Overton High School - Los Tejas Yearbook (Overton, TX)

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Exchanged Fun H -I I-On L-oan Erom Belgium '- creaming, yelling, hollering, uninhibited, and talking funny, these adjectives, according to senior Scott Campbell, introduced the ex- change student from Genk, Belgium to the student body. Of course, there was more to Tom Arts than his exu- berant personality. Going to school with Tom this year has been an en- lightening experience, said senior Kristen Hamilton who continued, t'His views on some subjects differ greatly from mine, but it's fun hear- ing different ideas. When the possibility of having an exchange student attend school leaked out, the first reaction was dis- belief. But as the time for his arrival drew nearer, almost everyone on campus joined in the excitement -- and maybe just a little apprehension. I didn't know what to expect. l had no idea how Belgium people acted or what sort of habits they had, said senior Jim White. But the surprises were not all on the American side. Tom, too, found his new environment a challenge, lt occured to me that I was something special in the beginning, and nobody can deny that that is a very nice feel- ing. ln fact, he continued, the first time l walked around in school, everybody looked real careful at me. They all seemed kind of disappointed that I didn't possess three ears or that my eyes weren't in my back. Before long, however, Tom was a part of every activity. He helped out in the concession stand for the senior class where he surprised a customer by giving her a glass of water when she asked for a soda water, and then charged her fifty cents! He was a popular figure at the Friday night dances, where he taught everybody dancing European style to his favor- ite kinds of music -- punk rock and new wave. A With his specialized knowledge of Europe, he could always be counted on for a geography lesson or a differ- ent view of history. His specialty in school was lan- guage, he spoke five fluently and learned Spanish while here. At the Pine Tree Invitational literary meet, he won the first place trophy for be- ginning Spanish. While here Tom's family became Mr. and Mrs. Richard Boyle. Their son, John, a senior, had mixed feel- ings about acquiring a new brother, When he first came, l was afraid maybe he wouldn't be a fun persong maybe he would be very serious and not mix in well, but l soon found things were not going to be difficult at all. He will probably be the best friend l'll ever have. All the students and faculty who have come in contact with Tom will have memories to cherish. Tom him- self said, Every day here is a mem- ory. The American way of going to school is funny. Everything makes it so excited -- pep rallies, Homecom- ing, football games, playing basket- ball, etc. lt gives a special flavour to going to school. lt's surprising how fast you can be a friend or have one. The newly instituted Spirit Club has art in abundance as sophomore Leann Jackson and seniors Tom Arts and Dewayne Phelps create posters and signs to decorate the halls - new experience for the Belgian import, Exchange Student

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iking clear that the community supports the ma Mater, students Eloise Ritch, Angie Ca- 2, Rochelle Brazier, Tamara Petty, and a and full of others sing i'Hail To Thee . every game, at home or away, the tradition- fence warmers, Charles Graham, Ron Ear- rt, Dr, Ray Smith, Will Roberson, and other rs help create the enthusiasm and support cessary for a winning team. I.--- O . i Enthusiasm l Sports, Band, Clubs - Everybody Gets involved I Overton High School -- where everybody is some- - body. Overton -- a town with spirit and pride in the ' Mustangs. Put the two together and you've got a I winning combination. Hai Gieb Rain, sleet, and dark of night could not keep the townspeople from at- tending football games with enthusi- asm. Spectators not only helped out with cheers for the team, but also assisted classes and organizations by purchasing food at the concession stands. To show encouragement and sup- port, Monte Rouquette, an active booster club member, could be heard calling out, Come on everybody, to the victory line! Let's go, as he made his way out of the stands be- fore the game and also at halftime. When every game ended townspeo- ple as well as students swarmed the field to escort the players off the field. Slogans and signs plastered over shop windows and store fronts all around town demonstrated commu- nity involvement. Senior Kevin Dukes said As a town everyone supported us by going to the games. putting up signs in players' yards. and even on the roadside on the way to games. However, the community's patron- age of the football team was not the only good deed performed. People who belonged to the band and athle- tic booster clubs helped raise money to be donated to the school. These funds were used to purchased such things as mats for the gym, tapes for the video machines, and other equip- ment. Faithful fans also attended basket- ball games to show their support. The Beta Club earned money to go to state and national conventions every time a townsperson bought refresh- ments. Still, the community did not stop there. They provided high school stu- dents a chance to face the real world by providing jobs whenever possible. They bought ads from the yearbook staff and placed their names on the band calender. The Rotary Club of- fered opportunities to expand poten- tial by giving students the opportuni- ty to compete in speech contests. The McMillian Foundation provided scholarships for high school seniors. Even the local librarians were eager to help on any research needed for school. The constant support of the community created a special feeling of unity among the students and townspeople. Together, community and school made lasting experiences. Community Involvement 21