Northern High School - Panorama Yearbook (Dillsburg, PA)

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Dear Members of the Graduating Class: Your class, in my considered opinion, accomplished a monu- mental piece of amateur theatre in its production of OUR HEARTS WERE YOUNG AND GAY. Before I go further, let me clarify my own position. I did only what any thinking director must dog that is, I trained my cast on the fundamentals of stagecraft and taught them how to release their inhibitions and abilities, so that their characteriza- tions might emerge completely and believably. The basic talent had already been put there by a far greater hand than mine. I merely enhanced their native gifts. Therefore, to them must go the credit. It took uncommon courage to tangle with this production in the first place. With a cast of seventeen and a multitude of problems like costuming, scenery, sound, set appointments, etc., all of which usually never occur in the standard high-school drama, the play is a real challenge to persons in any echelon af theatre activity. For amateurs it is a tremendous undertaking. Certain individuals excelled, of course. However, the de- lightful part of this nostalgic recall is that I can report in all honesty that everyone came across in splendid style. Judy Top- per had the toughest role, and she played it magnificently. She was best. John Zerby's audacious buffoonery as M. de Ia Croix was a peak in amateur characterization. But let us never forget the solid contributions of all others concerned. Linda Leight was pert and perfect as Emily. Jan Wiley, a fine amateur actor, and Barry Bollinger, who played beautifully despite a bad throat, were excellent foils for the high jinks of the girls. Jean Edgar and Barry Sealover were just right in their heavy character roles. Kay O'Dell was a confection and Elwood Myers, a farm boy with- out previous experience or inclination in things theatrical, saved the day with intelligent ad-libbing. He came across nobly. Bless him! High praise must go to Leon Baker, who played two roles and played them well. Carl Leathery and Mary Kay Folley did very well by small roles. Mary Lefever and Jane Davis mastered the English dialect in no time flat. Nadine Dick, Kay O'DeIl, Rita Share, Leon Baker, and John Zerby did the same with the French. The class owes undying gratitude to Robert Paxson and his helpers, and to all others who contributed both time and talent. In the last rehearsing, however, it was the talented, thoughtful, and courageous class of '56 who merit the bows. I tip my derby to the finest group of young people with whom I have ever worked. Please know that I shall follow your pursuits with un- diminishing interest through the years. My heart is younger and gayer for having worked with you in this very worthy project. Very truly yours, WILLIAM KETTERMAN We go to Harvard. We're Medical students. l mean - mademoiselle - zat you have no talent! l must request all passengers to remain in their cabins during the emergency. . . . chain me with ROARING BEARS! Such a lovely, lovely summer - and it's all over. Be of good cheer. Stout fella, nowI ll May l see your passports? Bedbugs aweigh, my lads-bedbugs aweigh! 'I3

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O SENIOR PLAY o 0 0 0 o 0 0 o o 0 o o 0 o 0 o The production of OUR HEARTS WERE YOUNG AND GAY will always remain deep in the hearts of those who aided in its performance. The play was suc- cessful both financially and educationally and the ex- periences enjoyed by the cast and crew will long be remembered. The three-act comedy, which was an autobiography by Cornelia Otis Skinner and Emily Kimbrough, told the delightful story of the adventures of two nineteen-year- old girls who took an ocean voyage to France during their vacation. Judy Topper and Lindo Leight portrayed the leading roles as Cornelia and Emily, the two girls. The dominating parents of Cornelia, Mr. and Mrs. Otis Skinner CBarry Sealover and Jean Edgari, were also making the trip. Fortunately, however, they were going on another boat. On board ship, the two girls made many friends. Dick Winters and Leo McEvoy, two Harvard medical stu- dents, were played by Barry Bollinger and Jan Wiley. Mary Lefever as Harriet St. John and Jane Davis as Winifred Blough were two English girls. The story begins to display a bit of humor when the girls become involved with some of the members of the ship's crew- the Steward CElwood Myersi, the Purser CCarl Leatheryl, the Stewardness CMary Kay Folleyl, the Admiral lLeon Bakerl, and the Inspector CRita Shorei. As the action progressed the girls finally arrived in Paris. Cornelia, who had just recovered from a case' of measles, wanted to take acting lessons from Monsieur de la Croix, who was portrayed by John Zerby. While staying in a hotel the girls met Madame Elise fNadine Dickl and Therese fKay O'Delll, a mother and daughter who ran the hotel. The window cleaner in the employment of the hotel was played by Leon Baker. At this point several hilarious episodes follow. The father became involved with bedbugs which were inhabiting Cornelia's bed, and Monsieur de la Croix, who was only interested in Otis Skinner, leaves in a rage. The story takes a happy ending, when the two boys arrive and Cornelia discovers she had acting talent after all. Of course we can never forget the individual who contributed the most to this success-our beloved coach, Mr. William Ketterman. Without his expert directing, his untiring devotion, and his masterful touch, the efforts of the cast would have been in vain, To him goes our deepest gratitude, respect and admiration.

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SENIOR HISTORY lt takes a little while for us to realize we final- ly are seniors. We have spent eleven years in school, and now we soon will graduate. This year we have a new administration-Mr. Scott, supervising principal and Mr. Smith, high school principal. With them, they brought various changes in the school. Numerous organizations were formed-among these: Student Council which was one of the most important and also the Na- tional Honor Society. We did, however, participate in the magazine drive and Farmer's Day as other years. The money for the drive bought a projector and the remainder went into the activity fund for school parties and dances. Elections got under way. The following offi- cers were elected: President, Barry Bollinger, Vice- President, Carol Arnsberger, Secretary, Linda Leight and Treasurer, Judy Topper. During Farmer's Day parade our float for the first time captured a first prize. After winning prizes in other parades in the vicinity our work proved very profitable. The play, Our Hearts Were Young and Gay, was one of our biggest activities and proved very worthwhile. Much to our dismay, however, the money was stolen from the school safe. The busi- ness men of the community came to our assistance and the net loss was not too great. The senior Problems of Democracy class went on a field trip to Philadelphia December lst. Here is an account of the trip written by Linda Leight. Bright and early Thursday morning lat 5: l 53, droopy-eyed Seniors left for the train station in Harrisburg, enroute to Philadelphia. Upon leaving the Philadelphia station we boarded two sight-see- ing buses, for a tour of the city. One of the inter- esting points was a drive through Fairmont Park. Benedict Arnold's house was one of the highlights here. Strangely enough at the United States mint, they wouldn't give us any samples. The Betsy Ross House was our next stop. From here we went to Independence Hall, where the most interesting thing here is the Liberty Bell. Do you know what? Davy Crockett didn't patch up the crack in the Liberty Bell either. Then came what everybody was waiting for-lunch! What you needed here was a lot of nickels. After lunch we spent an hour in the Franklin Institute seeing many interesting exhibits. Cinerama Holiday, at Boyd Theater, was next on our list. This brought many thrills to all of us. We went window shopping and saw many things which I know everybody asked Santa Claus for. By the way, we saw Santa when we went through John Wanamaker's Store. We ate supper at Horn and Hardart's. From here we went to the station, where we boarded the train for our weary homeward journey. A wonderful time was had by all. OUR FIRST PRIZE WINNING FLOAT 14