Senior Class History, 1961
by Linda Antle, Carolyn Brown, Jerry Haggard, Judy Maddox, Susan Miller Rosalie Ray, Glenda Summers

Our senior class is unique in that our members came from sophomore classes throughout the city, the state, and from all sections of the country with mixed emotions and high anticipation of building lasting traditions.  From Bell, Edison, Hamilton and Rogers came the most capable students, forming the first Junior Class of Nathan Hale High School.

Two weeks before school, the hot summer days found our newly organized football team slaving under the guidance of Coaches Dry, Miller, and Borum.  Confusion ran high during enrollment week.  School began with bewildered students searching the halls for their classes at which time they renewed old friendships and formed new ones.  During those first few weeks, cheerleaders were chosen and Student Council officers were elected.  Gary, Chris, Claudine and Diana were given the honor of being our first junior class officers.

Our football team received glory when Don Wolfe streaked 88 yards to gain the first Ranger touchdown against Northeast Oklahoma City.  Football season ended with the victory over McLain and the crowning of Football Queen, Cathy Holden, attended by Claudine, Carolyn and Diana.  While the Juniors took the lead in instilling school spirit, we enjoyed sock hops and pep rallies throughout the football and basketball seasons.

We were proud of our boys who, as juniors, brought home many honors to our school in various sports.  Our first trophy was placed on the shelves by the wrestlers, with Ronnie Ricketts as all-city high point man.

With Bill Stanley presiding, the Student Council had a very successful year.  He was supported by Susie, Gary and Bill.  Participating in many interesting projects, Student Council organized the "650 for 60" campaign in which we brought a foreign student, Bill Everett, here from Australia.  The Masonic Awards were won by Judy and Bill.  Jerry and Chris were our delegates to Boys' and Girls' State.

The highlight of the Pop Concert was the crowning of Miss Nahaban I, Pat Dupree, attended by Claudine, Donna and Diana.  Bringing fame to Nathan Hale was Sally, who went to Washington, D.C., after winning the "Voice of Democracy" contest in Oklahoma.

The juniors presented "Speaking of Murder" with Sally in the lead.  During the rehearsals for "Annie Get Your Gun," things began to look dark when Sally was injured; but Jane, with the help of the cast, made the show a success.

After a faithful all-night vigil, Lynn Whitaker was the first to receive her senior ring.  For many days afterward, the seniors to-be parades the halls flashing their rings.  Soon after this was the election of officers, followed by the Spring Formal which climaxed the year.

As seniors, we accepted the responsibility of leading Nathan Hale to higher achievements.  Early in the football season, Jeff Cooper was adopted as the official "Little Ranger," the school mascot.  Another Ranger first was the cheerleaders' spirit jug, and the battle between the Blue and Gray Bands.

As Football Queen, Fran Crain inspired our boys on to another victory over McLain.  The team received further recognition when Donnie and Ralph were named to the All-city football team.

The girls won a victory with the election of Cathy as our first senior class president.  Gary, Paula and Chris proved very helpful in carrying out her administration.  In the meantime, Student Council officers were elected with Bill holding the gavel, supported by Lynn and Susie.

Coach West and the basketball boys surprised us by gaining many victories.  Again we were represented on an all-city team when Mike Barker ranked among the stars.

Progressing on into the year, we find Sally playing a lead, this time in the role of Anne in the senior class play, "The Diary of Anne Frank."  Many seniors also had major and minor roles alike in the all-school production, "South Pacific."  Brenda and Kay played double parts, alternating each night with the lead.

February found Student Council busy with "Another One for 61," this year's project for the foreign exchange student.  The Band presented its annual concert during which Chris Kelamis was crowned Miss Nahaban II.  Jane Barbee was given the Betty Crocker Award for being Nathan Hale's best homemaker; Chris was name D.A.R. representative.

Receiving this year's Masonic Awards were Sharon Honn and Bill Accola; Bill was also elected "Boy of the Year," Chris was "Girl of the Year," and Sharon received the "Outstanding Science Student" Award.

Through the guidance of Coach Knapp, we gained another berth on an all-city team, when Dale Cooper rated high in baseball.

After the excitement of passing out senior pictures, the seniors found [out about] future interesting times when the representatives of various colleges brought forth the requirements of entrance in their schools.

We were proud of Nathan Hale when it received accreditation before a complete year as a full-fledged high school.

With a series of events, including the Senior Prom and Banquet, Chapel Service, Senior Breakfast, Class Day, and most important of all, Commencement, the senior year of Nathan Hale's first graduating class ended.  So, with diplomas in hand, we bid adieu to Nathan Hale and an always to be remembered Senior Year.
 

72 - Number of jokes told by Mrs. Snyder
  2 - Number of laughs received
  2 - Number of A's given

14 - Number of class rings lost
14 - Number of class rings found on
       sophomores

44 - Number of days Mrs. Elson's yearbook
         class met
43 - Number of yearbook parties held
  1 - Number of times Mr. Howard visited
         class

30,000 - Number of senior cards purchased
30,000 - Number of senior cards exchanged
        0 - Number of seniors who know what
             to do with their cards

34 - Number test days in Mrs. Dunham's class
34 - Number of times 80 seniors were absent

5 - Number of fire drills held at Hale
5 - Number of times it rained

165 - Number of bottles of "Miss Bronze" sold
165 - Number of rusty-looking seniors

49 - Number of seniors in Mr. Ellinston's
       classes
49 - Number of seniors in a molecular fog

34 - Number of Student Council meetings
  1 - Number of time S.C. started on time
  1 - Number of meetings Mr. Richmond visited

363 - Number of graduating seniors
    0 - Number of graduating seniors who are
        truly happy to leave Hale