"The Essence of True Democracy" Democracy means many things to many people, but to most it means the rule of the people. The greatness of our democracy hinges on the interests of the people in preserving and extending our democratic processes. Various conflicting opinions must be considered and weighed by the citizenry. Light rather than heat is hugely needed and thought comes before action. One of the rallying points of a democracy is the public assembly, since each citizen has the right to state his position on any given issue. Unlike totalitarianism, democracy puts a great deal of responsibility on the individual to accept and exercise civic responsibility. We need more than an orderly static society. A certain rapidity of movement within a democracy indicates a healthy one. People should hope and work toward a better life for themselves and their offspring, rather than doggedly accept government handouts. When this spirit of improvement and change is gone, as history all too tragically shows us, so is the democracy. Through inaction the citizen signs away his active participation in the direction in which his society is going. In America the number who vote is tragically low. The number who actively protest is even smaller, except when taxes are raised. A strong democracy depends on you as a citizen. ~ Gary Hanson
"Studying" Many students seem to think study halls are periods providing for catching up on the very latest gossip, but they are all wrong. Study halls are provided for study. No one can concentrate his thoughts or attention on tomorrow's assignments, the people out in the hall, what his neighbor is doing, next week's party and someone across the room at the same time. When someone comes into the study hall, it's not necessary to watch every move he makes until he leaves, and it will probably not help your tomorrow's algebra test either. If you don't have anything to do in study hall, you can always read a good book, because there are probably a few people that can use the period for study, and who can concentrate in a noise-filled room. So let's study in study hall, and save the chatter for noon and after school, thereby making study hall a better, quieter, and more enjoyable place to go. ~ Shirley Kern
Athletic Banquet held Tuesday evening at the school had a capacity crowd attending. A bountiful potluck supper was enjoyed by all. The honored guests were seated at two long tables centered with snapdragons and lilies. After supper Mr. Jackson introduced the coaches and the wives. Coaches introduced captains of the teams which were Sharon Stratton for the girls; David Derby for the boys, with Jerry Dodd and Lawrence Horn as co-captains. The Nichol's group played several selections and the remainder of the evening was spent dancing.
Assembly Program - Ralph Melville, master glass artist, presented a very interesting program to the Collins students. While explaining the history of glass, Mr. Melville made three glass figures showing the different methods of working with solid glass and also in blowing it. Versatility is one of the features of glass. He proved that seeing is believing when he showed the ductility of glass. After being heated, they were able to stretch the glass easily in a fine thread half the length of our gymnasium floor. Glass can be fine enough to eat without harm. A beautiful fabric was shown made completely of glass fibers. Since glass fabric will not take dyes, colored glass fabric must be originally spun from colored glass rods. Mr. Melville has created glass patterns for Corning Glass Works, a famous glass manufacturing company. All the students enjoyed this educational, entertaining and interesting program.
The freshmen entertained the sophomores at a Saint Patrick's Day theme dance Friday night. A Truth or Consequence game was the highlight of the entertainment for the evening. Several of the freshmen and sophomores participated in this game by doing stunts thought of by several of the freshmen. Walter Nichol also sang and played several selections on his guitar. Dancing was enjoyed by everyone. The freshmen would like to thank Mrs. Wilson and Mr. Cory for their help in making this a successful party.