Nichols School - Verdian Yearbook (Buffalo, NY)

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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

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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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Jeffrey Dean Bonn Born: October 28, 1942 Entered: September, 1954 When Jeff won the Gleaner Prize in his sophomore year he earned himself the designation of poet laureate of the class. As could then be predicted he became this year an assiduous and demanding editor of the Gleaner, expecting the best from all the members of his board. His enthusiastic effort surprised us with two issues of the Gleaner this year. Jeff s close reign over second period study hall has made it a refuge for boys who would rather work than enjoy a social hour. Jeff has also contributed to the Verdian and the Nichols News. Besides this interest in school activities Jeffs ribald humor combined with an air of practiced nonchalance wins him a group of appreciative listeners wherever he goes. Gleaner Prize ’57; Soccer Squad '59; News staff' 60; Verdian staff ’60; Gleaner board '58, ’59, Editor-in-Chief'60; Dance Committee ’60; Glee Club ’58, ’59 ,’60; Math Club 59, '60; Creative Writing '60; Study Hall Proctor ’60 Curtiss Joseph Campagna Born: July 24, 1942 Entered: September, 1956 A strong, independent spirit. Curt has remained one of the individual personalities in the class. Untroubled by the necessity to conform, he has pursued intellectualism with singularity of purpose. His ability to express himself has been demonstrated both in Creative Writing and on the Verdian staff. His friendliness and generosity, as well as his interest in things hispanic, led him to take our Spanish exchange student under his wing, helping him to adapt to life at Nichols. As a member of the Charities Committee. Curt’s persistence has aided him in the difficult business of soliciting funds from his fellow students. Curt’s hallmark, warmth of personality and sensitivity to the feelings of others, is a trait all too rare with students of his age. News staff '60; Verdian staff '60; Charities Committee '60; Creative Writing '60; Dramatics Club '57 15