Northeastern State University - Tsa La Gi Yearbook (Tahlequah, OK)

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12 Apathy Buried

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features ‘Apathy buried — new times’ Features 11

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Burials are often attended by only a few relatives and perhaps some close acquaintances. Funerals mourned by many are those of presidents, movie stars and well- known figures. There was one funeral, however, attended by some three thousand who came to cheer the death of the cele- brated but despised Apathy, in an unusual pep rally on the lawn north of Seminary Hall. From one viewpoint, Apathy’s burial was in fact tradi- tional — the ominously black coffin lugged by six pall- bearers robed in black gowns, the inevitable eulogy, this time given by Dr. Joe Anderson, a funeral band, and the outburst of uncontrolled emotions from a relative. It was traditional, all right, except maybe for a few things. The ceremony began with bass drummers and trumpet players from the marching band parading through build- ings in pied-piper fashion, leading the rather cheerful mourners to the gravesite. The atmosphere was festive, the band music intensifying the feelings aroused by the occasion. Hardly solemn, so to speak. Spectators filled the area around the platform and the speaker's stand; some perched in windows, on fire escapes and the roof of Seminary Hall for a better view of the happenings. “Amen!” rejoiced the crowd after the stirring eulogy was delivered and the coffin lowered into the ground. In response, the band resumed its spirited music as the cheerleaders and dance team members kicked high and the crowds clapped wildly. “This may well be the first event Apathy ever attend- ed,’ said President Roger Webb, explaining the cause of Apathy’s death as ‘‘acute gastoroid indifference.”’ “The cure is spirit — Redman spirit,’’ said Webb, lead- ing the crowd in cheers with clenched fists raised. A4 The marching band led a snake dance around the cam- pus celebrating the death of Apathy. True to the saying, ‘‘There is a birth in every dying,’ the Redman Spirit was born. 1. Pallbearers, serious but nonetheless comical, took Apathy's casket to its final resting place. 2. It was a day to celebrate, a day to let it be known that indifference has bitten the dust, as Dr. Joe Anderson delivered the eulogy for Apathy. 3. Paying their last respects to Apathy, students toss green branches onto the grave. 4. The week following the funeral, a huge bonfire was held at the burial site. Approximately 1,500 hot dogs, supplied and cooked by faculty and staff, were eaten by the crowd. burying apathy thousands attend high-spirited rally Apathy Buried 13