Valparaiso High School - Valenian Yearbook (Valparaiso, IN)

Page 15 text:

A Healthy Body Requires Care and Exercise Hold on tight! All high school students must earn one credit in physical education or in some athletic activity. Under the direction of Miss Olive Wade girls learned the fundamentals of such sports as speedball, basketball, archery, badminton, and volleyball. In Mr. Virgil Sweet’s classes, boys preferred baseball, basketball, and football. All gym classes emphasized physical fitness and good health practices. Health and safety was a semester course required for all students. It was mainly concerned with the practice of good health habits and caution in every- day living. Besides learning the names of important muscles and bones in the human body, pupils had a chance to observe the dissection of joints, hearts, and lungs of animals. Health and safety teachers included Mr. Sweet and Miss Wade. Health students learn anatomy. 1 1

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Practical Applications for Modern Day Life Where’s the brake? The increasing number of teen drivers made drivers’ training a very popular course at VHS. Once a week each student in that course had an opportunity to practice driving in our 1961 Chevrolet. Besides instructing the art of driving, Mr. John Wiggins taught the basic mechanics of an automobile, and a thorough understanding of safety behind the wheel. Home economics also attracted many students. In cooking classes girls studied about nutrition, economy in food buying, and preparation of food. Efficiency in food preparation increased as the girls realized they were required to sample their cooking. Future seamstresses developed ease in reading patterns and machine operation, while making articles of clothing of varying difficulty. Further domestic skills were taught in home nursing and child care. Along with domestic skills Miss Edith Weems, home economics teacher, stressed qualities which would lead to more mature womanhood. 10

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Musical-minded students can develop their abilities in band or choir. The Valparaiso High School Band consists of marching, pep, and concert bands. The Marching Vikings were led by drum major, Bob Graebner, who attended Smith-Walbridge during the summer for instruction. A guest appearance at Ball State Teachers College highlighted their season. As a closely knit unit, all band members worked to reach perfection in concert band. This group made several fine appearances throughout the year. Private lessons and class instructions given by Mr. Robert Miller, band director, enabled band members to become better musicians. Choir, a music course, is more than just singing; it is a course of learning. Choir members received basic vocal training while studying the works of masters. Memorization of numerous melodies required close attention and practice. Led by choir director, Mr. Philip Dunn, both the Girls Glee Club and the mixed choir performed on several occasions including student convocations. Band and Choir Increase Music Appreciation Mr. Dunn’s musical hands lead the choir as they hum-mm-mm. 12