Upper Arlington High School - Norwester Yearbook (Upper Arlington, OH)

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F A (L (L F L A V plT@ ITH MINDS How many times have we thought. “If only I were smarter, all of my problems would disappear?” The fall play. David Rogers' Flowers for Algernon. proved that intelligence can be the beginning of even more problems. Based on the novel by Daniel Keyes, the play spanned several months as it depicted the saga of Charles Gordon (Sam Newman). Charlie, a mentally retarded man. underwent an experimental operation devised to increase one's intelligence tenfold. Following the success of Algernon, a laboratory mouse. Charlie became a super-genius who read pages in one glance. However. Charlie’s troubles began anew. He saw the derision he had once been subjected to and the alienation his sudden change had wrought. Tortured by dreams of rejection and a vision of his former self who wants the body back. Charlie wondered if his newfound life cost him his humanity. The ending was intense. Algernon's death left Charlie to conclude that artificially-induced intelligence decreases at the same rate of increase. Reduced to his former IQ of 68. Charlie was still tankful for a second chance at life. Director Dave Hammond commented. It was a difficult play in every aspect, from the acting to the staging to the lighting. Tech Crew member Dave Sharpe agreed that the unorthodox set required different techniques. Rehearsals remained standard. however, taking place every night for five weeks. I really had to work. noted Sam. My character was like playing three or four separate roles. The production received much praise from audiences. The performance was so emotionally charged, said Mrs. Jo Ann Davis, it was impossible not to cry. Intelligence answered no questions in this show but raised more instead. Lead actor Sam Newman tries to understand when his employer. Melissa Papp. tells him he is not needed at work anymore A special operation increased Sam's intelligence level, and Melissa wants him to take advantage of H by finding a better job 12 Student Life

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 fo M © EUROPE Wlth, ▼ ▼ t h c theme “Escape to Europe.” Homecoming weekend continued traditions while involving students in its many activities. Organized by Student Council. the festivities began in the stadium, Thursday. October 10. with the pep rally. In ad-diton to all fail sports cap tains' speeches and a band performance. football coach Pete Corey accepted the Team of the Week Award from a local radio station. A large, stuffed lion sym-bolin ing Gahanna's team was pitched into the bonfire by varsity football players John Lorms. Bill Keethler. and Dave Milo. The coronation of Elizabeth Florence concluded the evening. Joining her on the court were Nettie Bellisari. Leah Sanford Crosetti. Beth Doody. Elizabeth Jones, and Lori Todd. Council president Sue Lichtblau commented. “The evening was effective because so many people took pan. The Friday night game kept the crowd on its feet. )vcr I SO members strong, the band took the field at half time and performed the traditional Script Bears to a standing ovation With two minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Bears scored a touchdown which earned them a 17-13 victory over their Gahanna opponents. Senior Van Gegas. a varsity football player said. “We were really pumped up for the game. The seniors remembered last year s loss to Gahanna, so we wanted to make the Homecoming game extra special by beating them. Three hundred and sixty-four couples packed the auditorium lobbv for the Saturday night dance. N hue lights, colored balloons, and travel posters enhanced the European motif. Music King provided audio entertainment from 9 p.m. to 12 a m Senior Dee Darrovv commented. “Winning the game and seeing so many people at the pep rally and dance made the weekend memorable. In the first quarter of play, quarterback John Lorms (number 151 successfully penetrates Gahanna's defensive line lo score the first touchdow n l ihe game. On ihe day of ihe dance. Student Council president Sue I ichtblau and vice-president (Jerry Campbell raise Iheir version of ihe Eiffel Tower while member Jen Flucckigcr observes To implement the dance's theme “Escape lo Europe.” landmarks from the Comment were recreated in the auditorium lobby. Student Life 11

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Reaching her breaking point. Laura Childs loses control, and daughter Julia Brown tries to pull the knife aw as Laura's character. Mrs Gordon. had difficult accepting that her son Charlie was retarded Confidently taking credit for medicine's latest breakthrough David Dickey prepares to explain his intelligence-boosting operation to a convention of doctors •V small wiggle of his nose is all Sam Newman's mouse Algernon has to do to win the heart of landlady Lauren Ciurosko. Ordinarily. Lauren would not have allowed pets in her apanmcnls. Student Life 13