Nichols School - Verdian Yearbook (Buffalo, NY)

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William Frederick Beswick, Jr. Born: May 12, 1941 Entered: September, 1953 Whether it be on the gridiron or the ice or in the pole vault pit. Bill always elicits respect from opposing players and cheers from the spectators. His quiet determination and willingness to exert himself to the utmost have made him a valuable player on the Nichols teams. In football and hockey especially. Bill's speed and endurance have enabled him to halt many an enemy drive into Green territory; offensively, his tremendous strength smashes opposing defenses. In the spring. Bill arches his muscular body over the bar. exhibiting the strength and co-ordination necessary for a good pole vaulter. Both on the field and off. Bill displays a becoming modesty and a fine sense of fair play. Football squad '58. team ’59; Hockey ream 57, 58, '59; Track squad '58. ’59. team '60; Charities Committee '57, ‘58. ’59, ’60; Freshman Orientation Committee '58 Steven Gerald Biltekoff Born: March 3, 1943 Entered: September. 1953 More social than most members of the class, Steve has often set the fashion in clothes and cars for his coterie. But his affable approach and love for a bit of idle chatter does not truly represent the seriousness with which he has met his responsibilities. This year, awakening to the importance of good grades, Steve has shown his scholastic abilities and has improved considerably his rank in class. Steve's desire to contribute to school life led him to work for the Math Club, the editorial staff of the Verdian, and the Dance Committee. In Creative Writing. Steve has shown promise and has had some of his free verse poetry published in the Gleaner. Squash squad ’60; Verdian staff '59, ’60; Dance Committee ’60; Math Club '59, ’60; Creative Writing ’60 13

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Sheldon Brian Benatovich Burn: April 6, 1943 Entered: September, 1952 A member of the Vf.rdian advertising staff since his freshman year. Shell has played an integral part in the financing of our year book. As a just reward for his efforts, he was named manager of the staff for 1960. In this capacity, Shell performed the monumental feat of selling the entire ad section before Thanksgiving. During the 1959 season, the track field daily saw Shelly turning over the sawdust in the jump pits. Such diligent shoveling earned for him the managership of the team this year. Above average in scholastics. Shell has maintained good grades throughout his eight Nichols years. But if he spends the week with Commager and Faulkner, his weekend finds him relaxing in a different kind of company. Honors ’53, ’55; Soccer squad ’59; Track team. Manager ’59, ’60; News staff ’59, '60; Verdian staff ’57, ’58, 59, Advertising Manager ’60; Dance Committee ’57; Hockey Dance Committee ’60; Glee Club 58; Math Club ’59; Creative Writing ’60 Ronald Ralph Benz Born: July 27, 1942 Entered: September, 1955 In his tranquil manner, Ron contributes to both extracurricular and athletic organizations. He is a member of the Publicity Committee, which ballyhoos'athletic contests with original posters and humorous skits in the dining room. On the Verdian staff, Ron sacrificed many hours of his Christmas vacation in order to give difficult senior write-ups a new and interesting twist. As football manager, his hard work made light work of pre-game preparations. Ronnie never has to indulge in the mad scramble of other less organized managers to get out the water, towels, uniforms and lists for line-ups. However, despite these activities, he finds time to push hard for the college of his choice. Football squad. Manager ’59; Track squad ’60; Verdian staff ’60; Glee Club 59, ’60; Advertising Committee ’60 12

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Peter Donald Blakeslee Born: September 20, 1942 Entered: September, 1957 As the leaves begin to wither and the fairways to fade Pete replaces his golf shoes and caddy cart for a fur-lined Nichols parka to face stoically the elements on the gridiron. As manager of the football team he served our behemoths with tape, tees, and truisms. When not organizing an all-star touch game before practice, our Bret Maverick (“I never draw to an inside straight!”) is cheerfully welcoming rival teams as a member of the Green Key Committee. Pete, who likes people, is also active in his church and its Youth Fellowship groups. To his classmates— the owner of a second hand version of “shake, rattle, and roll ; to his acquaintances—the student who can quickly change from the carefree to the serious. Football team. Manager 58, 59; Green Key Committee 60; Math Club 60 Brian Block Born: September 10, 1942 Entered: September, 1956 An outstanding student and a great contributor to extracurricular activities, Brian has distinguished himself in several aspects of Nichols life. Throughout the years, he has ranked at the top of his class, receiving Highest Honors or Honors the last three years. To the despair of his masters, Brian unceasingly attempts to convince them of their errors or himself of the validity of his arguments. In recognition of his journalistic and organizational abilities, Brian was appointed Co-Editor of the Nichols News; in this capacity he has written provocative editorials and created attractive layouts. His sense of responsibility and maturity have served him in good stead as chairman of the Freshman Orientation Committee which, under his supervision, has been of greater value than in previous years. Highest Honors 59; Honors 57, 58; Winner Science Fair 57, 58; Soccer Squad 59; Tennis team. Manager 60; News staff' 59, Co-editor 60; Verdian staff 57, 58, 59; Freshman Orientation Committee 59. Chairman 60; Glee Club 57, 58. 59, 60; Math Club 59, 60; Creative Writing 60 Study Hall Proctor 60