Rock Island High School - Watchtower Yearbook (Rock Island, IL)

Page 7 text:

Anne Fitzsimmons. Tony Thoensen. Heather Wil¬ liams and Kevin Keiffer enjoy a production in the Art Deco style Little Theater. Program r f ii i Spelts 1 iki its A 7 i it, n is it it i s c Im|I« H ) Ii l III By leaning against an old lightpost Trevor Schaun- berg and Kevin Kieffer find they can talk about girls and look cool at the same time. Heather Wright. Tony Thoensen. Heather Williams and Anne Fitzsimmons take a ride in a borrowed 1930 Ford. Dedication cf the Senior tiiuli School Ot k Island lllint is Oct. 6, 7. 8. 10. 1937 — Opening 3

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mmmm The anniversary of our design September 7, 1937, Rock Island High School opened its doors, and its first 44 teachers and 1200 students moved in. Even then Rocky was different from all other area schools; with the biggest campus and most modern facilities in the entire Mid-West region. A product of the late depression period, the construction provided many needed jobs for the area ' s unemployed. As taken from a program from the dedication ceremony: When the Federal Emergency Relief Administration of Public Works made available to Rock Island over $400,000 for the erection of an adequate (school) building, Rock Island ' s citizens voted to increase the educational tax rate to balance the cost. The ground was broken in December of 1935 and it was officicially completed in October of 1937. For the time, the building, aside from it ' s beautiful 35 acre campus and the stadium bowl that seated 13,000 was quite remarkable. The modern stage lights in the auditorium alone were the talk of the town. The same kiln the art students use today was also a modern feature, an added plus, as were the “moveable-type desks , bulletin boards, and a unique little theatre, specially lighted, specially designed, and seating 208 persons. The third floor corridor was specially treated with skylights and monk cloth-covered bulletin boards for the display of art objects. It seems every detail of the building was so carefully thought out, that even today, fifty years later we use these intended details as they were originally planned. But of course the building is only a small part of what makes Rocky so unique. Those first 1200 students brought with them a special sense of pride that every class that passes through here uses. It ' s a feeling that endlessly roams the halls, that fills up the gaps between the youths of that era and ours, that helps us excell above so many others in talent, and ability, it ' s what makes up our very special Rock Island Design. A rumbleseat is a new experience for Heather Mr. Bonsall takes time out from his busy day to play Wright and Tony Thoensen. chaperone for Colleen Carroll and Tony Thoensen Fifty years later, tickets are still bought at the Little Theater ticket booth. 2 Opening

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Super heros and whipped cream Spirit Week was originated to provide a special showcase for students to show their pride and spirit for Rock Island High School. This year found more involved students than ever. Being a nerd was the way to set the week of activities off to a start. Greek gods and goddesses carried on by adding boots to their apparel. Gangsters took Rocky back to the classic look of the 30 ' s for a memorable day. Were they birds ? were they planes ? No, they were Rocky ' s own super heroes! Those Pyramid building is always the favorite lunchtime activity. Eating a pie without a fork wasn’t as easy as Curt Wilson had anticipated courageous students made the halls feel a little safer. Winding up the week, red and gold appeared the only colors created. New lunchtime activities gave students a chance to show off their hidden talents. The pie eating and bubble blowing contest left no room for proper etiquette. Passing a banana between your knees was an oozing process, mean while missing a small water balloon left a few students slightly damp. Getting on top first was the challenge in the pyramid building. Although, tumbling down was a painfull experience many wanted to join in the contest. The senoir class of ' 87 has dominated the Spirit Week award for four consecutive years. Way to go seniors! As long as there is school spirit at Rocky,Spirit Week festivities will never come to an end. Taking time away from doing good deeds, Rory super hero group shot. Burrel, Eric Schwertley and Tim Byers pose for a 4 Opening