Science Fair Dance Memories
When my son was about 5 years old, he proclaimed, “Dad the only thing in life worth keeping is memories.” That was a pretty profound statement for a five year old, so I asked why he felt that way. He went on to explain that memories could be enjoyed alone or shared with friends, and could be taken anywhere you go. Over the 35 years since he made that statement I have reflected upon just how true it was. Now, 50 years after graduating high school, I find myself remembering the good times, the struggles, the triumphs, and the failures. I have certainly kept and reflected on many of those memories. The following is one I chose to share with my classmates.
In the spring of my senior year I volunteered to work with a staff of young ladies to coordinate and put on the Science Fair Dance. I had never undertaken a project like that but was blessed to be working with several very talented young ladies who knew exactly what to do. The dance was to be held in the cafeteria, and the decision was made that we would decorate in a nautical theme. One girl’s father or uncle loaned us enough fishing net to cover the ceiling, and I had a large number of the old Japanese glass ball fish net floats and some dried starfish. It seemed that everyone had something to contribute. Soon we had the place looking really nice.
The dance was a real success with lots of dancers and little or no trouble, although I suspect someone spiked one of the bowls of punch. When the dance was over and we were able to pick up and clean up, we were almost giddy with our delight for having “pulled it off.” Once cleanup was over we all piled into my car, a little red Triumph convertible, and headed downtown to cruise 4th and 5th avenues. It was the thing to do back then. One of the girls, I don’t remember who, suggested we go to the radio station and demand they play a particular song. At that time, the station (I think it was KFQD) was located about where Northern Lights Blvd. and Wisconsin St. are now. So at 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning, we are out there beating on the front door of the station until the operator came out and agreed to play the song. He grumbled on-the-air about being interrupted by a rowdy group of teenagers.
I should also mention that the Science Fair itself was a huge success. There were participants from all over the state, and our very own student body president, Ronald Berg, earned ribbons in the senior physical division and “Best-in-Show.” We had many other winners spread throughout the categories; Harold Scott, Pat Moore, Joel Wight, Hugh Barber, Lynn Cook, Lewis Madden, Dick Gillam, and Mary Ann Neher to mention a few. Many others placed or won in other divisions. The Eagles Cry contained a very nice synopsis for all to review.
All in all, it left me with very fun and fond memories of the entire event. Hopefully, this little missive will bring back other great memories from those years for some of you.
— Mike Nolan