Parry McCluer High School - Parrimac Yearbook (Buena Vista, VA)

Page 30 text:

As the end of May ap- proached, seniors anticipated the end of their high school days. For seniors with a B-or-above average, school ended premature- ly without final exams. The un- fortunate few who were not exempt were allowed to take their English and Government exams early. Graduation practice and Sen- ior Day made the end even more real istic. For the first time, a Senior Banquet climaxed Senior Day. Awards which traditionally had been presented at the gradu- ation ceremonies were instead given at the banquet. A dance for Seniors and their dates fol- lowed the banquet and concluded the day. The Sunday night commence- ment exercises which were held at the Municipal Field were threat- ened as a slight drizzle began a few minutes prior to the begin- ning. However, the rain ceased and the program continued as scheduled. Speeches delivered and diplo- mas received, the final moments were complete. The curtain fell, and the seniors were abruptly transformed into graduates. AWARD RECIPIENTS gather to be photographed at the Senior Banquet which was followed by a dance. GUEST SPEAKER, Mr. Clayton Camden addresses the seniors and audience at the graduation ceremonies. THE VALEDICTORY ADDRESS is given by Paula Meade during the Commencement Exercises. 26 Graduation WHE FINAL

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ON THE TOWN After a year of bright, fiery colors and a non-traditional theme, the prom returned to a more elegant motif. The juniors selected “A Night on the Town” as the theme and transformed the gymnasium into a classy night club-casino. Weeks of preparation included designing and painting walls de- picting dancing girls, slot ma- chines, casino lounges, and cashier windows. The task of preparing the gym began Thursday afternoon and continued until midnight on Fri- day evening. Throughout the day on Friday, juniors were excused from classes to put up the ceiling, assemble the bard- stand, and set up the entrance. On Saturday paint-strewn jeans and shirts were thrown aside and evening gowns and tuxedos were donned. Twenty- fourth street was blocked off so curious onlookers would not interfere with traffic. Couples were greeted by a red carpet in the simulated lobby. Bellhops handed out scrolls as the guests entered. “The Pro- phets” from Fredericksburg pro- vided the music including the theme song, ‘“Tonight’s the Night” for the Senior Dedica- tion Dance. SKIPPING CLASS on Friday, Chris Irvine, a member of the ceiling com- mittee, helps to prepare the prom ceiling. AN EXTRA TOUCH, a flowered hat, completes the evening attire o f freshman Dee Meade, as she attends the prom with junior Timmy Chittum. THE CENTERPIECE for the prom, a fountain, is prepared by juniors Joe Henson, Nug Hickman, Chris Byles, Tammy Burch, Pinky Brantley, and Annie Cash. Prom 25

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CURTAIN FALLS THE FINAL MOMENT arrives as Debbie Bowyer receives her diploma from Principal Wayne Flint. GRADUATION PRACTICE begins with instruction from Mr. Flint while Susan Haws, Stephan Moore, and Paula Meade plan their speeches. A SERIOUS MOMENT is observed by Keith Staton, Mark Sutton, Paul Thompson, Tim Vest, Adrian Wade, Dennis Wheeler, and Tim Williams as they await the presentation of diplomas. THE BVEA AWARD is presented to Eyde Huffman by Mr. Wayne Flint at the Senior Banquet. Graduation 27