Fashions

On September 26, 2016September 21, 2016 By besonstIn Yearbook Images

Jeff England and Shelley Faddis wear the results of the Amethyst clothing survey.

Clothes Call

Instead of showing you what magazines tell you that you wore, here are the results of a poll of 100 boys and 100 girls showing you what you really wore in 1976.

Jeff England and Shelley Faddis are shown wearing the results of the poll.

Generall, most people preferred casual, comfortable clothes, with uncomplicated lines. Jeans, either nice denim baggies or grungy Levi’s, were definitely the staple of everyone’s wardrobe. Guys (99% of them) and girls (75%) overwhelmingly chose jeans for starters.

Going from top to bottom, boys, on the average, had over-the-collar to shoulder length hair (at least before basketball season!). Shirts posed a problem since there was a wide choice, with T-shirts, work shirts, button-down shirts, football jerseys and sweaters to select, none received a clear majority. Holding up those popular jeans was a brown leather belt, and peeping out from under them, 50.4% of the time, were tennis shoes.

The muslin shirt hit big at FHS; Theresa Smith wears a muslin smock brightened with a patchwork yoke.

Checking out the girls, it was again difficult to find a clear choice in some areas. Jeans, a button-down print shirt with a solid sweater and a scarf would be a close composite. Shoulder length hair in soft windblown waves accounted for 63% of the hairstyles.

The girls seemed to be given to excesses in some areas. Most wore four bangle bracelets, at least three rings, and two-inch heels or platforms. Nail polish, pierced loops, a pendant on a long delicate chain, a leather purse and wild socks completed the composite girl.

While results of the poll were interesting they did not mean FHSers were fad-following sheep. The individuals were like the cherry on top of the ice cream — the occasional song lyric embroidered on a shirt, father’s old varsity sweater or Jeff Thomas’s Elton John shirts.

— 1976 Amethyst

From left, Paige Gibson, Rich Worsham, Pat Flynn and Phil Brown model the latest in the back-to-school super casuals.

Excuses

On September 26, 2016September 22, 2016 By besonstIn Yearbook Images

Debbie Norris and Betsy Perkins wait patiently for their turns at the check out desk.

passes-duncan-web — Mr. Duncan signs blue slips to returning students.

Mike Bryant, right, finds Don Carter's "note from home?" rather humorous but Don seems to think it'll work. — Mike Bryant, right, finds Don Carter’s “note from home?” rather humorous but Don seems to think it’ll work.

Singing the Blues

If there had been an Academy Award for the best excuse for missing class, it would have been a tough decision. Having practice for 10 years or more, students have come up with some pretty good ones.

There are a few all time favorites — “I had a flat.” “I ran out of gas.” And of course, “I had to go to a funeral.” But when asked who passed away, the answer was always “my grandmother” — for the third time.

But then there were the real excuses — “I was sick.” The actual kinds of sickness varied with the imagination of the students. There were the ones with a cold, then there were the ones with an upper respiratory infection and the most imaginative had “rhinitis.”

So, who’s to say who was sick and who was faking. It all depended on how imaginative you were in deciding your illness, how convincing you were when having your parents write your note (or how brave you were in forging it), and how serious you looked when you got your blue slip.

A few excuses from the mother of Bruce Q. Shark for her absentee son:

Dear Attendance Person, Bruce Q. was not in school per 1-3 yesterday. He got his foot stuck in the porcelain utility. Mrs. E. Shark

To whom it may concern: Bruce was not in school periods 1-3 yesterday. He thought it was Washington’s birthday & overslept. Mrs. Ethel Shark

Mr. Duncan, Bruce Q. Shark was not in school yesterday 1-3 periods. Did you really miss him? Mrs. Shark

— 1976 Amethyst

Senior Class Play: Showboat

On September 25, 2016May 26, 2018 By besonstIn Theater

The senior class play for 1976 was the musical "Showboat." The cover of the original musical score shows Kathryn Grayson and Howard Keel upper right and Ava Gardner lower. Courtesy of Dot Neely. — The senior class play for 1976 was the musical “Showboat,” by Oscar Hammerstein and Jerome Kern and based on the novel by Edna Ferber. The cover of the original musical score shows Kathryn Grayson and Howard Keel upper right and Ava Gardner lower. *Courtesy of Dot Neely.*

Studying?

On September 24, 2016September 21, 2016 By besonstIn Yearbook Images

Karan Carpenter asks Terry Fraley to show her how to do her homework.

Wise Up

“Studying is going over material for a test or doing homework,” defined Vickie Hileman. “When I study I get off and get the material I need and study until I’m really tired,” she continued.

Don Carter and Laura McKinnon had a different view of studying, one that was perhaps more typical.

“Learning new material the night before the test is my approach,” said Don.

Laura preferred to “go back and put together the material that I’ve learned.”

While Vickie chose to study in a secluded place where she could be alone, some students preferred background music from a radio or stereo. Others chose the library and a friend to quiz them.

How much did most students study? Don Carter summed it up when he said, “Never enough!”

— 1976 Amethyst

Theatrical Productions

On September 23, 2016May 26, 2018 By besonstIn Theater, Yearbook Images

Annie Sullivan, played by Leslie Lane, and Kate Keller, played by Sylvia Blyholder, aid Helen Keller, played by Charlene McKee, as she struggles in her dark world, from "The Miracle Worker." — Annie Sullivan, played by Leslie Lane, and Kate Keller, played by Sylvia Blyholder, aid Helen Keller, played by Charlene McKee, as she struggles in her dark world, from “The Miracle Worker.”

Vickie Hileman applies Sean Harison's make-up while finished product Mike Smith puffs on a cigarette. — Vicki Hileman applies Sean Harrison’s make-up while finished product Mike Smith puffs on a cigarette.

Annibel, played by Becky Segers, exclaims over the condition of the house while Kimber, played by Mike Smith, hangs on to his suspenders in the beginning of "George Washington Sletp Here." — Annibel, played by Becky Segers, exclaims over the condition of the house while Kimber, played by Mike Smith, hangs on to his suspenders in the beginning of “George Washington Slept Here.”

Rick Bashor and Theresa Smith pass the time playing chess during a scene from "George Washington Slept Here." — Rick Bashor and Theresa Smith pass the time playing chess during a scene from “George Washington Slept Here.”

Playing Around

The theatre darkened, the curtain opened and the play entertained the audience for a little while.

What they saw was the finished product of many weeks of work. The actors were only the beginning; sets had to be built, costumes and props acquired, make-up created, lights and sound coordinated.

Behind the scenes of three plays was Mrs. Pat Collier, directing members of the Drama Department. “George Washington Slept Here,” a comedy, was presented in the fall. “American Names,” a Bicentennial program given in February, included scenes from three famous American plays, “The Devil and Daniel Webster,” “Our American Cousin” and “The Miracle Worker.” The senior play was planned for late spring.

Out of the footlights, members of the Creative Drama classes went to local elementary schools where they involved children in the basics of drama by having them tell a story with pantomime and sound effects.

Competitively, drama students went with the Debate Squad to the University of Arkansas tournament where they performed the Reader’s Theatre “Johnny Pye and the Fool Killer.” They also took “Star Spangle and Company” to state.

Summing up the year, senior Sylvia Blyholder said, “It was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it.”

Curtain. Applause!

— 1976 Amethyst

Honors in Competition

On September 22, 2016September 21, 2016 By besonstIn Honors and Awards

Pam Meinecke represented Arkansas in the National Junior Miss competition.

Senior Special

“When I came back, people’s attitudes hadn’t changed at all,” said senior Pam Meinecke, the second Arkansas Junior Miss in a row produced by Fayetteville High School.

Pam showed that all it took was the “Bare Necessities” to win. She performed the song from Walt Disney’s “Jungle Book” in talent competition.

After she was crowned in Little Rock December 30, her duties as Junior Miss involved attending district pageants, making personal appearances, speaking at civic and service club meetings and working with the American Cancer Society. April 20-May 12, Pam traveled to Mobile, Alabama, for the national Junior Miss Pageant.

Nina Rolloff, senior, was named DAR Good Citizen of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was nominated by the senior girls and chosen by the faculty. Along with the honor she received a college scholarship.

Six candidates were nominated by West Campus shops for VICA Sweetheart. Kathy Peele, senior, and Anna Williams, junior, were chosen by a panel of faculty members to represent Fayetteville in state competition in March.

— 1976 Amethyst

Promotion of Black Students

On September 21, 2016July 9, 2018 By besonstIn Student Organizations

pbs-group — Front row, from left: Jo Ann Lackey (reporter), Cathy Carr (secretary), Tommie Flowers (treasurer), Pam Miller (president), Belinda Blackburn (vice-president), Angela Childress (service chair). Second row: Vicki Thomason, Darlene West, Sheryl Mahone, Thomas Carr, Theo Thomason, Donna Hammilton, Nina Rolloff. Back row: Madalyn Brown, Lisa Buchanan, Judy Mahone, Ray Thompson, Henry Childress (historian), Michael Buchanan, Mrs. Betty Smith (sponsor).

pbs-record-player-web — Lisa Buchanan plays records for the PBS Christmas party.

In its second year at FHS, Promotion of Black Students adopted as its year-long project fundraising for the fight against sickle cell anemia. Sponsored by Mrs. Betty Smith, history teacher, the group also sought money for a scholarship for a senior.

Social functions included a dance and fashion show with clothes provided by participating merchants. Proceeds from a soul food dinner went to the sickle cell anemia drive. Prior to Easter, the club took day-care children on an egg hunt.

Mrs. Betty Smith tries a new approach at teaching American history through simulation games.

“I like being in PBS,” said Jo Ann Lackey, “because it helps other people out and it makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something.”

—1976 Amethyst

Reunion Photo 2006

On August 16, 2016August 23, 2016 By besonstIn Earlier Reunions

The 2006 reunion was held at the Fayetteville Country Club on South Mountain. More than 80 alumni attended the reunion.

Front row, from left: ??, Linda Langham, Cecile McKee, Dotty Neely, Liz Reagan, Jenny Jacks, Amy Wilson, ??, ??, Paula Faires?, Debbie Adam, Dan Wickliff, Sherri Starr, Jimmie Brophy.

Second row, kneeling: ??, Nathan McKinney, Steve Smith, Dennis Peterson, Jody Tyson, ??, Lisa Lashley, Laura McKinnon, Gail Davis, Karen Waite.

Third row, kneeling: Diane Bell, ??, Leslie Long, ??, Joey Rodman, Lisa McConnell, Karan Carpenter, ??, Barbara Kane, Liz Adam, Vickie Talburt, ??, Susan Herrington.

Fourth row, standing: Brian Holt, Debbie Drake, Jeff Ward, ??, Anne Scarbrough, ??, Cheryl Clinehens, Soren Kraemer, Hugh Painter, Tom Coker, Mark Springer, Cathy McRee, Nancy Stanbury, ?? Regina Strong, Teensy Kirby, Jerry Cox?, Teresa Garrison, Emmett Watson, Kathy Peele, Aaron Karp, Charlie Alison, Randall Hughes, Joe Terminella.

Back row, standing on chairs: Steve “City” Jones, Drew Phillips?, Darrell Strange?, Terry Reed, Marsha Osing, J.D. Hobbs, Mike Tribble, Eddie LaClair, Read Hudson, Jeff England, Anna Leichner, Rick Turner, Brian Noland?, ??, ??.

Thanks to Kathy Trice Stevens for providing this group picture from the 2006 reunion. If you recognize someone whom we have yet to identify, send a note to FayettevilleClassof76@gmail.com.

‘Miss Brooks,’ Candy Clark Among Honorees

On August 14, 2016August 14, 2016 By besonstIn Post-High School

The Fayetteville Public Education Foundation has announced the names of five people who will be recognized with induction into this year’s Hall of Honor. The honorees include Suzie Brooks Stewart, better known as “Miss Brooks” when the Class of ’76 was still in high school, and Candy Clark, who graduated a year ahead of the Class of ’76.

Stewart began teaching history at Fayetteville High School in 1971 and retired in 2010. She told the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that she tried to make her classroom a welcoming in which students could share a variety of views.

She also served as the district’s social studies coordinator and helped put a greater emphasis on high-level thinking skills in classrooms.

She told the newspaper that she chose her profession because of the influence of teachers whom she had in school, including Vivian Schurfranz, Mary Heflin and Don Deweese.

“I believe that teaching is the most important job,” Stewart told the newspaper. “I always felt that it was important to respect my students, and I hoped they would sense my passion.”

Clark is being honored for her community service as well as her public service on city committees and the Washington County Quorum Court.

Lisa Lashley Higgins, a member of the Class of ’76, was inducted into the Hall of Honor in 2015.

Other honorees for 2016 are Neal and Gina Pendergraft, and Sarah Fennel Buchanan.

Mathemagicians

On July 10, 2016September 21, 2016 By besonstIn Student Organizations

math-club-web — Front row, from left: Marian Crum (sponsor), Simone Killian, Glen Berry, Kim White, Laura McGoodwin, Candy Treat, Rachel Skoney (secretary), Teresa Fields (president), Judy Goff, Becky Segers, Cristine Wolf, Nina Rolloff, Mike Bihn, Van Bennett, Brian Holt, Rick Turner, Marc Riviere. Second row: Debbie Adam, Betsy Stewart, Sheryl Willis, Mohini Chatrothi, Sylvia Blyholder, Kris Chatrothi, Brian Haring, Michael Simpson, Charles Alison, Jeff Hobbs, Mike Brooks, Becky Thomas, Patty Gannon, Jim Beavers, Michael Rudko, Pam Sills, Mark Rupert, Bob Storey. Third row: Terri Kirk, Nancy Pennington, Nancy Hamm, B.L. Lancaster, Alan Solis, Sadhana Mishra, Allison Level, Pam Taylor, Tommie Flowers, Sara Skinner, Georgia Buckley, Kelle Green, Lisa Wallis, Jerry Paulissen, David Cordes, George Alison, Kirk Walters, Johnny Hulett, Janet Roberts. Back Row: Jennifer Desmarais, Katherine Edman, Patricia Ammons, Melissa Teas, Jessica Lowe, Lisa Flynn, Mary Sekiguchi, Gina Turner, Laurie Leonard, Mary Laney, Carolyn Reilly, Sandra Glass, Carolyn Davis, Barbara Leeton, John Stephens, Billy Ourand, Steven Yancey, Marc McGuire, Janet Drake.

According to some of its members, Mu Alpha theta existed “to promote interest in math,” “to help someone get a scholarship,” “to get mathematicians together for business and fun,” “to look good on your transcript.”

math-award — Superintendent Harry Vandergriff along with Teresa Fields, president, congratulates Carolyn Davis after her initiation into Mu Alpha Theta.

But in the eyes of Mu Alpha Theta sponsor, Mrs. Marian Crum, the club was organized “to recognize and encourage outstanding work or scholarship in mathematics.”

At the annual Christmas part, Barbara Leeton was crowned “Sprouts” champion. “Sprouts” is a complicated dot-to-dot game of skill, logic and a bit of luck.

On the agenda for Mu Alpha Theta members in ’75-’76 was a field trip to Tulsa to visit the American Airlines Maintenance Center and Oral Roberts University. The group received reduced rates on Texas Instruments calculators, purchased a new calculator for the advanced math classes and attended the national convention in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Fayetteville Class of 76

Author: besonst

Fashions

Excuses

Senior Class Play: Showboat

Studying?

Theatrical Productions

Honors in Competition

Promotion of Black Students

Reunion Photo 2006

‘Miss Brooks,’ Candy Clark Among Honorees

Mathemagicians