Patrick Henry High School - Orator Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

Page 29 text:

Standing Room Only MSC auditoriums Our Minority Student Club sponsored two auditoriums for Henry audiences. The first was presented in mid-December. The Gong Show, judged by Mr. Carlson, Miss Burns. Mrs. Mullen and Mr. Washington, was pronounced a success. The antics of Master of Ceremonies. Dan Mincll, and “Mr. and Mrs. Claus” (Mr. Carlson and Miss Burns) had audiences doubled over in laughter. Junior Dave Thompson was presented a monetary award for racking up the most points from our judges for his impersonation act. Jan Reno came in a close second singing “Jingle Bell Rock.” The other show presented was the MSC’s annual tribute to Black History Week. This has always been a beautifully produced show highlighting the creative talents of members of MSC. The show this year was no exception and involved dramatic readings, special musical numbers, and dance.

Page 31 text:

“Strike, you’re out! Too many little boys have heard this as they shuffle dejectedly from the plate. But every week those same little boys were out there swinging away while their fathers proudly cheered them on and their mothers worried if Cheer really would get out that ground-in dirt on their uniforms. Boys and girls who participated in these weekly contests of skill were mainly out for the fun of the game, the comradcric, and enjoyment of their first performance. In every such group there were a few children who lived for the sport. They would often rather play than eat, and entertained dreams of being another Fran Tarkenton or Yvonne Goolagong. These dedicated young athletes usually went unheralded. Weeks and months spent acquiring aching joints from running into foot- ball dummies, or callouses from gymnastic bars helped develop the young enthusiast. However, there arc those who used to dread gym class, couldn’t catch the world if you threw it at them, and always had to wear tennis shoes different from everyone else. We know the embarassment of being chosen last for a team, but we arc the ones who cheered our friends on the loudest at grade school basketball and baseball games, and admired their grace and skill. Finally, in high school, athletes are recognized. Students diligently work toward points to a coveted red letter. No boy or girl will ever forget scoring the final point that won the game, the extra effort they gave to push their team to victory, or the unforgettable first time their now famous names appeared in print, as many of us non-super achievers who hear the story of triumph and glory over and over again will know. But we smile and listen, engrossed, as we hear once more the story of our friends athletic prowess. There is not a sadder sight worthy of sympathy than that of an athlete who has just given his heart and soul to a contest and lost. Every muscle is strained, senses are numbed, and spirits arc low. Neither Lifesavers or the granting of three wishes can console the defeated. But Homecoming defeats, just missing going to State, being benched, and that game against Central are all forgotten as the buzzer sounds, the exhilarated crowd rises to its feet and cheers. Patrick Henry has won! 27