Finals - Collins defeated Mingo 2-1 to win the Sectional Tourney Championship on May 4. The game was nip and tuck all the way with the game being decided in the first inning.
Pat Fitzgerald opened the first inning with a walk and Ballard hit a sharp grounder to Mingo pitcher whose throw to second went into centerfield. Vasey laid down a bunt to score Fitzgerald from third. After a strikeout, Nichol laced a hard grounder to short, scoring Ballard from third. Although Collins threatened repeatedly, they couldn't manage another run. Mingo scored its loan run in the sixth on a hit, walk, an error, and a wild pitch. Vasey pitched seven innings. Runs - 1, hits - 3, strikeouts - 14, walks - 3. Team fielding errors - 1. Nichol caught. Collins had only three hits, one each by P. Fitzgerald, Ballard, and Vasey.
High School News - Yes, school has just about had it for this year. It is really hard to believe that we have just completed another 180 hard-working days of school. Events of the school year include: A carnival, boys basketball received first place Conference trophy and third place County trophy. The girls basketball received first place Conference trophy, fourth place county, first in Sectional and third in the District Tournaments. Our music participants won several good ratings. Track team won fourth in the Conference, which isn't bad for the first year we have had track for several years. The baseball boys are winning their tournament games. This week the seniors will give their class play and leave for Chicago on their Skip Day. All in all we have had a very successful and full year. The teachers have been very cooperative in helping us with our activities.
We hope Jim (Beefy) Dodd is back in school by the time this is printed. I heard he is still full of the usual mischief, so must be feeling pretty good again.
Senior Class Day and Eighth Grade Graduation will be on Wednesday, May 15, at 1:15 P.M. The seniors will present a short program and awards and letters for all activities will be presented. Eighth Grade Graduation will follow. Everyone is welcome to Class Day exercises. (Insert 2005: Did not find news article on event)
Baccalaureate Service will be held at the Christian Church May 13 at 8:00 P.M. Processional and Recessional by Mary Jo Shultz. Invocation and Benediction by Rev. G. M. Talbott. Music by the school Mixed Chorus and Girls' Sextet and solo by Betty Taylor; Scripture by Rev. Robert Robinson; Sermon by Rev. Ellis Martin.
May 17, 1956 Seniors Last Stand. Friday night, after the senior class play, the Collins depot was the starting of what was to be a great activity for the seniors of "Old Collins High." They were taking the train into Chicago and this was to be our last get-together as a group. We all assembled at the depot at midnight and kept the town awake until 2:00 A.M. because the train was late. For many of us, it was our first train ride. After arriving in the windy city shortly after 10:00 A.M. Saturday, we got right on the bus for our cruise around the city. We toured many of the interesting areas and sites of Chicago. (Insert 2005: Refer to May 12, 1955 Skip Day to Chicago, for more information on the Chicago City Tour)