William A Wirt High School - Sandscript Yearbook (Gary, IN)

Text from Pages 1 - 60 of the 1951 volume:

1951 S an cl script WILLIAM A. WIRT SCHOOL GARY, INDIANA CWe burned mad Sack SJnto Q 00(1 The theme for the 1951 SA NDSCRIPT was ready and waitin’ for us. When the thirteen of us sat down seventh hour to decide on our theme, we wanted, like every other staff, to have something entirely new. There were thirteen of us on annual staff. In addition, we are the thirteenth graduating class, graduating on the thirteenth of June. There were many more thirteens connected with this year which led us right to superstitions as our theme. Choosing superstitions made us realize how much good fortune we have had in this school year, in spite of seniors reporting to draft boards and all of us learning the six secrets of survival in case of an atomic attack. But these things didn’t keep us from working together in athletics, drama and choral events, and on our special occasions. Our greatest luck is working together in a democratic atmosphere. Students of Miller and Wirt from kindergarten through twelfth grade, along with parents, faculty, and other school personnel put on a community night with pleasure and profit for all. Cooperation brought new band uniforms and lights for our very own athletic field. Good luck or bad, Troopers, like all other teenagers, cherish high school memories. We have tried to put them down for you in our annual for 1951. 3 REGULAR STAFF In Front: Catherine Shanahan, Caroline Matthews; Bertha Conway, Patti Jo Grimes, Jeanne Ann Lund, Ellen Riise, Marilyn Newton, Alan Miller, Herbert Thomas, Alice Jane Hunt, Arthur Dye, Carolina Christian, Mrs. Greenwald. ASSOCIATE STAFF: Dale Milosevich, Charles Burger, John Moore, Delphine Vasusky, Laurence Brauer, George Pavol, Willis Wood, Jim Whited, Delmar Nichols. JU Sj tue Carolina Christian Editor Bertha Conway ......Asst. Photography Editor Arthur Dye.................Assistant in Sports Patti Jo Grimes ...................... Classes Alice Jane Hunt .......... Photography Editor Jeanne Ann Lund .........Assistant Art Editor Caroline Matthews ....Asst. Business Manager Alan Miller..............Assistant Art Editor Marilyn Newton ............................Art Editor Ellen Riise ..............................Copy Editor Catherine Shanahan .........Business Manager Herbert Thomas .........................Sports Delphine Vasusky ...................Activities Thirteen valiant Troopers started with shining faces and spirits geared to making the 1951 SAN DSCRI PT the unqualified best in all Wirt history. The first few weeks were spent making and unmaking our minds about layout, cover color, theme, and other problems. Our first big project was the handling of school pictures. Although all of the staff sweat and groaned, Marilyn Newton and Ellen Riise bore the heaviest load with characteristic efficiency. After the opportunity to watch each other’s work, staff elections were held. From this point on all had special duties as well as the duty of promoting staff activities. Then harder work began. Newtie and her assistants, Alan and Jeanne, did layout with Marilyn preparing all engraving copy. Her skills were no superstition; they were glorious realities. A. J. and Bertha worked with Mr. Smith and Dick Wylie to have the best possible pictures. Herb and Art worried over the sports copy and threatened to buy ear muffs to protect themselves against the sponsor’s stentorian tones. Patti Jo, Delphine, Ellen, and Chris struggled with captions while Kitty and Caroline kept the financial records straight and sol dpersonalized names to the seniors. The sponsor's repeated assertion that the yearbook staff is the most hard-working group in school may have been doubted for a short time, but the truth was proved over and over again, for in addition to special assignment jobs there were the countless jobs that had to be done to make our luck bold in putting out the best SANDSCRIPT. These tasks included such things as keeping a scrapbook, putting out notices, checking names for identification, putting the yearbook library in order, starting a file of material to help the juniors make a decision about next year’s book and its financing, and getting all the picture money in. The senior class was extremely popular with the staff because of the decision to pay senior cut money in a lump sum. There were good times too. Marilyn, Delphine, Kitty, and Chris were delegates to the N.S.P.A. annual convention at the Stevens Hotel. They brought back glowing reports of the interesting contacts they had with teenagers from all over the United States, more knowhow, and an awareness of world problems. The Valentine party was a swell affair, too. To the 1952 SANDSCRIPT staff and to Miss Armington, the best of fortune and may the gremlins stay out of the year. Jhey cSImply Bewitched Our principal, Mr. Russell O. Bohn, now in his fourth year, continues to be the center of authority and the unfailing resource of every one' who needs help. This is true in spite of the many other administrative jobs that snow him under. He has worked with all groups and all individuals in our school communit yand has earned the deep gratitude of the seniors by his help with graduation plans. All this an dmore has he done, never failing to keep the students’ best interest in mind. Certainly our principal is one reason for our good fortune. Picture on opposite page: Mrs. Frances Huddleston from who we seek all kinds of guidance; Miss Joan Dearborn, erstwhile valedictorian, is a most efficient office staff addition; Mr. Waldo Crisman. “The Indispensable”, whose thirteen years of service have never checked his good humor, his ready smile, and his unfailing helpfulness; Mrs. Ethel Gross, our well-loved home visitor, who has since been replaced by Mr. Joseph Martin with whom we expect to have most pleasant associations; Miss Norma Tuft, another Wirt alum, who did a good job; When Norma left, we had the good luck to get affable Miss Geraldine Bowman as her successor. At the end of the semester, we lost Mrs. Teresa Hannon and Mrs. Sari Ross. Mr. Nick Meneakis and Miss Phyllis Gibbons, their respective replacements, did much to console and sustain us. For us students, there was magic, black and white, in having the faculty support us in everything. This interest went far beyond their desk and grading papers. Never shall we forget their help with our dances and other social affairs; their promoting field trips; their working hard and late at the McVout; their affection in spite of our naughtiness. We’re proud too of their professional affiliations and their work in the community. MRS. NAOMI ADKINS Butler. MRS. LEOLA ANDERSON National College of Education, Franklin. Wisconsin. MISS ANN ARMINGTON Manchester College, Northwestern. MR. BENARD BELL North-western. MRS. MARJORIE BOYDEN Purdue, Vincennes . MRS. RUTH CHRISTY Central Missouri State College, Pestalozzi-Froebel, Indiana. MRS. MARY JANE COBURN Indiana. MRS. HELEN CONWAY Indiana. MR. MONTE FOSTER Indiana, Indiana State Teachers, Northwestern, Purdue, De-Paul. MRS. CATHERINE GREENWALD Michigan. Northwestern, Indiana, Institute of General Semantics. MRS. GRACE GREENWALD Indiana, Drake. MISS PHYLLIS GIBBONS Indiana, New York U., Cornell, Sarah Lawrence, U. of Burmingham, Eng. MRS. MARIAM GOFORTH. Mme. Blaker’s, Indiana State Teachers. MR. ANDREW HATRACK Indiana. MRS. MARJORIE HADY Loyola. MRS. GLADYS HEIST Texas State College for Women, Lewis Hotel Training School, Purdue, Chicago U. MRS. DOROTHY HOKANSON Indiana, Manchester College. MISS HELEN RUTH HUBER Chicago U., Northwestern, Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, Ecole Fon-tainbleau. MRS. FRANCES HUDDLESTON Indiana, DePauw, New York U., Catholic U. of America, U. of Colorado. MRS. MADELEINE HUNT Indiana. Indiana State Teachers, Pestalozzi-Froebel. MISS MARGARET LABB Indiana, Northwestern. MRS. URSULA LADD Iowa State Teachers, Indiana, Pestalozzi-Froebel. MRS. ADELE BOHLING LEE Illinois State Normal School, Chicago Musical College, Chicago U., Indiana U.. Northwestern, American Conservatory of Music. MISS DEMETRIA MAGRAMES Indiana. MR. JOSEPH MARTIN Valparaiso U. MRS. LILLIAN McCATHERN Texas. MISS HELEN McEWAN Indiana. MR. NICK MENEAKIS Purdue, Roosevelt, Princeton, City College of New York, De-Paul, Indiana. MR. WALTER NABHAN Indiana, Bethany College, Valparaiso. MR. RICHARD NUZUM Indiana, Ball State, Chicago U.. Marion Normal Institute. Marion College. Harvard. Goddard College, Purdue. MRS. JOSEPHINE O'NEAL Pestalozzi-Froebel, Ball State, Indiana. MR. EDWARD PALONCY. Indiana State Teachers, Purdue. MRS. FRANCES PEROTTA Indiana, Ball State, Pestalozzi-Froebel, Indiana State Teachers. MISS MARY SHARP Whitworth College, Indiana. MRS. ELSIE WENDT Chicago U., U. of Guadalajara. MRS. DOROTHEA WIL-TROUT National College of Education, Indiana, Pestalozzi-Froebel, America Conservatory of Music, Valparaiso, Indianapolis Teachers College, Mme. Blakers School. MRS. LINNIE YURAITIS Illinois Normal, Greeley College. Out Stotmij CWeathet Siiul Seated: Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Anderson, Miss Huber, Mrs. Heist, Mrs. Green-wald, Mrs. Ross; Standing: Mrs. Boy-den, Miss Armington. First Row: Miss Ma-grames, Mrs. Wiltrout, Mrs. Adkins, Mr. Hat-rak; Second Row: Mr. Nu-zum, Mr. Paloncy, Miss Labb, Mrs. Conway, Mr. Bell, Mr. Foster. 8 First Row: Mrs. Hokan-son, Mrs. Coburn. Mrs. Christy, Mrs. Huddleston; Second Row: Mrs. Per-rotta, Mr. Nabhan, Mrs. Greenwald, Mrs. Hunt, Mrs. Wendt, Miss Sharp. MILLER FACULTY: Miss McKewans, Mrs. Ladd, Mrs. McCathren, Mrs. O’Neal, Mrs. Goforth, Mrs. Yuraitis. 9 Soil, £Toil - JJJoiL -Boil CUSTODIAL STAFF Mr. Bush, genial and efficient; Mr. Wilhelm, Pop, quiet and busy as a bee; Mr. Gobbie, Emil, a good guy; Mrs. Martin, spry and student fan; Mrs. Parosz, another fan of ours; CAFKTKRIA STAFF Mrs. Bryant, neat and capable; Mrs. Smith, gone but not forgotten; Mrs. Heist, jolly and agreeable; Mrs. Vincent, another wonderful cook; Mrs. Johnssen, good things come in small packages; Mrs. Sellick, a handy worker. 10 11 SENIOR OFFICERS John Moore, Vice President; Willis Wood, President; Jim Whited, Treasurer; Patti Jo Grimes, Secretary. SENIOR SPONSORS Miss Labb, Mrs. Adkins, Mrs. Greenwald, Mr. Hatrak, Miss Magrames, Mrs. Huddleston, Mrs. Ross. As Freshmen, the Halloween Dance gave us our break into school society, and also showed the other classes that we would be a class to watch. Our main social events that year were the St. Patrick’s Dance and the May Dance, where everyone danced around the Maypole under the colorful crepe paper roof. Our second year in high school saw all the books in school covered with bright red and white Trooper book covers. Our super salesmen were selling these covers to build our class treasury. The two dances we gave our Sophomore year were huge successes. The Frost Frolic with balloons sailing down from the balcony, and the Valentine Dance with everyone dancing, set a standard that has yet to be equaled. The floor show at our Jr. Stork Club Dance was a big success with Larry Brauer as our master of ceremonies. In the spring, people for miles around were reading magazines which were sold in the Magazine Drive so that we could have an annual. Later in the year, to honor the departing Seniors, we gave the King and Queen Dance and the Senior Farewell, which were enjoyed by all who attended. Our Senior year was filled with our class meetings, ordering invitations, getting graduation pictures and meeting in our respective class committees. Our Senior year was really progressing, first came our wonderful Senior Prom held at Marquette Park Pavilion, then our Senior Day with all the Seniors decked out in their Sunday best, and our impressive Baccalaureate which was held in the gym. As we all expectantly held our breaths, our day, June 13th, finally arrived. Ellen Riise, the Valedictorian and Marilyn Newton our Salutatorian, gave speeches which we’ll never forget on the day we’ll never forget in a place that was new, Seaman Hall. Now that our school days are over, we’re sure we’ll find the number 13 will be a lucky number for us, not an unlucky one. 12 ★ RUTH BICXNESE C.A.A. 3, 4; P.K.P. 3. 4: Chorus 3, 4; Drama Club 1; Baccalaureate Committee 4; Art 1, 2, 3, 4. ★ CAROLINA CHRISTIAN Annual Staff 4. Editor; Drama 3; W.S.O. 3; G.A.A. 1.3; P. K.P. 3, 4; Spanish Club 1, 2; Art 1, 2, 3, 4. ★ LAURENCE BRAUER Football 4; Basketball 3, 4; Drama 3, 4; Honor Society 3, 4; Movie Operator 3, 4; Hall-guard 4; E. C. Washington 1, 2. ★ JOHN CLARK Football 2 .3. 4; Band 1. 2, 3, 4. ★ CHARLES BURGER Track 3, 4; W.S.O. Representative 4; Drama 3. 4; Ha 11 guard 3; Emerson 1, 2. ★ JOY BURGER Rand 3, 4; G.AA. 3; Emerson 1. 2. 13 ★ BERTHA CONWAY Honor Society 3, 4; Annual Staff 3, 4; Drama 2. 3; P.K.P. 3, 4; Book Club 3, 4; (I.A.A. 1, 2. 3, 4; Class Sec. 3; Spanish 1, 2; Ha 11 guard 3, 4. ★ DAVID GUSTAFSON Track 3. 4; Basketball 3 ,4; Football 3, 4; Bacc. Comm. 4; Hallguard 3, 4; Chorus 4; Band 3, Vice Pres.; Spanish 4; Hancock Mich. 1. 2. ★ GERALD DINKELMAN Booster Committee 2 Social Committee 2; Social Committee 4; Drama 1; Hallguard 1, 2, 3, 4. ★ KATHLEEN HADEMAN P.K.P. 3. 4; G.A.A. 1. 2. 3 .4; Book Club 3. 4; Drama 1 ,2. 3, 4; Cheerleader 3, 4; Booster Club 3. 4; W.W.C.A. 3, 4; W.S. O. 4, Bee. Sec. ★ ISABELLE GRAY Social Committee 1; W.S.O. 2; G.A.A. 1. 2; P.K.P. 3; Election Committee 3; Prom Committee 4; Chorus 1, 2, 3. 4. ★ GAYLE HARDING Drama 3; Hallguard 3; Harvey, 111. 1, 2. ★ PATTI JO GRIMES Sen. (Mass Sec.; Honor Society 4; Annual Staff 3, 4; P.K.P. 3. 4, Sec.-Treas. 4; Book Club 3, 4. Treas. 3; Y-Teens 1, 2. Pres. 1; Spanish Club 1, 2; G.A.A. 1, 2; Card Comm. 1; Chorus 2, 3, 4. ★ LYNDA HODGERS Honor Society 4; Spanish Club 4. — a ★ EUGENE HOLLINGSWORTH rd 2, 3; Chorus 2; I JEAN HOLLINGSWORTH Drama 1, 2 ,3, 4; G.A.A. 1; P.K.P. 3, 4; Spanish Club 1; Art 1, 2, 3, 4. ★ ALICE JANE HUNT Book Club 3. 4, Pres. 4; G.A.A. 1, 2, 3, 4; P.K.P. 3, 4; F.T.A. 3, 4; Spanish Club 1, 2; Librarian 1; Drama 3; Annual Staff 4; Art 1, 2, 3, 4. ★ ROSEMARY KOLVEK Drama 1; Chorus 2. 3, 4; G.A.A. 1, 2; W.S.O. 1; Hallguard 1. ★ FLORITA KRETLOW Spanish 2. 3, Pr s. 2; Drama 1. 2, 3, 4; G.A.A 1. 2; P.K.P. 3; liopk Club 3, I; Chorus 1; Art 1. 2 ,3. 4. ★ CLIFFORD LEWIS Basketball 1. 3, 4 ;Track 1. 2. 3; Football 2, 3, 4. Mgr. 4; Chorus 4; Band 1, 2. 3. ★ MARCIA LOCK Spanish Club 1, 2; G.A.A. 1, 2; Hallguard 2. 3; Traffic Comm. 3j Chorus 1; Art 1, 2, 3, 4. ★ JEANNE ANN LUND F.T.A. 3, 4; Hook Club 3, 4; P. K. P. 3, 4; Annual Staff 4; Hallguard 1, 3, 4; Art 1, 2, 3. 4. 15 ★ PATSY LUSTGARTEN P.K.P. 3, 4: Fresh.-Soph. Club 1; G.A.A. 1, 2; Y-Teens 1; Hall-guard 4; Chorus 1, 2. ★ DAVE MILOSEVICH Football 1. 2, 3, 4 • Track 1, 2, 3, 4; Track 1, 2. 3, 4; Basketball 1, 3; W.S.O. 4: Annual Staff 3. ★ CAROLINE MATTHEWS G.A.A. 1, 2. 3, 4. Treas. 2; Y-Teens 1. 2; Spanish Club 1. 2; P.K.P. 3; Social Comm. 4: Annual Staff 4; Hallguard 2. 3, 4j Traffic Comm. 4; Art 1, 2, 3, 4! ★ JOHN MOORE Football 2, 3, 4; Basketball 2. 3: Spanish Club 1. 2; Jr. Class Vice Pres.; Sr. ('lass Vice- Pres. ★ ALAN McVAY Hallguard 1, 2. 3, 4 ★ LOIS MULZON P.K.P. 3, 4; Spanish Club 1, 2; Hallguard 1, 2, 3. ★ ALAN MILLER Drama 2. 3. 4: Football Mgr. 3; Basketball 1; Chorus 1; W.S.O. Hep. 2; Annual Staff 4; Prom Comm. 4; Hallguard 1. 2, 3; W.W.C.A. 3, 4 ; Art 1, 2, 3, 4. ★ MARILYN NEWTON Salutatorlan; Honor Society 3. 4; P.K.P. 3. 4; G.A.A. 1. 2, 3. 4; W.S.O. 1, 2; Spanish Club 1. 2; Annual Staff 4, Art Editor; Hallguard 2. 4; Art 1, 2. 3. 4. 10 3 ★ GENE OATES ★ DELMAR NICHOLS Honor Society 4. ★ GEORGE PAVOL Football 3, 4; Basketball 3, I; Track 1. 2, 3, 4; Hoys' State 3: Gen. Chrm. Mag. Dr. 3; W.S.O. 4. Pres.; Spanish Club 3. 4 Rand 1. 2. Football 3, 4; Basketball 4; Track 3; Traffic Comm. 4; Hallguard 3. 4. Cheerleader 1. 2. 3. 4; Booster Club 1, 2, 3, 4; Prom Comm. 4; G.A.A. 1, 2, 3, 4. Vice Pres. 3; Book Club 3, 4. Vice Pres. 4: P.K.P. 3, 4; Spanish Club 1, 2; W.W.C.A. 3, 4; Hallguard 1, 3! ★ CHARLES OVERBECK Hallguard 4. ★ ELLEN RIISE Valedictorian; Honor Society % T; Annual Staff 4; Soph. Class Vice Pres.; Jr. Class Pres.; P.K.P. 3. 4, Vice Pres. 4; Book Club 3, 4; G.A.A. 1. 2. 4; Flection Comm. 4. ★ SANDRA PALMER P.K.P. 3 ,4; G.A.A. 1, 2. 3, 4; Spanish Club 1, 2. ★ CATHERINE SHANAHAN Girls’ State 3; Annual Staff 4, Bus. Mgr.; Soc. Comm. 3; P.K. P. 3. 4; G.A.A. 1. 2, 3, 4; Book Club 3; Spanish Club 1. 2; Chorus 2; Hallguard 1, 2 ,3; Y-Teen 1, 2. ★ CAROL REGEL 17 1 ★ MARCIA SINKLER Book Club 3. 4. Vice Pres. 3; Booster Comm. 4. Chrm. Annual Staff 3; O.A.A. 1.2;’ P.K. P. 3, 4; Chorus 1; Hallguard 3, 4; W.W.C.A. 3 ,4; Spanish Club 1. 2. ★ DELPHINE VASUSKY Annual Staff 4; Prom Committee 4; Spanish Club 1; Drama 1, 2: G.A.A. 1. 2. 3. 4. Treas. 4; P.K.P. 3, 4; Hall guard 1, 2, 3; Y-Teens 1. 2; Art 1, 3, 4. 18 ★ WALLACE THEWS Track 1. 2; Football 3. ★ JAMES WHITED Football 1, 2, 3. 4; Track 1, 2, 3. 4; Basketball 1. 2; Drama 2, 4; Jr. Class Treas.• Sr. Class Treas.; Election Comm. 2; Card Comm. 4. ★ HERBERT THOMAS Football 2; Basketball 1. 3: Track 1. 2; Annual Staff 4; W. S.O. Hep. 3. ★ WILLIS WOOD Football 2. 3, 4; Basketball 2, 3. 4: Soph. Class Pres. Sr. Class Pres. ★ HARRIET THOMPSON Booster Comm. 2; W.S.O. 4; Ci. A.A. 1. 2. 3, 4. Pres. 4; P.K.P. 3, 4, Pres. 4; Book Club 3, 4. Sec. 3: W.W.C.A. 4; Spanish Club 1. 2; Hall guard 2 ,3; Drama 2 ★ RICHARD WYLIE (lAAjlSkvjsb -Jhey Wo e ( Aoivns On The Thirteenth , oyAL Qte NEATNESS Ruth Bicknese Herbert Thomas HAIR Harriet Thompson Jim Whited QUEEN Kathleen Hademan KING George Pavol FEMININITY Marilyn Newton MASCULINITY Willis Wood FIGURE Carolina Christian PHYSIQUE Eugene Oates EYES Marcia Sinkler Gerry Dinkleman SMILE Patsy Lustgarten Dave Gustafson BEAUTY Isabelle Gray HANDSOMENESS David Milosevich PERSONALITY Alice Jane Hunt Alan Miller 0 Larry Brauer WIT Joy Burger Just One c j lo e SJn iow Q fc� a « flcflnf o w . , ■ 4m •■■■ . T mm -4 - ' .i a vf o i 2 o o StII £ i a a no MB X First row: Marilyn Aldrich, Bob Allen, Phyllis Berry, Shirley Bloomingdale, Marjorie Bohman; Second row: Joyce Cave, Sondra Carlson, Nancy Christoff, Janice Clapp, Charles Clark, Irene Cottrell. Jack Cunningham, Carolyn Earl, Harvey Evans, Betty Freeman, Dashiel Gibson; Third row: Don Glasford, Barry Gold, Carol Heistand, Patricia Hooper, Richard Jennings, JERRY BERES, PRES., LLOYD LEWIS. VICE PRES., DON SPANGLER, TREAS., Jack Kelly, Alvin King, Pat McCall, Joan Mineer; Fourth row: Grace Morgan, LaVonne Newton, Elizabeth Pepoff, Jackie Quigley, Judith Quint, Harold Hearick, Jackie Romig, Mary Lou Smith; Fifth row: Arthur Steward, Peggy Tomerlin, Marilyn Voris, Tom Whittaker, Sherry Wilds, Marlene Wilkins, Bill Wright, Barbara Young. Magazine Drive King and Queen Dance Stork Club Dance Senior Farewell C Witches J � i t Sca ie iSophs Yvonne Kichhorn Pat Hademan Attendents at I Iomecoming Pat Egan 1120 girl in girl’s varsity The Snow Ball Valentine’s Dance Top row: Carol Anderson, Arlene Augustyn, Judy Badanish, Eleanore Bardeson, Ruth Baruch, Barbara Benson, Marjorie Bengston, Robert Bryant, Robert Burden; Second row: Donna Busse, Robert Coats, Warren Combs, John Conway, Ernest Dillan, Barbara Dye, Pat Egan, Sandra Englander, Charles Erlandson, Dan Erlandson, Eleanore Fausnaugh, Tom Hady; Third row: Wanda Hodges, Bruce Hood, Phyllis Joiner, Doorthy Korenich, Marguerite Laf-ferty, PAUL SCHERSCHEL, PRES., PATSY HADEMAN, VICE PRES., Carl Lindstrom, Pat Malczweski, Dawn Markle, Sharon McCarthy, James McCluggage; Fourth row: Layne McConnell, Dorothy McNally, Joan Nabhan, Marilyn Osberg, Marcella Owen, YVONNE EICHHORN. SEC., BOB KNAPP, TREAS., Sherry Owen, Donna Paniaguas, Barbara Parker, Fred Puskas, Joan Ramos, Fifth row: Janet Rearick, Richard Rebeck, Donald Romig, Rosalie Sammy, Laverne Shaffer, Robert Shlens, Alan Shanahan, Peggy Shanahan; Sixth row: Herbert Shultz, Sharon Smith. Dick Thews, John Weaver, Jack Whittaker, Tom Will, Shirley Wood, Jackie Yohe. 22 Sjlosh 3take Slingels C vely £ ime 0| 0 i ‘ % p i n « i L. .iiL •4, j o o i ij • i n i r% 0 kb A 9 T M) 0 1+ 1 1 Q L o 1 1 1 9 r £ 0 ? j o lyL i t ► 0 9 o r y. A if i V J n i + 9- n V'fy’ 4 Mitt Vi k a if- T. Top row: Marian Allcorn, Walter Allen, Annette Axelson, Delores Axelson, Warren Bardsley, Arlene Benson, Robert Biro, Carol Bogue, Marian Bowman, Becky Brackulis; Second row: Delaine Clapp, Edward Creekmore, Beverly Cooper, Betty Cunningham, Dale Dahlgren, Don Davne DeMichele, Bruce Demmond, Hershel DeVault, Barbara Dodds, Janet Dumas, Karen Elkins, Linda Floyd; Third row: Howard Garriott, Bernice Gray, Tanya Hartman, Robert Hepler, Sue Hoch, Carl Hollander, Joyce Isenhour, Judy Johnson, Wanda Kipp, Margaret Kirby, Karl Koepke, John LaSage; Fourth row: Content Lathrop, Armond Levy, Delcina Ma-gioudis. Despina Magioudis, BOB ERWIN, PRES., NANCY LUSTGARTEN, SEC., JAMES HACKNEY, TREAS., Donna McKern, Charles Mayette, Elmer Mueller, Jerry Nash, Shirley Nash; Fifth row: Veda Nichols, Paul Oates, Sharon O’Neal, Jerry O’Neill, Patricia Oestreicher, Marcena Owen, Patty Ponto, Janet Quick, Evelyn Rhea, Norma Richeson, Francine Schasberger, Marie Scherschel; Sixth row: Eileen Einkler, Ted Stahura, Bill String- er, George Tackett, Gordon Teegarden, Nitra Tom-erlin; Seventh row: Mike Underwood, Mary Ver-bosky, Robert Voss, Carol Warner, Marlene Weiger, Josephine Yohe. Freshman Frolic St. Patrick’s Day Dance Class sold most tickets to Booster Carnival Elmer Mueller sold 80 the first day Frosh football team undefeated Girls give plays “The Little Green Goddess” “The Christmas Guest” (limbing CUp, rjlot CUnde’i, iJ he Jdactcle'i CI.ASS 13 First row: G. Lewis, R. Bodkin, J. DeVault, J. Lipscher, J. Ojala, J. Dugle, J. Cremer, E. Cohn; Second row: J. Kobylanski, L. Smith, M. Dartz, S. Adams, R. Shea, A. Thiel, J. Weiss, E. Kilbourn, M. Thielbar, S. Miller, P. Shaffer; Third row: J. Sargent, S. Hjortsberg, M. Johnson, T. McVay, F. Quick, M. Monahan, J. Friedl, M. Eck-land, M. Nelson, Miss Armington; Fourth row, D. Mas-sette, R. Ransford, M. Jennings, R. Paniaguas, E. Whited, P. Angle, T. Eikenberry, C. Barnett, T. Owen. CLASS 15 First row: D. McCluggage, J. McLaughlin, R. Stanton, J. Bryant; Second row: A. Kazlauskis, F. VanSanten, N. Mettner, C. Dayson, J. Finerty, B. Hilltrop, M. Wilds, M. Ornfelt, S. Schoon, S. Wilson, A. McKern; Third row: M. Massey, J. Laub, W. Carlson, J. Finn, L. Weislogel, S. Columbo, R. Tillett, L. Carr, Mr. Foster; Fourth row, D. Demmond, D. Sikora, J. Hodges, L. Smith, B. Barnes, E. Matysiak, K. Scott, S. Massette, V. Kobylanski, T. Hatrak. CLASS 16 First row: B. Earl, B. Vickery, J. Moulton, E. Shaffer, J. Akers, J. Penny, B. Joiner; Second row, S. Quint, M. Burlingham, S. Kichukoff, O. Wildermuth, D. Adams, R. Trask, H. Hesten, M. Brauer, B. Allen, A. Flanagan; Third row: B. Bullock, R. Sowinski, N. Gibson, E. Burlingham, J. Jamison, B. Bohling, J. Allgret, A. Bardsley, P. Matthews, J. Fausnaugh, Mr. Foster; Fourth row: R. Hartford, P. Dacey, J. Harrington, E. Fredrick, A. Dec, D. Scott, D. Combs, B. Dolenar, C. Berry. CLASS 14 First row: J. Mueller, F. Cody, B. Clark, D. Shaffer, J. Carr, N. Fields, D. Joiner, M. Lavorci, V. Reid, D. Bush; Second row: K. Gunther, V. Thomas, J. Anderson, S. Frailey, S. Witlow, B. Finn, M. Fritz, F. Short, Miss Armington: Third row: F. Westfall, B. Hartford, D. Thomas, L. Griffith, M. Malczweski, B. Cook, J. Poling. Our (lJoung J'uj (Jl ave Backbones tfs CfWell Ms (lVisbb ones Junior high school students proved once again their keen school spirit by setting up a constitution for a student government organization to be effective this year. If their proposed student council is as much of a standout as their “Sports” and “Stardust” dances, senior high school students had better watch their laurels. Their sponsor. Miss Armington, is very proud of their work. Working with Mrs. I Iuddleston as sponsor, Class 16, eighth grade, were this year’s Rangers. As in other years, they patrolled the woods during lunch hour to protect wild life in our beautiful Wirt woods. Bad weather, however, limited these excursions. In the many field trips made, Rangers observed different types of wild life inhabitants and placed branches on hills to stop soil erosion. The bird recognition jaunts were the most popular. As part ol a city wide organization, the Wirt Chapter of the All Out Americans, AOA, worked to help its member know more about Gary and to help in community projects which will make Gary a better place. Wirt AOA’s helped the city by having a toy and clothing drive at Christmas time, with the collected articles going to Good Will Industries. They also helped by participating in the annual city clean-up drive. Wirt chapter like others had a scrap paper drive which was very successful and which provided funds for chapter activities. Carol Dayson and Sally Kichukoff were chosen to represent Wirt on an excursion to Indianapolis to visit the state legislature. A.O.A. First row: Miss Pembroke, Leola Ekland, Anna Beth Johnson, Perry Wray, Kenneth Nabban, Tony Kohn; Second row: Sharon Quint, John Ballard, Don Harrell, Frances Hearter, Mickey Shlens, Marlene Linne. Judy Romig, Judy Penny; Third row: Roland Hartford, Lee Weislogel. Eddie Cohen, Karl Guenther, Carol Day-son. Faye Short, Mary Lee Ekland, Virginia Reid. i5 lemo iies i3 iajo c Jlml S iino1 Counter clockwise: Miller Boys Club, McVout Soiree Scene. Grade school art project on saving, Judy Penny and Mr. Penny; Margaret Milburn and Mrs. Herbert Brown. McVout again, Mrs. Eichhorn and her knitted baby clothes. McVout F.H.A. Booth. School window at Christmas. 2G 27 S VManes tSmiles SEPTEMBER (5) It's fun to be back (13) Simplicity Style Show (15) Constitution Day with Past Pres. Eichhorn turning over gavel to Pick and Sean Murphy telling us about the U. S. Constitution (20) Lockridge Pictures snap our smiling faces (27) What do you mean eligibility . . . cooperative, courteous, what have you ? OCTOBER (3) Seniors stun us (4) Burtell’s Bird Circus (5) Mr. William Westergreen is honored by the Amer. Legion for outstanding community service—see p. 27 (9) We’re hosts to rep. of thirty Ind. FHA chapters as we’re only FHA in city (11) Homecoming (20) Our pep sessions as Sharpened . . . music is added (21) GAA Hayride . . . brrr (24) Hope our Crusade for Freedom names reach Germany (27) Band Cake Walk with no help from Weatherman. NOVEMBER (I ) We go to College Day at Wallace (3) What a day ... WSO Rep. Council goes to Edison to present travelling trophy . . . YVilly Whirl Dance with special honor paid to new students and frosh by presenting TROOPER TOPICS (7) Family-Living Class has Buzz Session at PTA with parents and faculty learning a new abbreviation (16) S.O.S. 1 Iumanity Drive begins with Aldrich leading (24 and 25) Christian, N ewton, Vasusky, and Shanahan attend NSPA Convention at Stevens (27) Population Wirt, 812; Miller, 217. DECEMBER (6) Report cards . . . Oh, Ah, Ugh (7) Band Tag Day-Footballers at Tiebel’s (19) PKP’s Snow Flurry (15) Nancy Christoff makes Horace Heidt Show with her oration (19) Such a beautiful Christmas Pageant (22) An unexpected half day holiday. JANUARY (12) Art Classes see Hapsburg Collection at Art Institute (21) Disc Jockeys; Marcia Sinkler and Chuck Burger really “take the air on WWCA Pepsi Pep Club program (25) Spangler and Clark get pic of traps in POST, but Trooper in the back with the muskrats is not named (26) Mr. Nuzum and Mrs. Huddleston take 30 upperclassmen to visit session of State Legislature (30) Mr. Bohn and Pres. Pavol make study hall regulations effective by their signatures (31) Mrs. Hannon leaves . . . we’re shocked and saddened. Mr. Nick Meneakis, Science; Miss Phyllis Gibbons, Speech; Mr. Joseph Martin, Home Visitor; Young Dramatics at work; Pavilion at noon; Child Care Lab. c Weu C ve'iyivhe’ie FEBRUARY (5) The White Elephants begin to pile (7) Delphine Vasusky gets a letter from Japan (11) We try Regel’s new yell routine (12) Rumpus Room is opened because some students finally become interested in opening it (16) McVout Soiree, a community night of gladness with fun, food, and frolic for all (19) Mr. Paloncy is always popular but at sectional time . . . We start the Miller-Wirt Festival with a bang-up pep session (22) Audubon Show (23) Brotherhood Week Assembly (27) Ciirls' INS beat OUTS 21-28 . . . Boys’ OUTS lose to INS 44-28. MARCH (1) Beres, Pavol, and Milos really keep mum about Royalty Elections (6) Parents are making bandages on Tuesdays . . . Football sweaters arrive, but def. (7) Frosh thoroughly into GAA . . . Sweet Garlic, one of our six best smellers (14) Mag. Drive starts with juniors, students and sponsors in a fine frenzy to get money for ’52 yearbook and Mrs. Conway’s classes all set to outsell everyone else, as usual (20) Pat Egan is named H20 Gal for Ciirls’ Basketball Team (24) Miller Bus. Men’s Assoc, holds egg hunt for small fry (29) Prom Bid Booth goes up on third floor. APRIL (2) Pavilion open to lunchers . . . Rain, rain, go away, please, or we’ll shrink . . . Bum’s Day with the usual exhibitionists (5) Ma Huber sends our art work to Frisco (6) Choral Concert, a lovely evening of song and sweet pictures, especially the Flower Parade (12) Cadet Teacher Dale Loeklv causes sensation with most gals, including Miss Dearborn, drooling obviously (13) Three bus loads take off for “Peter Pan” (18) Higger’s homework is Audie Murphy’s “To Hell and Back” (23) Prom Bid Deadline . . . we’re crossing our fingers as we go to press (30) Band Concert and new band uniforms. MAY (2, 3 and 4) Emerson-Wirt Workshop for faculty while we do various things (15) All-Sports Banquet (17) The Drama Classes mystify and delight us with “Tiger House” (23) Those college applications must be sent (25) Sighs, swish, formals, corsages, soft light, soft glances, admiring throngs; all of these and more, much more, at the ’51 Prom. JUNE (1) Annual Awards Day (7) Class Day (8) Senior days and daze start (10) Baccalaureate (12) Convocation (13) Commencement at Seaman Hall ... a tradition has to go . . . Somewhere we studied and took exams this month but we’re all so vague . . . Lake Michigan, here we come. Girl’s baseball; Chuck buys a prom bid; Mrs. Simmons; Snipe and Barry with the bell. 29 W.S.O. REP. COUNCIL: Standing: Kathleen Hademan; First row: George Pavol, Dave Milosevich, Keith Allen. Donna Paniaguas. Harriet Thompson. Paul Oates; Second row: Jerry Beres, Charles Burger, Paul Scherschel, Bob Erwin, Jack Whittaker, Marilyn Aldrich. Marcia Sinkler; Third row: Ernest Dillon, Bill Wright, Dorothy Swanson, Gene Oates. GOVERNOR'S CHAMBERS: Governer Schricker, Rep. Bushemi, Mr. Nuzum, Rep. J. Klein, Sen. Baran, Mrs. Huddleston with proud seniors and juniors. The big job of the Wirt Student Organization Representative Council is to keep the wheels rolling and well oiled. They work for all students and for all activities. Traditionally the Constitution Day Assembly was held on September 15 with Past President Bill Eichhorn turning over the gavel to Incoming President George Pavol. In addition to all taking the loyalty oath to the school and national constitutions, an oath of office was administered to Keith Allen, corresponding secretary; Kathleen Hademan. recording secretary; and David Milosevich. vice-president. Mr. Nuzum, Mrs. Ross, and Miss Sharp, new faculty members, were introduced to the student body. At the Willy Whirl Dance freshman and new student were given TROOPER TOPICS, our guide book, and were presented to students at the dance. The Council was particularly pleased with the Exchange Experience which they held in the auditorium, November 9. Student council members from the other seven Gary schools came and were part of the Pow Wow. No press, faculty, or parents were present as gripes and glories were aired about eligibility, clubs, handling absence, student government, honor societies, register and home rooms, publications, and recreational facilities. Students concluded that 30 wso c J( eeps 3loLlinq cJlIonq ELECTION COMMITTEE Front: David Milosevich; First row: Carolyn Earl, Marlene Weiger, Armond Levy, Ellen Riise, Marilyn Osberg; Second row: John Weaver, John Clark, Bob Allen. TRAFFIC COMMITTEE Seated: Eugene Oates; First row, Jeanne Ann Lund, Marlene Weiger Nancy Christoff, Arlene Augustyn; Second row: Carl Hollander, Tom Will, Charles Clark. BOOSTER COMMITTEE First row: Sherry Wilds, Carol Warner, Kathleen Hademan, Joan Nabhan, Marcia Sinkler; Second row: Carol Heistand. Eugene Hollingsworth, Dorothy McNally; Third row: Robert Hepler, Carol Regel, Don Glasford. SOCIAL COMMITTEE First row: Jack Whittaker, Jerry Nash, Barbara Parker; Second row: Caroline Matthews, Gerald Dinkleman, Sharon O’Neal; Third row: Tom Whittaker, Barbara Young. the meet was of value and have suggested to other schools that another one be held at Good Fellow Camp next fall. The McVout Soiree on February 16 was a glorious success with the entire community helping. Students made art, shop, sewing, and food objects for sale. Those who did not make things brought white elephants. Over seven hundred dollars was taken in. After due deliberation with Mrs. G. Smith. PTA President. Mrs. Norman Hiller, and Mrs. Charles Rogers, the Council voted all of the money to those requesting it. This meant that classes, organizations, and school work were financially benefitted. We want to commend the freshmen for having the only one hundred percent payment of dues. The Council promoted the Miller-Wirt Festival too. The constitution has been changed with the major change being the creation of a secretary-treasurer, combing the job of corresponding secreary with that of a treasurer’s work. As we go to press there is coming up the Annual Awards Day, June first, an exploratory trip to the Ho-Hive, and the holding of elections on Primary Day, May 8. May next year’s administration have the fine cooperation we experienced. Then they will be lucky indeed. 31 fellowship - C vetyone s {jood Lucli P.K.P. began an active year holding informal and formal initiations in September. All junior and senior girls who accept the rules and regulations of the club, are elegible. The club’s officers this year were, Harriet Thompson, president; Ellen Riise vice-president; and Patti Jo Grimes, secretary-treasurer; The annual December dance, “The Snow Flurry,” was held at Eagles’ Hall this year. Decorations of festive tinselled snowflakes, together with the gay music of the Tempo Trio, provided a holiday atmosphere for the best beaus. One of the club’s largest activities was the Traveling Basket Contest. The seniors competed with the juniors by baking goods and passing them from one to the other with the receiver of the goods contributing twenty-five cents to the club’s treasury. The winning group was feted by the losers. Everyone had fun at the pajama party held in May which brought to a close an active, fun-filled year. Retiring members hope that next year’s P.K.P. will also enjoy a successful year. The reorganization in September gave us the largest Book Club ever. In September the new officers were also elected. We had Alice Jane Hunt, president; Carol Regel, vice-president; Marjorie Boh-man, secretary; and Sondra Carlson, treasurer. Later the seniors held a formal initiation in the library with refreshments served after the ceremony. There was a joint meeting of our club and the L. W. Book Club at Lew Wallace in October. We enjoyed refreshments and made new acquaintances; we were shown a wonderful time. The year was topped off with the annual spring mother-daughter-faculty tea. Under the sponsorship of our enterprising librarian. Miss Demetria Magram-es, the club had no need to wish upon a star for its success. P.K.P. Round the desk; Thompson, Pres., Riise, Vice Pres., Grimes, Sec. Treas., Mrs. Ross, Sponsor, Mrs. Hannon, Sponsor. Standing, Heistand, Newton, McCall, Romig, Earl; First row: Newton, Hademan; Second row: Shanahan. Conway, Vasusky, Boh-man, Sinkler; Third row: Palmer, Kretlow, Wilds, Quint; Fourth row: Cave, Hooper, Clapp, Christoff, Lund; Fifth row: Hunt, McNally, Rcgcl, Bicknese, Carlson. BOOK CLUB First row: Carlson, Treas., Regel, Vice Pres., Hunt, Pres., Bohman, Sec., Aldrich, Wilds, Cook, Young; Second row: Bloomingdale, Sinkler, Hademan, Kretlow, Earl, Thompson, Romig, Newton, Heistand; Third row: Wilkins, Mineer, Cottrell, McCall, Conway, Grimes, Riise, Berry, Pepoff, Miss Magrames, Sponsor, Christoff, Lund. 32 Knocking CWood c And SjJie dKinata SHOP CLASS Don Spangler, Mr. Paloncy, Charles Erlandson, Jack Kelly. SPANISH CLASS Mrs. Wendt, Janet Dumas, Carl Lindstrom, Harold Rearick, Jack Kelly, Eleanore Bardeson, Paul Scherschel, Sandra Englander, Despy Magioudis. Spanish and shop have been chosen as representative of our classes here at Wirt. A visitor to our school would find that we use the work-study-play system to its fullest advantage. There are no rigid regulations, and everyone enjoys a certain freedom in his work. Were this visitor to see the Spanish class in action, he might hear an amateurish but hearty rendition of “La Cucaracha”, with the accomplished Profesora Wendt on the piano; or, if he happened to pass the art room, he might hear our beloved Miss I luber relating her recent experiences with other ceramics enthusiasts while her students are diligently striving to execute what HRH calls “monumental masterpieces.” If he could look over our commercial curriculum, he would find that this year we offered all three essentials of the successful businessman : typing, bookkeeping ,and commercial law. These classes were skilfully conducted bv Mr. Walter (“Nabby”) Nabhan. Another hour that we enjoyed this year was the civics and economics course; Mr. Nu .um patiently taught us the fundamentals of the government of our country, and how to understand the uncertain times in which we live. We studied and discussed the subjects and people most in the news at that time—communism, elections, Washington executives, and President Truman’s directives. We would call your attention to other pages which describe our activities. We glory in the fact that there is no such thing as extra-curricular activity; all are curricularized. We wish space permitted every curricular offering. (UJIC iflie fS how JHust (jo On C Without iBlack 3M Actors usually keep a lucky charm with them to bring good luck to their productions. If any of our accomplished drama students followed this superstition, we might say that this accounted for a part of the great success of their plays, given this season. As it is. we are sure their achievements are due to the ability and guidance of Miss Labb and the student’s desire to learn. After spending the first weeks on the ground work and organization, both second and seventh hour drama classes started to work. After weeks of work on their plays, they combined to give the Christmas Pageant. The readings, scenes in pantomine, and the beautiful music was a great experience for all. Other plays given were: Booth Tarkington’s “Trysting Place”, “The Little Green Goddess”, and “Do Unto Others”. The production in late spring was the mystery thriller “Tiger House”, which closed the “50-51” season of Wirt’s Drama Club. The people behind the footlights this year will remember such things as blocking the scenes, learning lines, rehersals, making sets and costumes, and selling tickets. But we, the audience will remember the hours of entertainment brought to us by the students in the Drama Classes. Through the drama work, many were able to participate in other speech activities such as The Junior Chamber of Commerce “I Speak of Democracy” Contest; The American Logion Oratorical; the Elks Oratorical, and the Rotary Americanism contest. Students who worked in these speech activities were: Nancy Christoff, Marilyn Voris, Barbara Benson, Larry Brauer, and Dorothy McNally. Miss Labb has been most helpful in going over the scripts prepared by the disc jockeys for WWCA Pepsi-Pep Club programs and in providing student audiences for practice. Chuck Burger, chairman of disc jockeys, says that next year we ought to get our scripts in on time. The 1950-51 disc jockeys were: Kathleen Hademan, George Pavol; Carol Regel. Larry Brauer; Patsy Hademan, Gene Oates; Marcia Sinkler, Charles Burger. Upper: Nancy Christoff, “I Speak for Democracy” winner, local and state; Mr. Robert Gasser, Junior Chamber of Commerce. OUTDOOR TI lUATKk Clockwise: M. Voris, M. Osberg, B. Benson, F. Schasberger. D. Markle, B. Young, C. Burger, K. Hademan, B. Wright, J. Quint, M. Bohman, Miss Labb. A. Miller, J. Whited, D. McNally, E. Rhea, M. Allcorn, B. Gray, B. Brakulis, W. Hodges; Inside Circle: N. Christoff. F. Kretlow, J. Hollingsworth, L. Brauer, B. Hood. CJhey ( awiecl iflxe ( loveI c And We e Sn St Pepsi Pep Club, Xmas Carols o n W.W.C.A., American Legion Aux., Northern In d i a n a Vocal and Instr. Contest, Chapel of the Dunes C.O.P. club, P.T.A., Dunes Federated Club, Choral Concert, Assisting Band Concert, Assemblies, Baccalaureate, Commencement. SEVENTH PERIOD CHORUS First row: E. Fausnaugh. A- Augustyn, P. Hade-man, S. Smith: Second row, Y. Eichhorn, B. Parkes, B. Dodds; Third row: D. Korenich, M. Lafferty, J. Nab-han, A. Benson, D. Magioudis, A. Axelson; Fourth row: Mrs. Lee, P. Berry; Fifth row. R. Coats, D. Gustafson, C. Lewis, P. Oates, C. Hollander; Sixth row, A. Levy, R. Rebeck, J. Nash, J. O’Neill; SECOND HOUR CHORUS First row: C. Bogue, Mrs. Lee; Second row, D. Clark, R. Bicknese, P. Hooper, J. Quick. M. Owen, S. Bloom-ingdale, S. Englander, J. Yohe; Third row: P. Tomer-lin, J. Cave, P. Grimes, I. Gray, R. Kolvek. M. Voris, E. Pepoff, G. Morgan. M. Bengston, M. Wilkins, J. Mineer; Fourth row: A. Steward, R. Voss, B. Stringer, G. Tackett. 35 Batons c And Bia’ike'is SBui (I ni)o'inis SjBandstets CONCERT BAND Rosalie Sammy steps out. First row, Sammy, Romig, Rearick, Magioudis, Magioudis, Bryant, Biro, Hady, Romig; Second row: Meyette, Hackney, Bowman, Fredricks, Clark, Puskas, Barnes, Glasford, DeMichele, King. Allen, Teegarden, Badanish; Third row, Earl, Rearick, Burger, McConnell, Hollander, Whittaker, Creekmore, Coats, Conway. INTERMEDIATE BAND First row: Kobylanski. Burden, Erwin, Bodkin; Second row: Johnson, Ojala, Jennings, Stahura, Lewis (blotted out), Oates (blotted out), Cash, Barnes, Ransford; Third row: Dayson, Smith. Swanson, Sinkler, Ponto, Ornfelt, Wilds. BEGINNERS BAND First row: Wirkberg, Jaros, Benson, Bush, Vandervort, Hollander, Romig; Second row: Romig, Patterson, Miller. Keitzman, Ballard, Poling (blotted out), Evans, Tom-erlin, Will, Parker, Sanders; Third row: Cramer, Allcorn, Bush, Slat-ter, Lettica (blotted out), Kohn (blotted out), Dodds, Markle (blotted out), Mayette, Nichols, Col-umbo. Our thirteenth year brought the best of luck to the band. With Mr. Bell’s industry and inspiration, the determination of the students, and the parents’ cooperation, new uniforms were purchased. The first money for this enormous project was not raised in days or weeks, but months. In October pennants were sold at Homecoming. Not even the rain stopped the cake walk at Miller School. Besides the french fryer raffle, Christmas decorations were sold and a paper drive was held. These projects helped to make the down payment needed for the striking uniforms. The Spring Concert was proof to all that Wirt’s Concert Band was better than ever and one of which we could be justly proud. The band also participated in the Memorial Day Parade, the Flag Day Parade, and Commencement. The band officers are Don Glasford. president; Woodrow Barnes, vice president; Rosalie Sammy, secretary; and Keith Allen, treasurer. Mrs. Meyette headed the Band Boosters who worked tirelessly to get the uniforms. J(food X Lick cAlways - Xbod7 SJamcly, Xlnd Home FAMILY LIVING Standing: Mrs. Boyden; First row: I. Gray, G. Morgan, K. Hademan, R. Bicknese, Jean Hollingsworth; Second row: R. Kolvek, C. Regel, P. Lustgarten, M. Lock, F. Kretlow; Third row: J. Whited, D. Milo-sevich, C. Burger; Fourth row: C. Erland-son, A. Steward, J. Moore, B. Allen, D. Spangler, D. Wylie, J. Clark. FUTURE HOMEMAKERS OF AMERICA First row: W. Hodges, D. Magioudis, Mrs. Boyden, J. Badanish, D. Paniaguas, E. Bardeson; Second row: P. Egan, D. Swanson, D. Busse, R. Baruch, M. Bowman, V. Nichols, E. Rhea, S. Wood, A. Axelson. COOKING CLASS Table left: S. Wilson, A. McKern, M. Orn-felt; Table right: L. Carr, J. Laub, S. Schoon. 37 rJhese Siicul 0alents iJ'ot [Wining c duel cSe wing CONTEST WINNERS Charles Burger, Mr. McVout; Alice Jane Hunt, Miss Soiree; Marilyn Voris, Legion Oratorical; Nancy Christoff, “I Speak For Democracy”; Warren Bardsley, Music Contest; Phyllis Berry, Music Contest; Marilyn Newton, Gordon Ad-Art 1st; Florita Kret-low, Gordon Ad-Art 2nd; Sandra Englander, Music Contest; Dawn Markle, Music Contest; Barbara Benson, Elks Oratorical; Ellen Riise, D.A.R. Citizen; Bob Voss, Music Contest; Alan Miller, H.M. Talent Parade. MOVIE OPERATORS Under Boss Vasusky, these boys served the student body by their efficient showing of motion pictures. First row: C. Lindstrom. B. Bryant, B. Wright. B. Gold; Second row: H. Rearick, A. King, A. McVay, D. Romig, R. Jennings, L. Brauer, D. Vasusky, B. Knapp. 950 iSetvice Q oll Of SKono Any high school student may earn service points for they are given for athletics, scholarship, public appearances, club and other activity memberships, and office holding. The top fourth, the number having the highest number of service points, are submitted for voting to Keith Allen Marilyn Aldrich Woodrow Barnes Don Bicknese Martha Bicknese Bertha Conway Joan Dearborn Ernest Dillon the members of the W.S.O. Representative Council and the Wm. A. Wirt 1 ligh School Aaculty. The following students were the unanimous choice of both faculty and students. The list is the last feature on the Annual Awards Day program. Yvonne Phillips Ellen Riise Don Romig Paul Scherschel Jack Schoonover Emmett Sponsel Sherry Wilds Shirley Wood Gerald Dinkleman Bill Eichhorn Irene Eerriera David Gustafson Alvin King Clifford Lewis Marcella Owen Sherry Owen George Pavol NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY First row: Laurence Brauer, Marilyn Newton, Ellen Riise, Bertha Conway, Delmar Nichols; Second row: Alvin King, Keith Allen, Nancy Christoff, Marilyn Voris, Jackie Romig, Lynda Hodgers, Patti Jo Grimes, Sandra Palmer, Marilyn Aldrich, Mr. Nabhan, Mrs. Huddleston. Not shown: Alice Jane Hunt, Lois Mulzon, Charles Overbeck, and Marcia Sinkler. Heads ( A SJ ails — Atemo’ites c AIways (fiAn Onlookers at McVout Soiree: Janet Rearick being crowned Snow Ball Queen; Onlookers Grimes and He 1 stand; Higgermobile; “Wild Nell”; Slumber party at Harriet’s; Spook House; Mr. McVout and Miss Soiree; Art Booth; Mr. Bohn and panda at Miller-Wirt Festival. 41 fd ills c A I ways c A ces VARSITY Cl IKKRLKADKKS R1 SI R 'J! ClIKERLEADERS Carol Heistand, Dorothy McNally, Carol Regel, Yvonne Eichhorn, Nitra Tomerlin, Janet Dumas, Kathleen Hademan. Delaine Clapp, Pat Hademan. The hayrick was traditional for Willy Wirt lassies, but other Ci.A.A. activities were extended and quickened by the inspiring direction of Miss Mary Sharp, newcomer to the faculty. Some of us are still short of breath from trying to keep up with her. We had night games every week where fun and fellowship were always number one in importance. Initiation only served to make the Frosh sassier than normal, but we know that class will make G.A.A. history. Let us record that we beat our west side neighbors, Horace Mann, 28-22, in basketball. The tradition of a G.A.A. trophy was initiated. We ended a memorable year by joining in banquet festivities with Horace Mann, June 7 at the Marshall I louse. 42 First row: C. Magioudis, S. Wood, P. Egan, P. Shanahan. M. Voris, J. Rearick, C. Regel, J. Yohe, C. Heistand, J. Clapp. H. Thompson, D. Vasusky, K. Hademan, M. Bohman, S. Wilds; Second row: R. Sammy, J. Ramos, B. Benson, C. Anderson, M. Bowman, D. McNally, C. Matthews, C. Christian, J .Cave, P. Hooper, M. Newton, S. Carlson; Third row: D Magioudis, F. Schasberger, S. Palmer, E. Riise, M. Sinkler, R. Bicknese, R. Conway, J. Yohe, D. Clapp, N. Tomerlin, D. Markle, N. Christoff; Fourth row: P. Ponto, M. Owen, A. Axelson, D. Swanson, D. Axelson, J. Quick, B. Cooper. B. Brackulis, D. Pani-guas, D. Busse, R. Baruch. E. Bardeson; Fifth row: M .Weiger, C. Lathrop, M. OsbeTg, B. Parker, L. Shaffer, S. McCarthy, N. Lust-garten, J. Dumas, C. Warner, M. Scherschel. B. Cunningham; Sixth row: Y. Eichhorn, A. Augustyn, J. Nabhan, P. Hademan, E .Sinkler, A. Benson, S. O’Neal, L. Floyd, J. Isenhour, W. Kipp, K. Elkins. G.A.A. BOARD First row: Phyllis Beery, Judy Badanish, Delphine Vasusky, Treas., Harriet Thompson, Pres., Marilyn Voris, Vice Pres., Janet Rearick; Second row: Janice Clapp, Jackie Yohe, Peggy Shanahan, Sec., Shirley Wood, Patricia Egan. 43 SJeet iJast c find JLucky Jls Ifflabbits’ TRACK First row: P. Oates, B. Coats, B. Burden, E. Mueller, C. Coats, B. Biro, G. Teegarden: Second row: E. Hollingsworth. D. Milosevich, T. Whittaker, D. Gustafson, C. Clark. D. Gibson, B. Erwin, J. Cunningham, D. Thews, C. Hollander; Third row: J. Nash, D. Glasford, C. Burger, G. Pavol, J. Whited, L. Brauer, II. Evans, J. Beres, P. Scherschel, B. Allen. In the coming years, when you think of how the Troopers came out on top back in ’51, you will probably think first of the major letter-winners and the splendid showing they made this season. But there is a larger group of individuals who, although they didn’t get letters, provided the needed practice for those who took the laurels. Since track events do not start until we’re about to go to press, they are not adequately recorded; however, there follows the record as far as it has been completed. We came out very well in the first track event of the season, the Edison relays. In the City Indoor Meet Jerry Beres tied the pole-vault record by soaring 11’6”; he went on to add to his own accomplishments by setting a new broad-jump record of 19’9” in the dual meet with East Gary. Due to inclement weather and the loss of some of the more active members, the coaches believe that Wirt’s record will probably end with these achievements. When a student enters high school and begins thinking about going out for sports, he usually thinks about the advantages and disadvantages of such an undertaking before making any decisions. Of course, there is the responsibility that goes with athletic activities, the constant practice, and the risk of disappointment; but our boys took these all in stride. The large turnout for sports this year proved that the Troopers are aware of one of the main rules of sportsmanship; that is, get out there and do your part, and don’t let arm-chair criticism or a spell of bench-sitting get you down. The advantages—recognition and experience for possible college activities—make up for the time spent in scrimmage, on the court, or putting the shot. Remember how we carried on in October of last year after suffering the worst defeat in the school’s history (the Griffith Panthers shellacked us, 46-0)? Starting the season as a “green” but willing squad. Coach Nabhan’s boys fought hard but just couldn’t seeem to take advantage of the breaks when they came their way. Our homecoming game was a hard-fought one in spite of the fact that it was scoreless; at one time the Troopers were down on Portage’s thirteen-yard line. Four plays later in this game we surrendered the ball on the opposition’s nineteen-yard line; the rest of the contest followed that pattern. 44 The freshman team had a comparatively good season, winning eight games and losing none; this means that Wirt has something to look forward to in the next few years. The main gripe of this year’s football team has been eliminated as far as future squads are concerned. Never again will the Troopers have to troop to the field next to Open Hearth Number Two. The up-and-coming boys will never have to worry about home games, thanks to the Miller-Wirt Boosters and Miller community’s cooperation. Then, too, we want to put in a word of thanks to the cheerleaders and managers, without whom we never would have been able to pull through. FOOTBALL SQUAD First row: B. Stringer. A. Levy. R. Jennings, W. Allen, W. Bardsley, B. Voss, R. Erwin. D. Dahlgren. J. McClug-gage, F. Puskas, W. Barnes, J. Cunningham. H. Shultz; Second row: Coach Hatrak, T. Stahura. D. DeMichele , P. Oates, C. Coats. M. Underwood. J. Weaver, J. Conway, B. Coats, H. Garriott, W. Barnes, D. Thews. B. Wright; Third row: Coach Nabhan, K. Allen, D. Gibson, E. Hollingsworth, D. Spangler, J. Clark, D. Gustafson, J. Whited, A. Shanahan, E. Oates, J. O’Neill, T. Hadv, G. Pavol, A. Steward, C. Lewis; Fourth row: G. Teegarden, J. Moore, D. Milosevich, W. Wood, J. Beres, D. Glasford, L. Brauer, J. Nash, E. Dillon, P. Scherschel, R. Knapp, B. Allen. 45 LEFT- 70 RIGHT Moore,Steward,and Oates in action; DAVE GUSTAFSON, FB; WALTER NAB HAH, COACH; DAVE M ILOSEVICH, C ; JOHN MOORE, FB; JERRY BERES,E; GEORGE PAVOL.T; CLIFFORD LEW S, ALAN SHANAHAN. G; JERRY O'NEILL, HB; Holly in trouble; BOS KNAPP,G; DON SPANGLER,G. SEASONS Momecomini NOOOO LEFT TO RIGHT: ANDREW HATRAK,COACH; JOHN CLARK, QB, Hon. Merit. All Conf; WILLIS WOQD,T} bill WKi WT, Mgr.', ART STEWARD, £} EUGENE HOLLINGSWORTH,Q6; JIM WHITED, C, 2nd team All Conf; LAW BRAUERJ; LLOYD LEWIS, Jr.Mgr. , BOB ALLEN,T, Hon.Ment. All Conf.; Putt in there. RECORD 31 MERRILLVILLE 13 DYER O Portage HG GRIFFITH 9 GARY EDISON l o EAST GARY 20 CROWN Pomt 25 HOBART CWe CWished On Out cStats BASKETBALL LETTER MEN AND OTHERS Top: Thomas, Mgr., Hollingsworth, Oats. Lewis, Gustafson, Wood, Pavol, Brauer; Center: Wood, Hollingsworth, Oates, Lewis, Gustafson, Thomas, Mgr.; Brauer, Coach Herbert; Lower: Beres, Glasford, Kelly, Steward, McVay, Mgr. BASKETBALL Coach Hatrak started out with a whole new group of boys this year (with the exception of Beres and Hollingsworth) and turned out a real ball team. The greatest thrill of the season was when we beat 1 olleston in the opening game of the sectionals. Earlier in the year, they had beat us by a score of thirty-nine to thirty-six. Jerry Beres was high-point man in nearly every game; the perseverance and determination of the whole regiment, however, was what made it possible for us to win six games. Another highlight ol the season came when Wirt travelled to East Gary and edged the Eagles fifty-eight to fifty-seven. The score stood fifty-seven to fifty-six with thirty seconds left to play. Jerry Beres sank a left-hander to put us in the lead, and our defense for the rest of the game kept us ahead. These are only a few of the incidents in one of the most memorable basketball seasons Wirt has ever had. THE SEASON We 50 Chesterton They 63 We 85 Lowell They 58 51 Concordia 41 47 North Judson 77 46 Tolleston 49 58 East Gary 57 39 Crown Point 52 39 Edison 58 44 Portage 50 61 I Iobart 56 65 I lebron 50 60 Merrillville 72 35 Griffith 63 34 Dyer 58 45 Roosevelt 58 57 Burney 59 37 HOLIDAY TOURNEY Emerson 54 43 39 SECTIONALS Tolleston Froebel 37 72 54 EAST GARY TOURNEY Whiting 60 44 INS VS. OUTS Boys 28 44 East Gary 54 21 Girls 18 Pennies cOn STh RESERVES First row: Alvin King, Bucky Weaver, Jack Cunningham, Gordon Teegarden, John Conway, Keith Allen, Carl Lindstrom, Arthur Dye; Second row: Harold Rearick, Jim McCluggage, Dick Thews, Fred Puskas, Harvey Evans, Jerry Nash, Bob Knapp, Paul Scherschel, Chuck Clark. FROSH First row: Bob Biro, Paul Oates, Corky Coates, John LaSage, Howard Garriot; Second row: Herb Schultz, Warren Bardsley, Don DeMichele, Walter Allan, Elmer Mueller, Carl Hollander; Third row: Bob Erwin, Robert Voss, Dale Dahlgren, Jim Hackney, Charles Meyette. The sorrowing Bob Shlens and Herb Schultz; George Pavol takes the hurdle; Jerry Beres pole vaulting; Hebron basketball game, Beres, Steward, Pavol. 51 Sj hese CWe c JL 'le Qinea tf u I Burke Printing Company Gary Post-Tribune Indianapolis Engraving Company Lockridge Studios Miller-Wirt Booster Committee Miller-Wirt P.T.A. Paul Vincent Studios Pratt Bindery Richard Wylie, Staff Photographer ' • « 1 . • %