Norfolk High School - Milestone Yearbook (Norfolk, NE)

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1. President Ronald Reagan enthusiastically greets an audience of fellow Americans. 2 Prince Charles of Great Britain and his new bride. Princess Diana, ride back to the palace following their wedding ceremony. 3. A UNL football player catches the ball in an attempt to gain yardage for the Huskers during the Orange Bowl game 4. During one of the many winter storms that swept the nation Norfoikans experienced the aggravation of having cars buried under snow drifts. INTRODUCTION 5

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Carson relives childhood for T. V. special Lights! Camera! Action! On October 17, a cold, rainy, Saturday morning, the cameras began to roll in our fair city. Most people outside of Nebraska had never heard of Norfolk, but after the national coverage we received and the special. Johnny Goes Home, millions of people across the nation were familiar with Norfolk. What brought about the sudden attention that fell upon our community? Our hometown celebrity, Johnny Carson! Carson's eight-day stay stirred up excitement in everyone. People cruised around town hoping for just a glimpse of the famed comedian. Swarms of people in search of autographs always gave away Carson's whereabouts. Norfolkans weren't the only people seeking him out. Popular magazines such as People, Newsweek, and Time covered Carson's activities. Television stations and newspapers throughout the country were filled with accounts of the unusual events going on in Norfolk. The big time people weren't the only ones getting in on the action. Our very own Panther editor, Joy Wacker, got a personal interview with Johnny prior to his debut as a cheerleader during the Norfolk vs. Columbus game, Friday, October 23. What went through Joy's mind when she realized that she was about to meet up with the famous talk show host? “I was just relieved, I wasn't sure I'd get the interview. Once I met him. though, I realized he was human just like anyone else. Joy had time to ask only a few questions, but as Carson stated they were very good. The Panther editor found that Carson's witty personality showed through, both on and off camera. When asked about his childhood pranks. Carson recalled the time he managed to get school dismissed for a day. “I remember going down in the high school gym (now the old jr. high gym) into the boiler room, and making a great concoction of hydrogen-sulfide. That was our great discovery in chemistry class, that you could make this terrible smell. So we mixed up a batch and took it down into the ventilator shaft and got the whole day oft! Another memorable incident involved Car-son, a friend, and some paint. “Bob Reckert and I once were paid 25 cents an hour to paint all the light poles in Norfolk green — a bilious green color. We had paint left over so we painted a number of other things in town — one car I remember. Johnny moved to Norfolk from Iowa in 1933; he graduated from Norfolk High in 1943. His return was for the sole purpose of reliving his childhood for a T.V. special that aired January 6, 1982. Carson was always on the run trying to complete his film in one short week. He managed to fit in some time to reminisce with old friends at a class reunion. He also shared a day with the junior high students during a film sequence in which he performed magic and answered questions from the audience. Few people can boast of receiving a bicycle ride from a world-renowned celebrity, but for junior Lynn Hansen, it's something to tell her friends and family about for a long time to come. While Hansen had a rare opportunity to get close in proximity to Carson, other NHS students were thrilled with his presence at a football game. The Hollywood spotlights that followed Carson everywhere were shared by the varsity football cheerleaders. Carson, who always wanted to be a cheerleader, but never made the squad, got his big chance during the first quarter of the game, much to the delight of Norfolk fans. Karen Stricklin, junior football cheerleader, remembers the experience as exciting, kind of like being in a dream.” What does Stricklin recall about Carson? He was funny and witty. He had me laughing five minutes after I met him. The glamour and glitter that enthralled Norfolkans during Johnny's stay may have left when he departed, but the fond memories of his visit will long be remembered by all who had the pleasure of seeing or meeting the Great Carsoni. 1. Carson talks to tans during a break 2. At a press conference, Johnny ponders a question. 3. The billboard at the old Granada Theater dates back to the Carson era 4. Carson finds pleasure riding his old bike. 5. Johnny shares memories at the jr. high convocation 6 Cheerleader Laura Finkhouse and Shelly Wingate share the limelight with Carson. MTRODUCTION 7