Roncalli High School - Lance Yearbook (Aberdeen, SD)

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Before its name was offically approved by Bishop Lambert A. Hoch, the school was known to all as Central Catholic. Roncalli is the family name of the late Pope John XXIII, who captured the imagination of the entire world during his brief reign. The students of Roncalli requested his name as one for consideration, and in his letter of approval, Bishoo Hoch wrote, It is singularly significant that the generation of Catholic youth in Aberdeen was so keenly aware of his greatness that they chose his name to be the name of their high school. Faculty and students welcomed over 5,000 visitors to their school when Open House was held. Proud and privi leqed students quided people on well- organized tours, and were on hand to answer questions and direct in the event of anyone losing his way. RoncalIi s Iibrary is boasting many new books. Recently the reference magazines were processed and shelved for the stu- dents use. Teenaqers have a choice between two philosophies of life — beinq that of meeting challenges head on and carrying them out, the other that of shunning responsibility. It is evident that in the past three years students at Roncalli have accepted their challenges and, together with the faculty, have developed both the reliqious and secular branches of thei r education. The most important asset of any Catholic school is the presence of God sharinq His divine life with the students. They have an opportunity for this at daily Mass. Students also receive instruction in the faith on a regular basis throughout the week. Roncalli boys and girls learn in separate classes whenever this is practical. Students are further grouped according to their special needs and abilities, so that they can develope at the proper rate. A wide range of subjects is available to all students. With the help of parents and school counselors, students plan and choose courses, directing them toward their future in college or work in the business world. Students are making strides in the literary field of their education. The began by publishing a newspaper, The Crusader, dedicated to the ad- vancement of the school. The students now publish a newspaper entitled The Cavalcade and a literary magazine called The Scribe. I I

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 ui 7 haveptovnxALs h keep ayui miles to yo Great projects are guided by the responsibility of fulfilling definite goals and promises. Such is the case of Roncalli High School. The proper and immediate end of Christian education is to cooper- ate with divine grace in forming a true and perfect Christian, that is, to form Christ in His children. For precisely this reason, Christian education takes in the whole aggregate of human life ----- physical and spiritual, intellectual and moral, domestic and social ----- so that every aspect of life might be directed by Christian thought, judgment, and action, regulated and perfected in accordance with the example and teaching of Christ. As a Catholic institution for learninq, Roncalli was thus formu- lated to provide a balanced educational program in which both religious and secular branches of knowledge are presented simultaneously. In this manner, students learn how to live as good citizens of two worlds, in the light of one, understanding the other more fully. In spite of the inconvenience, students and faculty were grateful that the school could begin operation in 1964. Classroom area consisted of merely one wing, with Mass being offered in the corridor. Proqress proceeded rapidly, however, and activities were soon branching into other areas of the school as one by one, departments were completed. Labs were equipped with materials, the kitchen beqan to look like one, the gym was ready to go, and the whole school in qeneral beqan to have the appearance of a place of higher learning. Mass was also relocated to its present place of worship as the chapel was finished. Combina- tion locks were installed on all lockers, and the students soon heard the clear tone of the class changing bell over the technical P.A. system that was instaI led. 10

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The past three years have witnessed notable progress in the music department. Our chorus has made several appearances both on television and at the school. The band has also presented a number of concerts besides cheerinq the team at sports events. Keynotes, a special qroun of choristers, have been seen representing the school on several ocas- sions. The highlight of the music department was Roncalli's representa- tion at All State Chorus for the past two years. The formation of clubs has contributed much to the after-school activities this year. Enthusiastic students are becominq active members of Home Ec, Library, Scribe, or Letterman's Club, and the Drill Team. Competition for the first time under the SDHSAA now finds the school the holder of a number of awards in speech and dramatics. Student homemakers gain experience in the Home Ec. laboratory equipped with the most modern appIi ances. Many events at the school are becominq annual affairs. Althouqh it was held for the first time this year. Homecoming is one such event. Some of its special features are a color day, the naming of our Lord and Lady and their coronation, the biq football game, all followed by the dance. One particular basketball qame which seems to cause added interest in fans each season is the Faculty-Varsity game. A traveling trophy is presented to the winners each year. The annual Mardi Gras offers a new theme each year with prizes going to students wearing costumes most original and funniest. A Student Council has been started, which will carry on, direct, and oftentimes be the driving force behind these co-curricuIar activities. Roncalli’s sports world has developed into the major sports of football, basketball, wrestlinq, and track. In the initial stages of the school, students chose the colors green and qold to represent their school. After the better part of a year in deadlock, Cavaliers proved to be the most popular choice for the team name, the insignia beinq a Cavailer on a horse. Contributing to the team's success and the lively spirit of the students at games are the pre-game pep rallies and the cheerleaders. The girls are picked early each fall with the varsity squad of six members including four seniors and two juniors. Sophomores and freshmen have corresponding squads consisting of four members each. 12