Fred McClain – Fayetteville Class of 76

Jeff England's "cool" exterior hides a worried interior as he bluffs his way through a game of spades. — Jeff England’s “cool” exterior hides a worried interior as he bluffs his way through a game of spades.

Blah Busters

School getting you down? Tired of class after class after class of lectures? All students seemed to feel this way at one time or another, but after 12 years the seniors of ’76 came up with some exciting ways to “beat the blahs.”

For banjo picker Robert Meyer and guitar player Fred McClain, it was playing “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” in English study hall.

Hugh Painter, Phil Goff and Charlie Alison could be found around the school doing card tricks and magic.

“I like to practice magic. It’s loads of fun,” bubbled Phil.

A royal flush makes a big hand for the study hall clan who play poker. It's also a good hand when playing Spades or Hearts. — A royal flush makes a big hand for the study hall clan who play poker. It’s also a good hand when playing Spades or Hearts.

Other seniors relaxed by reading, talking, singing, drawing and playing cards. Terry Reed found enjoyment in “just being with friends.”

So next time a large group gets you depressed or you make a D on your algebra test, try some of the seniors’ ideas on bustin’ the blahs. After all, they had 12 years of practice.

— 1976 Amethyst