North High School - Polar Bear Yearbook (Des Moines, IA)

Page 12 text:

1973 was hardly a year of great change. Still, there were many things that made it unique. Politics had an influence on some students with this not only being an elec- tion year, but after ten years of fighting and bom- bing, the war was over. Abortions were legalized and eighteen year olds were given full adult rights, effective July 1, 1973. Even though our athletic teams weren ' t always high scorers, the effort was always there to win. Basketball was a new sport for North ' s girls this year. They played the very first Metro game at Hoover. it was a very good year for debate as the team cap- tured more trophies than in any previous year. Qualifying for the All-State Festival Concert were eight students from North, the largest number from any Des Moines high school. Afro club ' s membership increased this year making it one of the most popular clubs in the school. The activities varied from a Haunted House in October to a fashion show in February. Many new classes were offered to benefit students in the areas of social studies, journalism, and English. The newspaper changed its look this year with a news magazine layout and writing style which caused much controversy. Homeroom met at 9 : 1 0 on Monday and Thursday in- stead of the traditional five days at 8:1 5. In January, the band was honored with an invitation to march in the Inaugural Parade. Social Committee, after discussion and considera- tion, changed North ' s Homecoming to an infor- mal dance. NIXOH- l CCORD REACHED TOEHDWARIH VIETNAM M2WI R Wit ( Free P( WEDCfflW; Poll Tmop '

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THE SITUATIONS At the beginning of the school year, temperatures were as high as 98 degrees. Students and teachers beat the heat by holding classes outside and cooling off in the restrooms. Cold tem- peratures and lots of snow made a perfect setting for Polar Bear Country and at the same time stalling cars and bringing an occasional day of vacation. One of the biggest complaints by students were schedule changes. Some people were found taking classes just because of the hassle caused in changing a schedule. Northrup, our prize mascot, found his tongue missing this year. One student decided it was of more use to him than to the bear. A gross problem was the continual appearance of gum in our drinking fountains. At a time when students yell about clean- ing up the environment, his friends have just done their part to pollute. This was a year of the great rip off, with favorite belongings disappearing over night. Even though North basket- ball has not seen its greatest season, it hasn ' t been bad enough to set up card games rather than display a little school spirit.