West High School - EOS Yearbook (Aurora, IL)

Page 30 text:

HOMECOMING PARADE VCICE OF THE PEOPLE This year the Student Council followed the reorganized program which was established at VVest High school four years ago. Student Council membership has long been considered an honor at West High, since the Student Council is the most important of all school organizations. This year's council has had an excellent year under the leadership of four students - Wallace Van Deventer, capably Hlling the position of president, assisted by Rod Robinson, vice-president, Anne Miesuk, secretary, a11d -lane Rice, treasurer. Representatives in our student government come from every organization in the school and from each of the sections. This method of representation is in accordance with an amendment to the council's constitution last year. Students enjoyed an assortment of the finest assemblies in the school's history, the selection of which is one of the important functions of the council. Another council project is the preparation of Christmas baskets. Fine student cooperation has made this event an annual success. VVhen we find students working together, striving for the same goal, the natural result is a fine esprit de corpsu. Thus the Student Council acts as the morale building agent for our high school. The annual Homecoming Parade, one of the council's programs of a lighter vein, was a typical example of West High inge- nuity and cooperation. The parade, plus many fine pep assemblies, kept school spirit at a peak throughout the year. Guiding student social life occupies a good deal of the council's time. Several dances were sponsored this year after football and basketball games in order to linance student government at NV. A. and to provide wholesome recreation for the students. Highlights of the year included the annual Homecoming Dance and the Victory Dance given the week after Thanl-zsgiving. All football players a11d their girl friends were admitted free, as a reward for the winning fight and spirit they displayed in the Turkey day game with our rivals from across the river.

Page 29 text:

WEST I-IIGI-I ON THE AIR The Radio and Drama club, one of the 11ewest clubs among the extra- curricular activities of the school, was organized this past year for those stu- dents interested i11 radio work. This club met as a class every day for one half- hour, from eleven-thirty to - twelve o'clock, under the sponsorship of Miss Birdine Morris. At the tirst meeting of the Radio and Drama club the officers elected to help make this club very successful during its first year were: jack Deindorfer, presidentg Dorothy' lJCF,1'ELlCS, vice-presidentg Bill Smith, secretary: and .Donna lfae llipp, treas- urer. The class, which includes about thirty members, was divided into four pro- duction groups with each group having individual interests in radio acting, script writing, announcing, Zlllll sound etfects. Each production group has its own chairman. Some of the programs which were presented during the past year included panel discussionsg dramatic slcitsi both instrumental and vocal music, and Vtfest High news. School clubs, organized groups, and individuals took part in these various programs. A series of twenty-tive Fifteen minute radio broadcasts over station NVMRO were presented during the latter part of the school year by the club from the radio station. The purpose of the pro- grams was to acquaint the public with the work of the high school students and their activities. Also, they provided helpful experience and training in broad- casting work for those who participated in these productions. The students were in full charge of the programs with Miss Morris, Mr. Ridinger, and Mr. Bergman acting as their advisers. This club has been invaluable to those stu- dents who are interested in radio. Broadcasting at the station NVest. High on -the Air Making a recording.

Page 31 text:

Talking about tight, who will ever forget the disastrous student-faculty bas- ketball game? To the great satisfaction of all the students, the faculty suffered its first defeat i11 as long a time as we can remernber. A collection of loose change, which amounted to approxi- mately 35300, reiinlntrsed the almost depleted treasury of the council. A great share of the Student Coun- cil's finances went into the dancing class which endeavored to teach interested students the fundamentals of ballroom dancing. Another newly inaugurated feature of the Council's program this year was the Quiz Program assembly. which proved to be a combination of knowledge and entertainment. At the annual convention of the Northeast Division of Student Councils held at Highland Park, VVest High was honored by having Mercer llarnes, who has been an active figure in VV. A. coun- cil work for four vears, elected to the otfice of 'vice-president. Student Council guidance seems to be a difficult and endless job, but latest High is fortunate in having Mr. A. C. Ridinger as its faculty adviser. llesides his teaching duties and council work, Mr. Ridinger finds time to be adviser for the North- east Tlivision of Student Councils. He was elected to this position at the con- vention held last vear at Highland Park. The goal of all Student Council pro- jects is a more active participation of all the students in school activities. Pre- senting activities of varied interest led the council to create four new clubs this year: Spanish, commercial, aeronautics, and rifle. The success of the Student Council this vear was brought' about through the soleudid cooperation of the students in their oarticipation in all school :activities and the caoable assistance and guidance of the council adviser, Mr. Ridinger. Mr. Ridinucr, Officers Roddy Robinson XYallace Van llevcnter, Ianc Rice, Ann Miesnk. S'l'UlJl IN'l' COUNCIL DANCE X3-6 7 ' OBE 'P f-fr 9 -6 4 176 O-31 ,J-f If .3 aj -3 393 -Z-7 f 5'