’ teams alternated the use of the gym. Strike one! The Yellow Jackets’ batteries were well prepared for the 1955-56 season. Pitchers were as follows: John Main, Louis Einge, Dale Meyer, Richard Forhan, and Larry Stahl, hacked up by catchers Jim Woods and Jim Newman. Batter Up! Batter Down! With the return of Clint Keck, John Main. Dale Meyer, Bob Wilderman, Otto I tollc, and Jim Woods, six lettermen from last season, the Yellow Jackets looked forward to a thrilling baseball season in 1955-56. Even at times when victory seemed impossible and the team was doomed with a defeat the boys did their best. The Yellow Jackets showed ability to drive and win ball games and entered each game with determination and enthusiasm. Eugene Napier, Leroy Dinges, and Eddie Armstutz stop for an ice cold drink before returning to their duties in the outfield. The students of New Athens Community I ligb School are proud of the players for playing to the best of their ability and for their example of good sportsmanship, even though they couldn’t win every game. Marvin Kaiser, Clint Keck, Jim Newman, and Fred Keck wait to take their positions in the infield for another inning. so Come on Jackets, Mow ’Em Down! YELLOW JACKETS SPRING BASEBALL Team We The Columbia 11 ere 5 0 O’Fallon .There 6 20 Belleville There 1 5 Waterloo I lere 1 5 Valmeyer There 4 14 Red Bud There 3 4 () 1 illon Here 7 13 Columbia Here 2 1 Waterloo There 0 9 Valmeyer I lere 3 6 Red Bud I lere 0 6 Columbia I lere 5 2 District Tournament at Frccburg Valmeyer 1 6 YELLOW JACKETS FALL BASEBAI L Team We They Mascoutah There 0 11 Lebanon 1 lere 9 12 New Baden There 2 13 Freeburg There 1 11 Columbia 1 lere 1 3 O’Fallon Here 3 11 Waterloo There 2 4 Mascoutah 1 lore 1 13 Lebanon There 0 6 Columbia There 4 2 New Baden 1 lere 6 5 Freeburg 1 lere 2 9 Waterloo I lere 0 6 Coach Ed Thies gives the Jackets' baseball team instructions and signals before starting the first game of a new season. Members of the team are os follows: Left to right: Leroy Dinges, Jim New man. Coach Ed Thies, Richard Forhan, John Main, Eugene Napier, Assistant Coach, Joseph Pieron; Eddie Armstutz; standing. David Hagler, manager; Larry Stahl, Clint Keck, Fred Keck, Dale Meyer, Cletus Miller, Jim Woods, Lorry Phillips, Marvin Kaiser, Louis Emge, and Daniel Knewitz, manager. 31 Mn. Don D. Schriner Iii Appreciation of your interest in New Athens students and lor all the dreams ol our school which you have helped become realities, the students of NAG I IS dedicate the 1956 Vespa to you, MR. DON 1). SCHRINER. The cafeteria, home economics room, industrial arts and agriculture shops, the Unit District, the Bond issue, teen-town, student council, class sponsor, and the many classes which you teach are all constant reminders of your loyalty and initiative. Through the shadows of the years you have helped our school and its students to gain recognition in many fields. For this we thank you! 32 The Future Reflects the Seniors’ Past Experiences In September of 1952, NACllS's friendly, wide-open doors, admitted a group of frightened, green-eyed freshmen. We were not officially freshmen, however, until alter our initiation. Initiation day was a lojt of fun hut did we ever look a mess! (Picture 1) At our first class meeting we elected our class officers. Carol Leincckc was president, Norman Koenigstein, vice-president. Dixie I leyl, secretary-treasurer, Susan Legendre and Joseph Schneider, student council representatives. We managed to make a little money and save a little too, with the aid of our popcorn machine. We celebrated the end of our first exciting year with a class outing at Forest Park Highlands. As you can see we were beginning our approach to maturity. (Picture 4). During our sophomore year we chose Daniel Knewitz as our president. Carol Stange, vice-president, and Vivian Skaer, secretary-treasurer. Frances Emge anti Joseph Schneider were our student council representatives. We still had our old faithful popcorn machine. We again went to the Forest Park 1 lighlands for our class outing. One year can surely make a big difference. (Picture 2 and 5). Joseph Schneider was elected president for our junior year. Serving as vice-president was Susan Legendre. Carol Stange was our secretary and Vivian Skaer our treasurer. Myra Jucnger and Daniel Knewitz were our student council representatives. During this very busy but successful year, we presented the hilarious three-act comedy Damsels in Distress.” (Picture 3). A donkey basketball game overwhelmed a huge audience. Highlighting our junior year was the prom, Cinderella Reigns Supreme.” In our senior year Joseph Schneider was unanimously re-elected president. Norman Koenigstein served as vice-president. Carol Stange and Myra Juenger held the offices of secretary and treasurer, respectively. Frances Emge and Donald Spalt were chosen student council representatives. Our class play, ’The Real Mr. McCoy,” drew a crowd that packed the gym. Our goal reached, we were graduated with high hopes for the future. (Picture 6). Four vears of planning and budgeting brought results. “Colorado, here we come!” f I fl « I1 ’ • V f it1 r r X' Xl X1 t X x •' x1 34 • V ■ • • 1 I his play is a riot,” says Carol to M iss Shaughnessy. Senior officers and sponsors are: Miss Betty J. Shaughnessy, sponsor; Mr. Don Schriner, sponsor; Myra Juenger, treasurer; Carol Stange, secretary; Norman Kocnigstein. vice-president; and Joseph Schneider, president. We Would Like To Start Over Now That Our Goals Are Accomplished The mighty seniors are hard at work during a class meeting. 35 Terrence Bachmann Always willing to give a helping hand to those in need of his assistance. Shirley Bruns She is jovial, friendly, and always ready for fun. Frances Emge ller many responsibilities are ably met by her good nature and sound judgment. After Four Short Years Evelyn Han ft Her dry humor and ready wit are a welcome delight to any crowd. Otto Holle llis curiosity has increased knowledge. Myra Juencer his She has a combination of abilities that is hard to beat. 36 Barbara Knhwitz In her ways she is quiet hut, Silence is Golden. Daniel Knhwitz His quick sense of humor is adaptable to any situation. Norman Koenigstein Laughable and jolly, he can find the funny side to anything. We've Gained Poise and Self-Confidence Carol Kraus Her winning smile sets off the assets of her constant loyalty. Susan Legendre Bright enough to master any situationt she has done more than her share for our school. Carol Leinecke Her real interest is in people, and she is always ready to tie the knot of friendship. 3 Dale Meyer With his teasing manner he accomplishes much. Norman Mohr He has a friendly grin which can cheer you when you feel low. Rorert Mueller Considerate in his ways he is always trilling to help a friend. We’re Just Beginning To Hold Our Own Elmer Ragland His good nature and drive are an admirable combination. Rose Marie Range There is never a job too big for her to fulfill. Kenneth Robert A quick, peppy guy with a conquering way. 38 Joseph Schneider His achievements speak for themselves. Vivian Skaer A fun-loving, light-hearted student who can enjoy herself in practically any situation. Donald Spalt 11 is easy-going manner and humorous comments bring him many friends. - Keep Your Eye On Us In the Future Carol Stange She is a package of ability, personality, and intelligence. Violet Weber A true friend who works hard to keep things working in harmony. 39 We Have Accomplished Many Things Terrence Bochmonn Transferred from Sparta High School during his freshman year. Quill and Scroll 4; Boys Chorus 2, 3, 4; Mixed Chorus 2, 3; Vespa Staff 4; Spotlight Staff 3, 4: Science Club 2; Class Plav 3, 4. Shirley Bruns Cirls Chorus I. 2; Mixed Chorus 1, 2: GAA 1. 2, 3, 4; FHA 1, 2, 3, 4; Class Play 4. Frances Emge Quill and Scroll 3, 4; Band 1, 2, 3, 4; Girls Chorus 1; Mixed Chorus 1; Class Officer 1; GAA 1, 2, 3, 4; FHA 1, 2, 3, 4; Vespa Staff 4; Spotlight Staff 1, 2, 3; Music Club 1; Honor Boll 1, 2, 3, 4; Science Club 2; Student Council 2, 4; Honor Society 4; Cheerleader 3, 4; Class Play 3, 4; Office Girl 3. Evelyn Honft Band 1, 2, 3, 4; Girls Chorus 1; Mixed Chorus 1; GAA 1, 2, 3 4; FHA 1, 2, 3, 4; Class Play 3, 4; Class Officer 2. Otto Holle Baseball I, 2, 3, 4; Basketball 1, 2, 3; Letter men's Club 1, 2, 3; FFA 1, 2, 4; Science Club 2. Myra Juenger Transferred from Okawville High School as a junior. Band 3, 4; Girls Chorus 3, 4; Mixed Chorus 3, 4; Class officer 4; GAA 3, 4; FHA 3, 4; Spotlight Staff 4; I lonor Boll 2; Student Council 3; Class Play 4. Barbara Knewitx French Club 3; GAA 1, 2, 3, 4; Girls Chorus 1; Mixed Chorus 1; FHA 1, 2, 3. 4; Music Club 1; Science Club 2; Class Play 4. Daniel Knewitx Band 1, 2, 3, 4; Boys Chorus 1, 2, 3, 4; Mixed Chorus 1, 2, 3, 4; Brass Sextet 4; Baseball 1, 2, 3, 4; Basketball 1, 2, 3, 4; Lcttermcn’s Club 1, 2, .3; I lonor Boll 1, 2, 3, 4; Science Club 2; Student Council 2, 3; Class Play 3, 4; Class Officer 2; FFA 1, 2, 3; Music Club 1; Spotlight Staff 3, 4; Vespa Staff 4. Norman Koenigstein Boys Chorus 1, 2; Mixed Chorus 1, 2; Class Officer lt 4; FFA 1, 2, 3, 4; Science Club 2; Class Play 3. Carol Kraus Band 1, 2, 3, 4; Mixed Chorus 1; Girls Chorus 1; GAA 1, 2, 3, 4; FHA 1, 2, 3, 4; Honor Boll 1; Office Girl 4; Class Play 4. Susan Legendre Library Staff 2, 4; Quill and Scroll 3, 4; Girls Chorus 1, 2; Mixed Chorus 1, 2; French Club 3; Class Officer 3; GAA I, 2, 3, 4; FHA 1, 2, 3, 4; Spotlight Staff 2, 3, 4; Music Club 1; Honor Boll lt 2, 3, 4; Science Club 2; Student Council I; Honor Society 4; Class Play 3, 4. Carol Leinecke Quill and Scroll 3, 4: Band I, 2, 3, 4; Girls Chorus 1, 2, 3, 4; Mixed Chorus 1, 2, 3, 4; Class Officer 1, 3; GAA I, 2, 3, 4; FHA 1, 2, 3, 4; Vespa Staff 4; Spotlight Staff 2, 3, 4; Honor Boll 1, 2, 3, 4; Science Club 2; Student Council I; Honor Society 4; Cheerleader 4; Class Play 3, 4. Dale Meyer Transferred from Freeburg High School as a junior. Baseball 3, 4; Basketball 3, 4; FFA 4; Class Play 4. Norman Mohr Baseball 1; Basketball 1, 2, 3; Let-termen’s Club 1, 2, 3; Music Club 2; Science Club 2. Robert Mueller Library Staff 2; Mixed Chorus 1; Basketball 3; FFA 1, 2, 3, 4; Science Club 2; Class Play 3. Elmer Ragland Bovs Chorus 1, 2; Mixed Chorus 1, 2; Baseball 1,2, 3, 4; Basketball 1; Lettermen's Club 1, 2, 3; FFA 1, 4; Vespa Staff 4; Spotlight Staff 4; Music Club 1; Honor Boll 1; Science Club 2; Class Plav 3. Rose Marie Range Library Staff 4; French Club 3, 4; GAA 1, 2, 3; FHA 1, 2, 3, 4; Honor Boll 1,2, 3, 4; Science Club 2; Honor Society 4; Office Girl 2, 3; Class Play 4. Kenneth Robert FFA 1, 2, 3, 4; Music Club 2; Science Club 2. Joseph Schneider Band 1, 2, 3, 4; Boys Chorus 1, 4; Mixed Chorus 1, 4; Brass Sextet 3, 4; Basketball 1, 2t 3; French Club 4; Class Officer 3, 4; Lettermen's Club 1,2, 3; FFA 1,2, 3, 4; Music-Club 1; Honor Boll 1, 2, 3, 4; Science Club 2; Student Council 1, 2 3, 4; Honor Society 4; Class Play’ 3, 4. Vivian Skaer Quill and Scroll 3, 4; Band 1, 2, 3, 4; Girls Chorus 1; Mixed Chorus 1; Class Officer 2, 3; GAA 1, 2, 3. 4; FHA 1, 2, 3, 4; Vespa Staff 4; Spotlight Staff 1, 2, 3; Music Club 1; Honor Boll I, 2, 3, 4; Science Club 2: Honor Society 4; Class Play 3, 4. Donald Spalt Band 1, 3, 4; Boys Chorus 4; Mixed Chorus 4; Basketball 3, 4; French Club 4; Lettermen’s Club 4; FFA 1, 2t 3; I lonor Boll 1,2,4; Science Club 2; Student Council 4; Class Play 4. Carol Stonge Transferred from Colonel White 1 ligh School, Davton, Ohio during her freshman year. Quill and Scroll 3, 4; Band 2, 3, 4; Girls Chorus 2, 3, 4; Mixed Chorus 2, 3, 4; Brass Sextet 4; Class officer 2, 3, 4; GAA 2, 3, 4; FI fA 2, 3, 4; Vespa Staff 4; Spotlight Staff 2, .3; Honor Boll 1, 2, 3, 4; Science Club 2; Honor Society 4; Cheerleader 3, 4; Class Plav 3, 4. Violet Weber Girls Chorus 1, 2; Mixed Chorus 1, 2; French Club 3; GAA 1, 2, 3, 4; FHA 1, 2, 3, 4; Spotlight Staff 4; Music Club 1; Science Club 2; Office Girl 3, 4; Class Plav 4. 40 Row 1: Carolyn Beck, Jack Behnken, Ronald Bloir, Marjorie Bush, Gory Campbell, Mildred Cortner. Row 2. Leroy Dinges, Vernell Eberhardl, Joan Honfl, Clint Keck, Fred Keck, Janet Kirchhoefer. Row 3. Mary Ann Lindauer, Fred Mueller, Raymond Muench, Judy Pannier, Arnold Rowold, Gail Ruhl. Row 4. Betty Sauerwein, Helen Schaller, Lee Schaller, Mary Schneidewind. Kenneth Schopfer. Myra Schulz. Row 5: Armin Stehl, Jane Stutz, Nadine Weidemann, Bob Wildermon, Don Wilson, Jim Woods. Not pictured, Phyllis Kerch. Juniors, The Leadership of NACHS Is Now in Your Hands Hove you seen the latest buy of the junior's candy counter? Mr. Sexton asks Jone. Junior officers and sponsors ore: Jane Stutz, treasurer; Mrs. Gladys Stookey, sponsor; Jim Woods, president; Bob Wildermann, vice-president; Helen Schaller, secretary; and Mr. Don Sexton, sponsor. Sophomores, the Works of the “Don’t burn this batch of popcorn, because there’s a big order for it in the gvm” says Dave Roth, presi dent; as Mr. Walter Price, sponsor; Carla Walborg, treasurer; Mrs. Rachael McMurry, sponsor; Doris Steinwagner, secretary; and Mary Wolf, vice-president, offer friendly suggestions to the popcorn poppers. Wise Come from Those Who Try First row: Edward Armstutz, Sue Ann Bochmann, Julia Ballard, Son- Roy Legendre, Melvin Lischer, Diane loesche. Fourth row. John dra Becker, LaVerna Bollmeier, Della Bush, Barbara Cole. Second Main, Cletus Miller, Ruth Ann Muench, Eugene Napier, Juliana row. Priscilla Dudeck, Dorothy Gasser, Helen Grott, Dovid Hager, Nuernberger, Larry Phillips, Mary Ann Reuss, Dave Roth. Fifth row: David Kammler, Frances Knewitz, Bruce Kosarek. Third row- Rose David Skorcz, Erna Spalt, Doris Steinwagner, Janice Waeltz, Carla Marie Kosarek, Sandra Kraus, Verla Mae Kuehn, Phillip Legendre, Walborg, Harold Wiegand, Mae Wolf, Mary Wolf. First row: Carolyn Bardos, Mary Lou Barthel, Jeanette Beck, Allan Birkner, Eugene Birkner, Harold Brinley, Don Dickerson. Second row. Louis Emge, Richard Forhan, Carol Freeh, Joyce Herman, Bernice Herzog, James Hesse, Joan Hoffman. Third row: Gary Hubler, Marvin Kaiser, Marianne Kirchhoefer, Kenneth Kraus, Charles Lampe, Bonnie McBride, Fern Mueller. Fourth row-. James Newman, Kathryn Pannier, Elroy Parker, Herbert Parker, James Ragland, Edna Range, Mary Ann Range. Fifth row Lonnie Schuetz, Larry Stahl, Beverly Tanner, Luella Waeltz, Joe Weidemann, and Terry Worms. Freshmen, May You Triumphantly Tread the Long Road To Success “This is a good start for an exciting four years,” says Beverly. Officers and sponsors are: Beverly Tanner, president; Joyce Herman, secretary-treasurer; Richard Forhan, vice-president; Mr. Ed Thies and Mrs. Dorothv Oelrich, sponsors. As the Eighth Grade Takes the Big Step into High School Row 1. Roy Albert, Shoron Bold, Horry Beodle, Patsy Bruns, Morris Dinges. Lela Mae Falkenheim, Mike Goodall. Row 2. Mike Gordon, Allen Hanft, Dennis Holle, Raymond Land, Ronald Kniepkamp, Richod Kosarek, Kay Kuehn. Row 3. Karen Lischer, Victor Main, Ba bo.a Marler, Evelyn Miller, Betty Lou Mohr, Dennis Nodler, Karen Nadler. Row 4: Glenn Napier, Judy Scoce, Carol Ann Schwartz, Lyle ScSaller, Nancy Sickmeier, Allen Spalt, Billy Stolte. Row 5. Joyce Stroh, Emily Walker, Dixie Warren, Carol Weber, Joyce Weidemann, Clyde Zanders, Charles Zinkhon. First row-. Donald Bold, Ronald Barr, Nancy Becker, Rose Burnett, Jimmy Calloway, Sam Castleton, Beverly Cole. Second row. James Feurer, Jenie Sue Fischer, Mary Ellen Fries, Tommy Gordon, Betty Harriss, Gay Herzog, Pattie Hesse. Third row: James Kirch-hoefer, Charles Hobbs, Charles Knewitz, Barbara Kniepkamp, Jerry Leinecke, Virginia McCullum, Jolane Moran. Fourth row: Ronald Nipper, Barbara Nuernberger, Charles Oberholtzer, Norman Phillips, Bobby Rohr, Neil Scholler, Dennis Schatte. Fifth row: Judy Schopfer, Sondro Schopfer, James Seibert, Mike Strossman, George Stroh, Judy Vielweber, Noreen Winkler, Janice Zinkhon. The Ambitious Seventh Grade Will Follow Gallantly in Their Footsteps 45 All together — Hop! I lop! Hop! What’s this all about? You took our pictures, now it is our turn. What’s up Doc? Is it really that funny? 1-2-3; Shoot the referee! “Fill ’em full of buckshot, gram!’’ Steady now or you'll never pass your initiation test. We sure do love these parades. 46 You Can See We Have A Jolly Old Time At NACHS! Get HEAT ON THE SPOT and MEALS ON THE DOT with AUTOCRAT . HEATING and COOKING STOVES manufactured by AUTO STOVE WORKS NEW ATHENS ILLINOIS 47 NAGEL'S TEXACO SERVICE New Athens GASOLINE WASHING 0ILS (cwrn lubrication Plumbing and GREASE Heating 101 Von Buren Street New Athens, III. PARK VIEW HOTEL Mr. and Mrs. Siegel Hesse, Proprietors mat vinstall lsLr SERVICE n IpV GUARANTEE |1 IkTsk M : V R E R New Athens, Illinois Phone 200 COME TO ME and SAVE YOUR SOLES Diamonds - Jewelry for the Entire Family JOE'S SHOE SHOP International Sterling and Silverplate New Athens, Illinois Phone 142 Elgin - Bulova - Hamilton WATCHES Frank G. Kaiser Electric Co. BECHERER'S Westinghouse Appliances RCA Television ADams 3-0197 Phone 95 Phone 153 New Athens, Illinois Freeburg, Illinois 12 East Main Street Belleville, Illinois 48 A TYPICAL SERVICE Henry H. Karber, P. PH., PHG. Ronald Karber, P„ PH.,BS. Carol Stange, Student KARBER'S PHARMACY A Service We Depend On New Athens, Illinois Phone 33 Your Patronage Is Always Appreciated at HI-WAY LUMBER CO. New Athens Phone No. 2 Everything to Build Anything Lenzburg Farmers Co-operative Grain Company Wm. Skaer, Manager Floyd Schmierbach, Branch Manager New Athens Lenzburg Phone 5 Phone 9900J1 49 Enjoy HOME-COOKED FOOD at DEE'S RESTAURANT Dee and Frank Bardos, Proprietors New Athens Phone 9404 Colleen's Beauty Shop Specializing in PERMANENTS TINTING CONTOUR HAIR CUTTING All-Around Beauty Work Colleen Barr, Prop. 108 N. Von Buren Phone 9416 FEURER MOTOR CO., Inc. Your FORD DEALER in New Athens FORD SALES and SERVICE Phone 17 Vogler's Central Market Save with Eagle Stamps NATIONWIDE Groceries Phone Orders Cheerfully Delivered Phone 74 New Athens Christmas spirit fills the air , . , Our meals are delicious! . . . Oops! Goofed again! ... A solemn ceremony for the G. A. A. . . . All decked out for Eas.terr ... A few minor adjustments . . . MMmmmmmmm — 1 hat s gcxxl, grandpa! . . . Get that tip! . . . We thought your wife did all the work. Mr. McCabe . . . What tun! . . . Research chemists? ? . . . Proud of his bones! . . . Are the props readv for the big Christmas Nativity Scene? Get the Best for Your Money BEHNKEN TRUCKING Does the Job Professionally Try Them and See for Yourself Phone 64 New Athens, Illinois QUALITY DAIRY PRODUCTS Raymond Glaus, Distributor HOME DELIVERY SERVICE GRADE A DAIRY PRODUCTS Phone 201-R New Athens, Illinois We hove o tost We hove excellent car wash lubrication at Stolte's Service Station and Radiator Shop Proprietors: D. Lonter A. Roth OLLIE'S AUTO BODY Body Repairs - Fenders Wrecks Rebuilt - Glass Installed Auto Painting New Athens, Illinois 51 When the Wind Gets Cold and Starts to Blow Be Smart — Get LENNOX at HUBER'S Sheet Metal Shop NEW ATHENS, ILLINOIS Best Wishes for A Fine Future, Class of 1956 from . . . The Journal - Press Your Home Town Newspaper FAITH IN THE LIFE EVERLASTING IS A LIGHT THAT NEVER FAILS! To symbolize beautifully the deep faith that alone has power to lighten the burden of sorrow is our dedicated purpose in every funeral service we conduct. OBSERVANT OF EVERY WISH, HEEDFUL OF EVERY NEED Ethel and Lee Hull ARMIN D. REINHARDT Elgin, Hamilton, Bulova Watches Keepsake Diamonds ROAD BUILDING and EARTH MOVING New Athens, Illinois D 1 E H L' S You Rate More at a Tom-Boy Store 24 East Main ADams 3-0886 Belleville SCHREIBER'S STORE WE DELIVER Heirloom Sterling American Modern Dinnerware Phone 66 New Athens BILL'S Mrs. Bilgere and John Bud” Bilgere SHELL SERVICE extend their best wishes to LUBRICATIONS and CAR WASHINGS N. A. C. H. S. Bill Schreiber, Proprietor For ST. CLAIR SERVICE CO. OIL TIRES Phone New Athens 9407 fuels paint GREASE BATTERIES We Give DAN KNEWITZ Eagle Stamps Phone 224-W New Athens, III. 53 SHOPPER'S FORUM, Inc. Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who’s the most beautiful of all? YOU will be after a visit to for VALUES WHICH ARE HARD TO BEAT Darlene's Beauty Shop New Athens, Illinois Phone 9404 CANDIES - NOVELTIES - SUPPLIES Louis C. Saeger Son Wholesale Co. 113-115 North Van Buren Street New Athens, Illinois Established in 1925 401 Walnut Street ADams 4-0155 Belleville, Illinois Idget Leads A Life of Luxury! Why Don't You! Invest Wisely! ! SHAUGHNESSY and Company, Inc. INVESTMENT SECURITIES First National Bank Bldg. St. Paul, Minn. 54 AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS Delicious CURTISS Candies sold by Complete Line of CASE FARM EQUIPMENT Monroe Feurer Smithton, III. Parts - Service - Repairing available at the Junior Candy Stand H. Edwards Son r- i New Athens Ready-Mix Concrete Farm Equipment Co. Prompt Service — Efficient Delivery ROCK - SAND - CEMENT ADams 3-2184 915 South Belt West Belleville Phone: New Athens 233 For Correctly Proportioned Concrete 306 N. Market New Athens Drink CURT SMITH ROYAL CROWN COLA Sporting Goods ii Sportsmen's Headquarters ADams 3-5177 100 West Main Belleville, Illinois Bottled by Compliments of Dr. Edward P. Beck, Optometrist NEHI BOTTLING CO. 400 East B Street Belleville, III. New Athens 55 Always Have the Best Hide in Your Stride St. Louis Shoe Manufacturing Company WOODWARD Ice and Fuel New Athens, Illinois New Athens, Illinois FARMERS SUPPLY COMPANY Purina Feeds Maytag Appliances Poultry and Stock Supplies Housewares and Hardwares Phone 65 Melvin Carr, Prop. GAS - UP You'll Like LUBE-UP Our Service! If you like jiffy-quick, heads-up service, you'll like the way we do things here and we'd like you for o customer! Drive up soon and let's get together. We're sure you'll make many happy returns. Chris' Service Station 56 New Athens, III. Highway 13 at East St. New Athens Lehr's Meat Market STRAUB The Best in JEWELERS Home-Killed Meats Phone 24 The House of Diamonds WESTERN AUTO ASSOCIATE STORE Public Square Bob Kunkel Belleville, Illinois Phone AD. 3-6888 New Athens, Illinois General Electric Appliances Admiral - Zenith Television Pfaff Sewing Machines Wilson's Electric Appliances Send Flowers for All Occasions! MoyniharTs Flower Shoppe 110 N. Van Buren St. New Athens, Illinois im LISCHER TRUCK SERVICE Cletus Lischer Freeburg, Illinois Phone 109 Phone 120 57 Bloomer Girl! !! ? ? . . . Which one is studying the harder? . . . Service with a smile bv our new cook, Mrs. Edna Nagel . . . We learn the hard way! . . . Our bovs will Mow ’em down tonight! . . . Winter Wonderland . . . You peeked when I made a boo boo! ... It seems like all we do is study! . . . Now that we’ve finished another day, its Onward to 1 lomework! . . . Who's the showoff? ? Compliments of ALBERT A. WILSON INSURANCE AGENCY New Athens, Illinois In Its 18th Year Serving New Athens 58 Eckert Motor Co.i Inc. New Athens Your Chevrolet and Real Estate Frigidaire Dealer and Insurance Agency, Inc. Phone New Athens 215 Lenzburg, Illinois E 1 FEED SERVICE Ray Herzog, Agent MASTER _ . , V. C. Dealers for MIX FERTILIZERS State Bank Bldg. New Athens, Illinois Freeburg Phone 202 MARISSA CLEANERS Paul Brasel, Prop. Kola-Bru Bottling Works Hats Cleaned and Blocked FREE MOTH PROOFING Bottlers of B-1 Beverages Phone 2631 Marissa, Illinois Bi Adele's Dress Shop LADIES' READY-TO-WEAR DEPENDABLE SERVICE Dresses Hats Lingerie Phone 96 New Athens, Illinois New Athens, Illinois 59 CUSTOM COAL Stoker Washed — Heat Dried and Treated Egg Coal — Washed and Treated Phone 237 60 NEW ATHENS, ILLINOIS Train for a better position in office work — COMPTOMETER Operators are always in demand. The Comptometer School Felt Torrent Mfg. Co. MAin 1-5180 1218 Olive Street, Room 410 St. Louis, Mo. For the Pause That Refreshes Drink Refreshing Ice-Cold Coca-Cola Coca-Cola Bottling Company DuQuoin, Illinois We Have Clothing and Accessories for the Entire Family Be Wise and Get Good Buys Fairway Department Store Phone 6 New Athens, Illinois 61 KaiserStookey Motor Co. CHEVROLET Sales and Service Music for Your Child's Future! Selmer, Olds and Holton Band Instruments Gibson, Martin and Fender Guitars Jesse French and Gulbransen Pianos Dallape and Dwight Accordions Sunny Shields Music Shop 1409 State Street East St. Louis, Illinois UPton 3-4547 62 Fnederich Equipment Company New Athens Oliver Sales and Service Lumber Company The Finest in Farm Machinery for Phone 177 Everything to Improve and MOHR'S ELECTRIC SHOP Dealer for Crosley Appliances Beautify the Home Welding Service Work Guaranteed New Athens, III. Phone 36 or 203 NEW ATHENS, ILLINOIS BOB'S SHOE STORE Men's and Boys' Clothing New Athens-Freeburg The Latest in Shoe Styles Motor Service plus Expert Shoe Repair General Hauling and Moving Marissa, Illinois Phone 4581 DAILY SERVICE TO ST. LOUIS New Athens Equipment Company St. Louis Phones: Your International Harvester and DeSoto - Plymouth Dealer CHestnut 1-2274 and 1-2275 New Athens: 130 William Hentzel and Sons Phone 97 New Athens, Illinois Today's Goods Today — our motto 63 Good Times Hi-Way Bowling Alley and Malt Shop Phone 194 New Athens, III. and Delicious Treats Compliments of Mr. and Mrs. Emil 0. Klingenfus 64 NEW ATHENS, ILLINOIS Mueller and Vogler • Sales and Service Your Case Dealer A. Eichenseer in this area Theo. W. Eichenseer, Prop. Phone Hecker 11 L5 or 4L5 Three Miles East of Hecker R. R. No. 2, New Athens, Illinois Tom Boy Foods — Appliances Hecker Quarry, Inc. Paints — Dry Goods Hardware— Plumbing Agricultural Lime Crushed Stone Phones: New Athens 160 or 120 Hecker LI 2 On State Highway 156 New Athens, Illinois Phone 1L8 Hecker, Illinois Your Josten Class Ring . . . Your First Fine Jewelry You Will Cherish It The Longest You Save When You Buy at « $ JOSTEN'S Geiger's Ben Franklin 1897 — Our 60th Anniversary — 1957 Bob Wells, Representative 802 Davis Johnson City, Illinois Phone 23 New Athens, Illinois Don't sit and swelter on those hot days, get some refreshing ice cream at the Cree-Mee Drive-In A FRIENDLY PLACE TO DINE Our Welcome is Cordial Our service is gracious Our food is superlative Your pleasure is complete Pints Cones Quarts 5-10 15-20c Mary's Place YOU'LL LIKE IT HERE! New Athens Phone 251 New Athens, Illinois 65 Now... in 1956! the VESPA is printed by letterpress on the largest and finest equipment in Southern Illinois Record P'lintuuf. AdUien.tHi Uf. 115 SOUTH ILLINOIS STREET BELLEVILLE, ILLINOIS Companu Capitol Engraving Company SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS is pleased to have been the engravers for the 1956 Vespa and congratulates the staff on a fine letterpress book Larry Wells Representative. Quick snack or full Course dinner . . . always the best your money can buy Linda's Cafe HEPP'S TRUCKING SERVICE New Athens, Illinois Route 13 New Athens, Illinois Mertz Genera! Merchandise Store LATEST FASHIONS in Shoes - Bags - Hats CHILDREN'S WEAR Infants - Boys - Girls Clover Farm Groceries Philco Electric Appliances Hardware — Meats Dr. Salisbury's products Hecker, Illinois Juleann Shoppe 100 South Johnson New Athens, Illinois 66 Favre Sales and Service Wes Wagner Auto Sales Massey-Harris Farm Equipment For that car you're looking for Freeburg Phone 310 New and Used Cars All Makes — All Models Square Deal Motor Co. Phone 53 Rt. 13 South of New Athens Freeburg, Illinois Class Will I, Terrence Bachmann, will my business managing ability to Carolyn Beck. I, Shirley Bruns, will my giggle to Nadine Weide-mann. I, Frances Emgc, will my exuberant school spirit to the kids of NACHS who don’t attend school events. I, Evelyn I lanft, will my easy-going manner to Della Bush. I, Otto Holle, will my love of the outdoors to Gary' Hubler. I, Myra Juenger, will my many stylish hairdos to Marjorie Bush. I, Barbara Knewitz, will my shyness to Sue Ann Bachmann. I, Daniel Knewitz, will my clever remarks to Charles Lampe. I, Norman Kocnigstcin, will my baseball shoes to anyone who can fill them. I, Carol Kraus, will my poise to Janice Waeltz. I, Susan Legendre, will my secretarial ability to Mildred Cortncr. I, Carol Leinccke, will a bottle of aspirins to the future editor of the Vespa. I, Dale Meyer, will my racing speeds to Melvin Lischer on his bicycle. 1, Norman Mohr, will my sense of humor and cool disposition to Fred Keck. 1, Robert Mueller, will my quiet manner to Larrv Stahl. I, Elmer Ragland, will my ability to sleep in history class to anyone who thinks he can get away with it. I, Rose Marie Range, will my good grades to Fred Mueller. I, Kenneth Robert, will my black hair to Mr. Schriner. I, Joseph Schneider, will my first chair in band to Lyle Schaller. I, Vivian Skaer, wi11 my “gift of gab” to James I lesse. I, Don Spalt, will my artistic ability to next year’s Vespa Staff. 1, Carol Stangc, will my ability to swish my long pony tail to Frances Knewitz. I, Violet Weber, will my height to Eddie Armstutz. 67 Patrons Wc wish to thunk everyone who contributed to the success ol the 1956 Vespa, including: Barn's Place, New Athens Gordon's Place, New Athens Harold Albers, New Athens Krupp's Cafe, New Athens Mickey's Plnce, New Athens Schantz Concession, St. Louis Si's Place, New Athens Werner-Kammer, Hecker Mr. Louis Mayer, Hecker Hilltop Confectionery Seed corn and Hybred chix Walter W. Reinhardt Jr. Prompt Service Phone 9932J-2 Mr. and Mrs. Main, Proprietors R. R. No. 1 - New Athens, Illinois Quality Milk Bar For delicious Food and Quality Dairy Products When you shop for food make just one stop . . . You'll find all your needs . . . Quality Meats, Produce, Canned Goods . . . and you'll save time and steps. Dehne's Super Market Freeburg, Illinois Red Bud and Baldwin, Illinois We Will Have These Moments To Remember New students, Phyllis and Tim, join the gang. OOoopps! Bottoms up! I’m going to kiss you and you’re going to like it! “That’s what 1 call a perfect gentleman!” Bide ’em cowboy, Bide ’em! I'll chaw you up and spit you out you black stick of licorice!” Two’s a couple and three’s a crowd 1 ake a hold of his ear and hang on tight. I don’t blame her, I feel like thwooning over Danny McCoy mvthelf.” 69 The Eyes of the Future Predict Our Destiny For many of the graduates of the class of ’56, this is their first return visit to the Centennial State of Colorado since their class trip twenty-five years ago. The twenty-three members of the class are spending the weekend at the Double D Dude Ranch owned by their former sponsor, Don D. Schrincr, who is now retired. As the class reunion gets into full swing and old acquaintances are renewed, everyone is amazed at the success that was to be found. In appearance they remain somewhat the same. Of course some waist lines have slipped; there is a shortage of hair on some of the gentlemen and a few' w'rinkles here and there on the women, but in general they are the same fine-looking group they always were. The weekend is filled with confusion — everyone trying to tell about twenty-five years of experience in a few short hours. Joseph Schneider, former class president, now' serving in the President’s Cabinet as Secretary of Agriculture, is doing his best to convince Otto flolle and Norman Koenigstein of his new' Million-Dollar Farm Policy. Elmer Ragland, head sidesman for the Super Dupcr Sales Corporation has kept everyone spellbound with a demonstration of his company’s new — completely revolutionary electric onion slicer. He has been trying to sell this gadget to Shirley Bruns and Barbara Knew-itz, leading homemakers of their community. Dale Meyer, great fast-ball pitcher for the New York Yankees, arrived at the last minute, when all the weekend games were postponed, due to rain. Many of the classmates, such as Daniel Knewitz, who came all the way from South America, let nothing stand in their way to attend. Daniel, an engineer, is working for a mining concern in Brazil. Carol Stange, exclusive fashion designer, has brought some of her newest ideas to show Violet Weber, one of New York’s leading models. Looking on is Susan Legendre, who is a private secretary for the president of a large insurance company. Vivian Skaer has become famous overnight for developing a cure for the common cold. She is now setting up her own research lab. Rose Marie Range has chosen the field of education and is now a Professor of I listorv at Illinois University. She has told the group about the research she is doing on the history of New Athens and Lenzburg, and the interesting facts she discovered. Donald Spalt, who was the class artist, has found much success in his field. At present he is trying to secure Miss Betty Shaughnessy’s permission to paint her portrait. Miss Shaughnessy is now the owner of the world’s largest Secretarial-Accounting Service, and is still the only person in the world who can balance any set of books. Frances Emge, who is running for Congresswoman from Illinois, is trying to secure the political support of Carol Leinecke, editor ol the Chicago Tribune, in the coming election. Terrence Bachmann, manager of a new ultra-modern Kroger Store, is telling home economics teacher Carol Kraus about his new products. Evelyn I lanft, sewing instructor for the Singer Sewing Machine Company, chats busily with Myra Juenger, who now owns and operates a Comptometer School. Norman Mohr and Kenneth Robert are discussing the latest stock car race. Norman is the mechanic and designer of the engine of the car Kenneth drives in the races. Much of the success of the reunion is due to the work of Robert Mueller, foreman of the Double D Dude Ranch. After horseback riding in the mountains for several hours, the class of ’56 and their sponsors needed no further proof that twenty-five years had passed. Later with aching muscles and bowed legs, the gang enjoyed a chuckwagon supper, fit for a king, which was served around a roaring campfire, where many of our school experiences were recalled. A few old songs were led by Mr. Don Schriner, who after retiring from the teaching profession, regained a full crop of hair. As the embers of the fire died away, everyone hated to leave, nevertheless, they were a little homesick for their families and loved ones. Once again everyone journeyed back to their homes until the next reunion. 70 Congratulations and Best Wishes to the Class of 7956 STATE BANK of NEW ATHENS Member of F. D. I. C. NEW ATHENS, ILLINOIS The Shades Are Drawn On Another Year We, the senior class, cheerfully board the bus for our class trip to Colorado. Our years at NACHS have been eventful for us; many of us regret leaving the happy memories behind. We are so very thankful for everything our teachers have done for us —even though at times we did not show it. Now that graduation has come, we regretfully leave our home for the past four years. NACHS, Good-Bye! 72 � !«•« • Mil MS % t«i g ! % i «V« • i t x xxk -1- w