The Decade of the 1960s at ZHSThe 1960s are synonymous with a time of change
in the USA. Events that swirl in our minds as we think of this decade
include the Vietnam War, the John F. Kennedy assassination, and social
upheaval. In the era of Woodstock, the norms of our way of life
were changing. At ZHS during this decade there is a great
deal of normalcy and the impact of change facing the country is gaining
some early momentum in this little bedroom community that remained
traditional, conservative and protected from most of the traumatic
change impacting the country. As the historian looks back through the
notes and archives of ZHS in the 1960s, there was a quiet innocence
there. The social impact and cultural change of the 1960s appeared to
embrace ZHS more in the decade of the 1970s. There were however, some hints of change. The dramatic events of this ZHS decade included: several phenomenal ZHS state basketball championships in rapid succession, the dawning of the first indoor ZHS gymnasium, christened in 1967; an unprecedented Teacher’s Strike that impacted the school, and two particularly influential school principals who shaped the school. Basketball was the pride of ZHS throughout the decade of the 1960’s! Champs in 1960 were Norman Weaver, J.W. Wells, Clayton Stokes, Mike McGinnis, Woody Cone, Larry Benjamin, Clyde Bracknell, Sam Gross, Frank Kearse and Coach Jack Wilson. The 1960-61 ZHS Basketball team set 10 new school records and seven individual marks that stayed in the books for a long time. In 1964, the ZHS bulldogs were featured in a TV interview over WEDU Channel 3 and escorted to Tampa by the School Superintendent Chester W. Taylor for the spectacular program on the team—they were the Varsity State Champions, coached by Coach Charles McKinney, ZHS Athletic Director. Perhaps the best summary of the decade’s basketball success is summarized by alumni, Jerry Pricher on his website which capsulizes—Jerry Pricher, the President of the ZHS Student Council in 1969 (who later served as a Zephyrhills teacher for 30 years, said the following about the timeframe)—
Listen if you will to the sportscasters of the day as they reported with pride on the phenomenal state championship teams, for example:
ZHS also had its own Billy The Kid. Billy McGavern was quite a star…in the February 1961 game with Tampa’s King in a score of 76-34. The News reported…
Basketball permeated the school culture and spilled over into other
institutions. The “Basketball Victory Hop” was popular in
1961. Also in sports history, ZHS brought home the State Baseball
Championship again in 1966. Standouts in regard to school leadership were
two principals of long tenure at ZHS. Charles Henderson left ZHS to be
the principal at the on-campus school, P.K. Yonge at the University of
Florida in 1964 after serving as principal from 1955-57 and again from
1959-1964. He and his successor, shared the distinction as
principals of ZHS of having served two terms as principal, not in
succession. His successor, Raymond Stewart, came in 1964 from
Palmetto High School (with an impressive record as a winning football
coach and AP there) and provided strength of leadership that was
particularly needed during the late 60s and turbulent 1970s for ZHS.
Other significant leaders in education for ZHS during the 1960s
included Margaritta C. Witt, who was the Zephyrhills School Board
member for 19 years (4 terms)and retired in 1968; as a Zephyrhills
resident, she believed it her mission to advocate for ZHS. In
1960, I.A. Krusen had already served 20 years as Chairman of the Pasco
County School Trustees. At the 1963 graduation, Principal Henderson
paid tribute to Mr.Krusen, pointing out that Mr.Krusen had given
diplomas to 23 of the last 24 graduating classes (Mr. Krusen was
convalescing from a heart attack he suffered the December before and
the students gave Mr. Krusen a standing ovation.) Social strife was evident and students were aware of the brewing community issues. Just prior to the integration of the schools in 1970, Daniel Pollock, the ZHS Valedictorian of 1968, delivered one of the most eloquent of Valedictorian speeches and discussed a myriad of societal issues. Perhaps most poignant were his open comments about racial issues in his graduations speech:
Another
turbulent issue was the Teacher Strike in 1968. Nineteen of the ZHS
faculty members walked out in the FEA-induced teacher walk-out and the
state legislature and Governor Kirk, fully supported by the Pasco
School Superintendent, Chester Taylor, took a hard line approach on
their action—declaring it “totally unacceptable,” and
revoked their tenure in some cases. At the high school, Eugenia
Moshonas, guidance counselor, and James Davis, math teacher came back
to honor their contracts while the resignations of six others were
accepted. A byproduct was the closing of school for a few days
and a plea to the community for certified volunteers to fill in. Mr.
Taylor said, “if you have a college degree or some college
training in the correct field…you are needed and will be paid
$26 per day for your services.” Popular 60’s culture was evident.
At the high school Class Nite celebration in 1968, take offs of the
“Smother’s Brothers and Rowan and Martin Laugh In”
were featured. And just like the movies and TV of the day, they
also were censored: Jannette Dunnigan reports in her School Daze
column of 1968, “Would you believe—class night was a
success? Of course, it was even though all the censors, we still came
out a pretty decent Class Night Program. I hope there weren’t too
many hard feelings for you Juniors.” It seemed to be a
combination of the Smothers Brothers Show and Rowan and Martin Laugh
In, two popular television series with our generation. The school news
of the decade does hint at the Vietnam war. Technology had truly come of age at ZHS.
An AV (audiovisual) supply fee of fifty cents was charged in 1962 and
the sports games were broadcast on the local radio station.
Filming of the games even took place in 1968. “All home games of
the Zephyrhills football team will be filmed this fall, thanks to a
contribution voted Monday night by the Quarterback Club at the
year’s first organizational meeting.” –September 5,
1968. The FHA club in May of 1969 had as one of their service projects
the collection of articles for the American soldiers serving in
Vietnam. “Anyone wishing to donate small, useful articles is
asked to bring them to either the home economics building or the main
office.” The popular culture also influenced the Zephilsco (yearbook). Throughout the 1960s, key television celebrities worked with the yearbook vendor to select the coveted ZHS Yearbook King and Queen from among photographs that were sent to them of the nominees. Consider that the following celebrities were selected the yearbook king and queen:
Perhaps from this era of drama, one particular ZHS student, Judy
Goulding who held the title of Miss Zephyrhills, became a novelist and
used the pen name of Ashley Chapel, publishing several books. She was
on student, X.L. Garrison’s committee for the 1962 prom
decorations and served as Girls State delegate…looking back, one
wonders if she wasn’t developing some fodder for her later
romance novels, “Sweet Savage” and “Kiss of
Satin,” published by McFadden Books and Dell Books. In the area of curriculum, vocational courses were increasing. At the ZHS DCT banquet in May of 1964, the community was represented by some 21 area Zephyrhills employers who were involved in the vocational educational program…Back Construction Company, Thriftway, Paul’s Richfield Station, Raymond’s Body Shop and many more. A particular standout was the Florida Power company which is mentioned again and again during the decade as the host of events and the facilitator of the Florida Power Writing Contest. ZHS’ first exchange student, Lillian Daccarett from Santiago, Chile, was involved in the school in January of 1963.
Perhaps most noteworthy in regard to changes in
academics, was the opening of a separate --Zephyrhills school the
newest since 1910. With an enrollment that was growing, there was
a need for a separate elementary school. By enrollment day for
the 1968-69 school year, the combined Zephyrhills school enrollment was
1636. To accommodate this growth during the decade, the West
Zephyrhills school was opened. Superintendent Chester Taylor dedicated
the new school on Zephyrhills Founder’s Day with the ZHS Band
Director John T.V. Clark directing a program of music as he opened the
24 classroom building which cost $181,000. The new principal was Arleis
Ross who had been an Assistant Principal at ZHS. In regard to music, the ZHS band continued to thrive under the leadership of John T.V. Clark and many awards were documented in the archives. FFA had several musical groups as well. For example in 1964, not only did ….
Plays during the decade included: No Boys
Allowed in 1961 and several other comedies. The Safety Patrol
played an important role, almost as a type of forerunner to ROTC
programs which came in the 1980s, PTA celebrations frequently included
ceremonies with involvement of the Florida State Highway Patrol and
Pasco County Sheriff Department for the presentation of membership
badges and honors to the Safety Patrol members. Clubs of the decade are
dominated by FFA, FHA, Student Council and a Youth For Christ Bible
Club. A club in 1960 known as Kids Against Cancer with Gary Crist
as President and Bonnie Reed as VP, worked “to raise money for
research on the cause of cancer and to acquaint students and people in
Zephyrhills with the work that is being carried on…” The first graduation in the new gymnasium took
place in May of 1967 for a 63-member senior class. The ZHS PTA
hosted a spectacular open house at the unveiling of the ZHS gymnasium
on January 12, 1967, and allowed parents and community members to tour
the locker rooms and complete facility in groups of twenty. There was
great pride in the new gymnasium. Graduations continued to be festive events with proms, senior trips and end-of-the year plays that had become traditions. The Prom theme of 1969 took on the Twilight Zone hype with its title, “Outer Limits.” The 1962 prom was held in the Municipal Auditorium which was the case for all of the 1960’s proms. Senior trips took on new looks—in 1963, the seniors voted to do a camping outing to O’Leno State Park near High Springs. The 1962 Senior trip was featured in a magazine cover—the front cover of the March-April Issue of Atlantic Coast Line Railroad News published in Jacksonville featured a giant photo of the Zephyrhills High and Pasco High Seniors of 1962 standing on the front steps of the Capital in Washington, D.C.—the photo was used to illustrate a “sure sign of spring in Washington, D.C.” as a “typical tour group.” (Noteworthy was the combined senior trip from among the two high school rivals, PHS and ZHS). As Zephyrhills Schools embarked upon the second consolidation in 1970 with the integration of students, a review of an important school in the Zephyrhills area is reviewed prior to the year by year analysis of the decade. Teacher/Librarian, Celia Anderson, who was writing a book about education at the time of her death shared the following about that time period in Zephyrhills from her own first-hand experiences. Celia was a ZHS graduate in the 1920s and then taught at ZHS and surrounding schools. Her daughter, Dedi Anderson, shared her writings with the author, and they are printed verbatim:
Photos of the original African-American School in Zephyrhills, which was located on the Krusen property are included as well as a review from information in an interview from community activist/historian, Irene Dobson.
 The school was located at Krusen Quarters from 1949-55. Carrie Mae Parker recalled, “My children went to school in an old wooden schoolhouse. It was one room for blacks only from grades one to six. The school was on part of the Krusen's family pasture. I'm not sure whether he donated the land or not. Later, the school was moved to a larger white school building where the Macedonia Church in Zephyrhills is today. That school had a separation with the first to third grades on one side and the fourth to sixth grades on the other side.” (Cares Bulletin, 2004)
 Photos of students were provided by Irene Dobson. Ms. Dobson related that the above group shows the total school population around 1950.
 At the Zephyrhills Krusen Quarters School. Back row: Eugene Pickett, Joe Blue, Peter Knight. Front row: Joyce Broxton, unknown teacher, Sara Knight.
 Back row: Betty Holmes, Louise Pickett Wilson, unknown girl. Front row: unknown boy, Verdia Mae Jones.
 Back row: Bobbie Pickett, unknown teacher, Leroy Williams, unknown boy. Middle row: unknown boy, unknown girl, Leroy Dumas, Margie Parker, unknown boy, Booker T. Robinson. Front row: unknown girl, unknown boy.
 Sara Knight, Joyce Broxton, unknown teacher, Eugene Pickett, Joe Blue, Peter Knight. The African American School located at Krusen Quarters included Bessie Barefield, Principal (who also taught grades 1-3) and Martha L. Lewis, teacher of grades 4-6. Books and supplies were limited. A pot-bellied stove provided the heat and wood from the oak and pine trees in the area supplied the fuel. An outdoor privy in a shed provided the bathroom. An outdoor spigot provided water.
 Photo above is displayed at Depot and labeled teachers, however it is believed that this was a group of advisors/volunteers.
 Front row: unknown teacher, Mary Etta Holmes, Wilma Blue, Nancy Jones, Mary Alice Stewart. Back row: Lonnie Turner, Bessie Mae Giles, Mattie Holmes.
The Zephyrhills Depot recognized Bessie Barefield, Principal of the African American School in Zephyrhills in 1949. As Ms. Anderson’s synopsis indicated, most African-American students who attended school prior to integration, traveled to Dade City to attend the Moore Academy or O.K. Mickens High School. Photo at left is of Professor J.D. Moore. In the early days of Dade City, education was limited for blacks. At the turn of the century, if black children attended school at all, it was in classes at local churches. There weren't any permanent schools for blacks in Pasco County. If you were black, the best you could expect was six months of school. But in the 1900's a Dade City barber, Arthmus Roberts, initiated the idea of a permanent school for blacks. Robert, a black man, could hardly read and write, but he realized the importance of education and raised the money to start the first school for blacks. Roberts brought Professor J.D.Moore to Dade City to teach at the school. Shortly after, Professor O. K. Mickens came to Dade City from Marion County and began teaching as well. He later became principal and named the school Moore Academy, after Professor Moore. In 1939, Professor Moore donated his property to the county for construction of a new school for blacks. The school was built on Whitehouse which is now Whitehouse Ave and the name Moore Academy was retained.
The Zephyrhills Depot museum has the following song in its archives:
ZEPHILSCO ROYALTYIn the 1960s and 1970s, editors of the Zephilsco asked celebrities to select the yearbook King and Queen. Click on an image for a larger picture.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 1969Murphy Supports New ZHS On Hercules Site, Zephyrhills News, ---1969P.H. “Pat” Murphy, Zephyrhills member of the Pasco County School Board, Monday told a downtown audience that he plans to vote to build a new Zephyrhills High School “on a portion of the 80-acre Hercules property which a prior school board had the vision to buy.” The proposed $9.9 million bond issue to finance construction of the buildings and additions to existing ones in Pasco County was discussed at length at a regular meeting of Zephyrhills Democratic Club Monday evening in the Friendship Room of First Federal Savings and Loan Association. Featured speaker was Murphy, who was joined by Vernon Tate of the Merrill Lynch C., bond brokers and School Superintendent Chester Taylor, and by Dick Prowant and Louis Holt, ZHS graduates who are now juniors at the University of South Florida. The $9.9 million bond issue proposed by the School Board is to cover building needs for the next five years as set forth in a school plant survey conducted by the State Department of Education. Superintendent Taylor gave reminder that “We are not talking about $9.9 million worth of buildings for five years but for expansion of such buildings as Zephyrhills West Elementary as well,” and added, “To me people in Zephyrhills have more at stake in the proposed bond issue than any other community in the county.” Included in the proposal are a comprehensive school with vocational facilities added for Pasco High at Dade City, a new school for New Port Richey, a new elementary school to relieve the crowded situation at Floyd Academy in Lacoochee, Dade City Grammar, Zephyrhills West Elementary, and a new high school for Zephyrhills on a 13-acre minimum plot. Pre-Graduation Downpour Fails To Dampen Spirits of Commencement, Zephyrhills News, June 12, 1969 Zephyrhills High School’s spacious gymnasium was the scene Friday evening of commencement exercises for the 83-member 1969 senior class. Despite a heavy downpour during the half-hour preceding the ceremony, the gym was nearly filled with rain-dampened parents and friends, while the gym lobby was a forest of dripping umbrellas. The white capped and gowned graduates filed into the gym to the strains of “March of the Priests,” played as a processional by James Simons who already had presented an organ preludes, and took their places. The Rev. Millard D. Mount, pastor of the First Christian Church, gave the invocation. Class Salutatorian, Kathleen Shannon used as her topic, “Stairway to the Future.” Richard Back, class president, spoke on the topic, “We Accept the Challenge,” and Gail Connelly, valedictorian chose as topic for her address, “Youth of Today, Establishment of Tomorrow.” Mrs. Monroe Treiman, Secondary Supervisor of Pasco County Schools, presented special awards and P.H. Murphy, District 2 Member of the Pasco County Board of Public Instruction, presented diplomas to the 83 graduates. They were assisted by Principal Raymond B. Stewart, who also made scholarship presentations. Recipients Listed Gail Connelly, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L.V. Connelly, received the valedictorian medal as well as the Beta Club’s $50 scholarship. Kathy Shannon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Shannon, was presented the salutatorian medal, the citizenship and best all-around girl award. Dale Palmer, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Edwin Palmer, received the best all-around boy and scholarship awards as well as the Board of Regents Scholarship and one of the two Southern Scholarship and Research Foundation awards presented. The other went to his brother, Craig Palmer. Douglas Prowant, son of Mr. and Mrs. Myron Prowant, won both the school spirit for boys and the athletic awards as well as the Zephyrhills Jaycees $100 athletic scholarship and one of the two Zephyrhills High School Student Council $50 scholarships given. Melanie Massey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Massey, received the other Student Council $50 scholarship and the school spirit for girl’s award. The activities award went to Jerald Pricher, son of Mr. and Mrs. Otis Pricher, and Margaret Ann Neal, daughter of Mrs. Marilyn Neal, was awarded the Delta Kappa Gamma $50 scholarship. The Rev. Carl R. Bennett pastor of the Wesleyan Church, gave the benediction and Simons played “Pomp and Circumstance” as the recessional to which the graduates filed out of the gymnasium. Ushers were members of the junior class including Bobby Simons, Cliff Brown, David Krystofiak, Mike McCreadie, Ed Chadwell, Patty Hayden, Deborah Hambright, Lynn Murphy, Kathy Bamberger, and Sabra Cooper. Commencement speeches Salutatorian Shannon “Doors are open and for the Class of ’69 another swings open revealing an endless multitude of opportunities. What the future holds for each of us is impossible to determine, for it will be our deeds and actions which will shape not only our individual futures but the future or our nation and that of the entire world…” “We are now young adults, members of a generation which is supposed to be more aware of and concerned with the problems of this world than any other previous generation. Our mind is filled with ideas about almost every vital issue from poverty in our streets to the war in Vietnam, but we who should be speaking out are keeping silent, while those who should remain silent are being heard loud and strong. Our generation is being represented by a minority of young people who burn their draft cards and degrade the American flag.” “Silence and indifference by those who should care and don’t are two of the worst diseases that plague our society today. Thoughts which should be expressed are often confined forever within the realms of silence. Ideas that could benefit humanity never escape from behind the closed lips of people who are afraid to speak or stand up for what they believe.” “Many people are afraid to express their views for fear of being labeled as ‘square.’ They are too worried about what others will think to speak their mind. Eventually they end up following the crowd and agreeing with every word it says. Conformity is supposed to be a dirty word to the tuned-in, turned-on generation yet they followed like sheet anyone who has a “cause” simply because everyone else is.” “Out of their mouths flow the words and ideas of others. They become merely a carbon copy of a thousand other people. They possess their own opinions but remain silent for fear of the loss of a grade, a job or even a friend. They are afraid to speak for fear of being ridiculed or rejected by people they call their friends.” “Silence and indifference can spread and destroy our minds just like cancer. Remaining silent too long renders a person unable to think for himself. He must then rely on others to think for him and accept their ideas with no questions asked.” “Our generation is traveling on a stairway to the future. Will this stairway be filled with indifferent, uncompassionate people or with people who will speak out with humanity?” Class President’s Address Richard Back, in his class president’s address, said that “For some, graduation day arrived too soon, but others of us have looked forward to it for a long time. Now we have reached this hour of decision and as a class we will accept the challenge that our times present. “During the last four years we have acquired useful knowledge and have perfected the techniques that are needed for every adult. We have changed from adolescents into individuals ready to assume the responsibilities of American citizenship. We hope we may meet this new challenge courageously and fulfill the responsibilities properly…Regardless of the paths we take, there is an important decision we must make. Will we be content to be followers or will we accept the big challenge of leadership?” “Few of the great accomplishments of mankind can be attributed to persons who were content to spend their lives as more followers. The unusual progress of America is due in large part to those people who have taken the path of leadership when a leader was needed…” “If there is one thing that will doom this graduating class to a life of mediocrity it will be our unwillingness to accept challenges or aversion of becoming leaders. Today we see many high school graduates who adopt the habit of unthinking following. Without even thinking they become the willing people who follow others and allow them to do all the thinking. These are the people destined to a life of mediocrity. If we recognize no challenge and have no desire to become a leader, we are doomed forever to be a follower. I do not desire such an end for the Class of 1969! “Most of the seniors, whether or not they realize it, have followed the simple credo of Abraham Lincoln. “I will prepare and maybe my time will come.” After preparing ourselves we must make a choice. Will we attempt the bold and new or will we allow others to do our thinking for us? It is my sincere hope the Class of 1969 will accept the challenges of leadership that may come our way and prove ourselves in the eyes of men.” The Valedictorian Speaks Gail Connelly, using “Youth of Today, Establishment of Tomorrow” as her topic, said, “This day embraces the past with remembrance and the future with longing. However, life doesn’t tarry with yesterday and as we receive our diplomas we must march with proud determination toward tomorrow.” “We have received the basic American education and we are now ready to begin a new era that will be filled with disillusionment, disappointments, and some failures. Yet, this era also offers us our big chance—the chance to pursue our individual dreams and convictions and the chance to make our establishment what we want it to be, and what are our views and ideas for the future world….we must pause and consider these self-made opinions. Are they trustworthy? Will these same opinions which are gathered, tested, and weighed so carefully be concrete enough to endure arising tensions? Are these ideas selfishly inspired or are they directed toward the betterment of mankind? In action and application they should permit every man the right of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness so long as his right does not interfere with such rights of any other living man. These opinions will be the basis for principles with which to govern our establishment. “Let demonstration be the advertiser of our principles. Demonstration—not by antagonism but by accomplishment! Our accomplishments will outstay a minority group of dissenters’ intent upon frightening us into silent submission. The threat posed by this group challenges us to “tell it like it is.” In defense of youthful idealism, we must accept that challenge.” “We are proud to claim America as our establishment. We are America’s offspring. As young Americans we have the courage to face and solve any problem that might confront our honored parent. We realize that a lost son may be replaced by another of the same lineage, but if the parent be destroyed there can be no more such offspring produced. Therefore it is our responsibility to protect America.” “The leaders of our homes, communities and country—that is, you, our parents, represent today’s establishment. Although we often disagree with your methods of administration we, nevertheless, respect them. We are willing to cooperate with you in hopes that the bonds of friendship will make life less difficult and will strengthen our governing abilities.” “We of the Class of 1969 must unite in a supreme effort the most advantageous or our country than any preceding one. And, as we progress toward the fulfillment of our goal let us constantly follow and thank our God.” Speaker Tells 83 ZHS Seniors, Zephyrhills News, June 5, 1969, by Alice Hall The spacious sanctuary of First Baptist Church was filled to capacity Sunday evening for impressive Baccalaureate services honoring the 83-member graduating class of Zephyrhills High School. Wearing white gowns and matching mortarboards, the seniors filed in to the strains of “March of the Priests” played by James Simons, organist, and took their seats in the center front pews. Green and white tassels on the mortarboards as well as an artistic arrangements of white gladioli and chrysanthemums with greenery on the altar table embodied the class colors. The Rev. Leslie C. Poe, pastor of the Church of the Nazarene, gave the invocation praying “God’s richest blessing on these young people and the homes they represent. Grant them the grace and wisdom to choose the right way of life, making this their main purpose rather than seeking material things or social prestige and above all help them realize the necessity of anchoring their lives to the solid rock of Thy father and abiding love.” Mrs. P.H. Murphy accompanied at the organ by Mrs. Nathan Geiger sang, “I Shall Not Pass Again This Way.” Principal Raymond B. Stewart welcomed the audience to the special service for the 1969 graduating class, 28 members of which have obtained a better than “B” average, and extended an invitation to all to attend the commencement exercises Friday evening in the Zephyrhills High School gymnasium. Host Pastor Is Speaker He then presented the Reverend Charles Roesel, pastor of the host church and president of the Zephyrhills Ministerial Association, to give the inspirational baccalaureate address. Using “A Life Worth Living,” as his topic, the Rev. Mr. Roesel based his presentation on Jesus’ words, “I am come that you might have life and that you might have it more abundantly.” Mr. Roesel told the audience that “life is worth living if you have a self fit to live with, a work fit to live for and a faith fit to life by.” Quoting Edgar A. Guest’s poem “Myself,” the minister went on to say if the truth be known few put into practice what the poet penned…we find people who are miserable, walking civil wars who are at war with the whole world because they have no peace of mind or of heart themselves and many who hate the whole world because they hate themselves.” “Many people have no sense of purpose…many get up in the morning for no other reason than to go to sleep again at night, many are in the bleachers watching life but don’t want to get involved in living. There is much talk—which is cheap but little action. As long as we are concerned only with self we never know life either before or after death, for it is only when we lose ourselves in service to others that we really begin to live,” he said. Noting that a first place award recently was awarded to an artist on a painting which merely showed a closed door bearing a funeral wreath with the title inscription reading, “That Which I Should Have Done I Did Not Do.” The Rev Mr. Roesel said, “This is a grim reminder of the minimum kind of living many people engage in--the dead beats. The good people who are good for nothing. The people who do not excel in anything. The people who do not realize that life was never intended to be polished. Those who do just as little as they can and spend their lives giving first class loyalty to third class causes, those who live to themselves and for themselves, those who just drift to and fro…the kind of people who cause us to ask ‘is life worth living?’” The minister said that “It’s interesting to note there aren’t a great many people today asking the question ‘Is there life after death?’ but there are a lot of people asking ‘Is there life before death? Is there any real purposeful and lasting meaning to life right here and now?’” Turning to the Scriptures, the Rev. Mr. Roesel said, “I doubt if Jesus attended many forums or discussion groups. He was so busy changing people and situations. He had little time for idle talk and speculations. Jesus might have preached lengthy sermons on topics like the dignity of labor but instead He worked in a carpenter’s shop, or on temptation but instead He met and conquered temptation in the wilderness…or on the immortality of the soul but instead He raised the dead, or on the worth of children but instead He stopped His sermon to love little children, or on God answering prayer but instead He prayed, on the blessing of humility but instead He took a towel and washed the feet of His disciples or on the equal worth of all men but instead He gave his time to the poor and outcast.” In the same vein the minister continued: “Jesus could have led a poor people’s march, but instead He took a small boy’s lunch and fed 5,000. You seniors can be good Monday morning quarterbacks telling others how to play the game or you can get down in the field and do the job. You can bring about desired changes and while all of us will some day die of something. God grant that some of us will die for something!” In conclusion, the Reverend Mr. Roesel urged the seniors to hold fast to their faith in God and reminded, “you may die before you ever really live unless you find life worth living.” The Reverend Richard A. Pollard, vicar of St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church, gave the benediction praying especially for the 83 seniors who sang as he prayed. “God’s divine guidance for these we remember especially now as they are about to graduate and go out into the world. Bless these graduates; give them the courage to support right as they see it and the joyous satisfaction of being useful in the world. Thou has created. Let them help bring peace to the world, holding fast to that which is good, rendering no man evil for evil, strengthening the fainthearted, supporting the weak, helping the afflicted, honoring all men, loving and serving the Lord from day to day.” Simons played “March Pontifical” as the recessional. Ushers were members of the sophomore class including Bill Porter, Rick Moore, Jeff Brown, Randy Jordan, Steve Regan, Debbie Boan, Jennifer Douglas, Patty Barlow, Lynda Stewart, and Joellyn Rooks. Many Students Honored At Awards Assembly, Zephyrhills News, May 29, 1969 Recognition of achievements of many Zephyrhills High and Junior High School students was made Friday during Awards Assemblies at which Jerry Pricher, president of Student Council, presided in the gymnasium. A listing of the awards was again made available to the News through the cooperation of Miss Eugenie Moshonas, director of guidance and faculty members including Lamar Stephens, assistant guidance counselor and James Davis, head of boys. Principal Ray B. Stewart, gave the welcoming address at both the morning and afternoon assemblies, presented honor roll awards to a total of 43 students and also presented student service awards to Kathy Shannon and Jerry Pricher as the girl and boy in the senior class who had given the most time and service to the school. Honor certificates for A grade honors achievements went to Jeffrey C. Brown, Andrij R. Neczwid, Patricia A. Hayden, Julie E. Phipps, Margaret Ann Neal and Janet Gay Huber. A-B awards were given to Deborah J. Archie, Deborah E. Finnell, Marlies Gerber, Evelyn S. Jones, Carl D. Lippincott, Lois Ann Wells, Thomas P. Eiland, Valerie J. Smith, Kathleen M. Shannon, Dale C. Palmer, Craig O. Palmer, Terry W. Linville, Gail P. Connelly, Mary Ann Hinsz, Phyllis K. Stafford, Patricia A. Thomas, Brenda S. Hughes, Carolyn E. Weicht, Joel Wesley, Wells and Raymond R. Bohannon, all in high school; Donna Bayles, Brenda Kendrick, Mary Neal, Susan Sunka, Carol Brown, Judy Coleman, Sybil Ferguson, Sharon Arnold, Bonnie Brocies, Judy Alston, Sue Boyette, Donna Grace, Wanda Kraus, Martha Knapp and Terri Rickard, all in junior high. Harold Owens of the Civitan Club presented a $25 U.S. Savings Bond to Ann Neal as first place winner in the club-sponsored essay writing contest on the theme “Good Citizenship in School.” Cash awards went to Sue Ellen Thompson and Sue Douglas, second and third place winners. Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary awards presented by Mrs. Robert Sibley included $25 to Ann Neal as winner in the Voice of Democracy contest as well as a medal for placing second in District 12, with a plaque to the school; $10 to Sue Ellen Thompson as first place winner in an Americanism essay writing contest with cash awards to Julia Phipps and Marlies Gerber as second and third place winners, all in high school; $10 to Phyllis Jarrett for winning first place in an essay writing contest with cash awards to second and third place winners Michael Walker and Karl Wickstrom, all in junior high. VFW Citations of Appreciation were presented to Odis Hill, Melissa Johnson, Donna Sampson, Thomas Goodrich, Barbara Walker, Phyllis Stafford and Kathy Mullen in the high school division to Esscience Pendarvis and Michael Cox in junior high American Legion School Awards were presented by Zephyr Post 118 Commander Lucy Mae Knox to Vickie Griffin and Karl Wickstrom, both junior high students. Miss Moshonas made presentations of Florida Board of Regents Awards to Linda Lippincott and Dale Palmer, both seniors with B+ averages. Recipients of National Education Development Test recognition from Miss Moshonas were Marlies Gerber, Judy Thain, Linda Stewart, and Valerie Wickstrom, all 10th grade students in the upper 10 percent bracket on the national test results. Five 9th graders honored for being in the top 10 percent of the NEDT were: Clifford Travis, Bruce Vogel, Eric Huber, Don Robinson Jr. and Michael Boyette. Mrs. Johnson presented the Betty Crocker award to Janet Huber and the Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship to Ann Neal Other Scholarship Awards Zephyrhills High School Student Council Scholarships, valued at $50 each were presented to Melanie Massey and Douglas Prowant by the council’s sponsor, Ronnie Haws. The Beta Club $50 scholarship award went to Gail Connelly, with Courtney King, the club’s sponsor, making the presentation. Andrij Neezwid, 10th grade student, was presented the Florida State University Summer Institute Mathematics Scholarship by John Geiger of the high school faculty. Bruce Vogel was recipient of the Student Council Service Award, the presentation made by the council’s sponsor Ronnie Haws. Florida Star Student and Star Teacher recognition went to Dale Palmer for having the highest scholastic aptitude in the high school and to the teacher he selected, Victor Smith, with the presentation being made by Miss Moshonas. Outstanding Teens Citations as Outstanding Teenagers of America were presented by Victor Smith of the faculty to Jerry Pricher, Dale Palmer and Kathy Shannon. William Alexander, English Instructor, presented the Danforth Foundation “I Dare You” awards to Kathy Shannon and Dale Palmer and the Readers Digest award to Gail Connelly. Miss Pat Hunt, librarian and sponsor of the Dramatics Club presented the Dramatics Awards to Jimmy Simons. Recipients of County Science Fair Awards from Miss Vivian Johns, sponsor, were Julia Phipps and Andrij Neczwid in the high school division; Sybil Ferguson, Steve Dixon, Karl Wickstrom and Dan Miller in the junior high. Spelling awards presented by Miss Marion Ditter, sponsor, went to Joey Higdon, Patty Knoblett, Eddie Zeigler and Phyllis Jarrett, all junior high students. Safety Patrol Victor Smith, sponsor, made junior high safety patrol awards to Pat Barber, Russell Braddock, Steve Dixon, Earl Florer, Jimmy Hoyle, Donald Knoblett, Monty Lott, Richard Morris, Tony Neal, David Ripley, Harry Ross, Gerald Strickland, Stanley Quattlebaum, Cliff Travis, Jeff Travis, and Robert White. Band Awards Bandmaster John T.V. Clark Jr. presented band awards as follows: Perfect Attendance—Rodney Price, Kathy Shannon, Gary First, Patty Hayden, Jimmy Simons, Henry Doerr, Lisa Gall, James Kaylor, Andrij Neczwid, Bob Simons, Cheryl Trogden and Pat Shaffer, all in high school; Tommy Eikeland, Gail Hambright, Cindy Hail, Ralph Shireman, Cheryl Simcoe, Bruce Vogel and Carol McLeod, all in junior high. State contest solo and ensemble medals—Rodney Price (2), Andrij Neczwid, Valerie Wickstrom, Carl Cooper, Sue Thompson, Linda Martinson, Linda Lippincott, Lois Wells, Patty Hayden and Kathy Muse. Typewriting Awards Typewriting awards were presented by Mrs. Alpha Gill, commercial instructor. Recipients in three categories were: Students making 40-50 net words per minute—Joyce Anderson, Charlotte Barrow, Jeannette Bohannon, Cliff Brown, David Brown, Beverly Carroll, Debbie Carroll, Keathel Chauncey, Joe Chenkin, Martha Colandria, Billy Coleman, Billy Coyne, Thomas Eiland, Gary First, Gege Gautney, Roy Hauer, Odis Hill, Edward Holt, Sharon Huston, Diana Jackson, David Krystofiak, Larry Lindsay, Terry Linville, Valerie Lyles, David McCreadie, Joy Overstreet, Willadean Rathel, Robert Reeves, Jackie Sabo, Pat Shaffer, Donna Sansom, Debbie Simmons, Beverly Smith, Doy Smith, Linda Stewart, Judy Thain, Barbara Tippett, Wade Toler and Lois Wells. Students making 50 to 60 net words per minute—Jeff Alston, Gail Connelly, Louise Costine, Joyce Emery, Herbert Ferrell, Debbie Finnell, Patty Hayden, Alice McKenzie, Valerie Smith, Valerie Wickstrom, and Joy Williamson. Students making 60 to 80 net words per minute—Kathy Bamberger, Marlies Gerber, Kathy Muse and Sue Thompson. Cheerleader Awards Mrs. Sue Cushing presented varsity cheerleader letters to Melanie Massey, Debbie Forbes, Debbie Hambright, Lynn Murphy, Sabra Cooper, and Joyce Emery. Junior varsity cheerleader letters went to Patti Barlow, Mabel English and Reva Toler while junior high cheerleader recognition went to Pam Griffin, Debbie Woolfolk, Janice Winn, Linda Thomas, Phyllis Jarrett, Mary Jane Pendavis, Terri Rickard, Judy Alston and Glenda Sisk. Baseball Awards Athletic Director John F. Clements presented varsity baseball letters to Johnny Braxton, Cliff Brown, Jeff Brown, Keathel Chauncey, Eddie Colandria, Billy Coyne, Johnny Harrelson, B.B. Lane, Ricky Moore, Ray Mullis, Dale Palmer, Rubin Pickett, Bill Porter, Doug Prowant, Elton Williams and Kenny Young. Coach Marion Crawford presented junior varsity letters to Buford Jenkins, Randy Jordan, Jay Kingston, Chuck Larson, Bill Shannon, Bobby Alexander, Marty Bird, David Calhoun, Bruce Christopher, Larry Green, Fred Hood, Phillip Hood, John Moore, James Mullis, Walter Poplick, Skip Riley, Joey Streer, Larry Whitehead, and Karl Wickstrom. Students Cited On Awards Day, Zephyrhills News-Photo, May 29, 1969 Caption reads…Students Cited on Awards Day—Winners of special recognition on Awards Day Friday at Zephyrhills High School were these nine members of the senior class. Seated left to right: Kathleen Shannon, class salutatorian, school service, Danforth Foundation and outstanding teenager award; Ann Neal, Civitan and VFW essay contests winner, Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship; Linda Lippincott, Florida Board of Regents Award; and Gail Connelly, class valedictorian and Beta Club scholarship winner. In back from left Jerry Pricher, school service and outstanding teenager awards; Dale Palmer, star student, Florida Board of Regents, Danforth Foundation and outstanding teenager awards; Janet Huber, Betty Crocker homemaker award; Melanie Massey and Doug Prowant, both Student Council scholarship award winners. Science Fair Winners, Zephyrhills News, January 23, 1969 Science Fair Winners—Voted winners of first place honors by judges of the annual Science Fair at Zephyrhills High School were these five students—Danny Miller, first for Junior High Botany; Julie Phipps, Senior High zoology; Karl Wickstom, Junior High earth and space; Syble Ferguson, Junior High Zoology; Steve Dixon, Junior High Physics. Person taking the picture was Andrij Neczwid who conducted an experiment on the hereditary effect of artificial sweeteners on fruit flies—first place in Senior High health and medicine. The winners are eligible to enter the Pasco County Science Fair. Others who entered the local contest are: Dale Enix, Cole Skinner, Pat Barber, Lenore Shive, Jacke Archie and Jim Duckett. Thinclads Shatter Two More School Records: In TBC Meet Action Today, Zephyrhills News, April 17, 1965 Another two school track and field records were shattered at East Bay Friday, although the Zephyrhills High School cindermen came in second in a triangular meet. And in setting a new school record in the 440 of 52.1 seconds speedster Clarence Odom was second in the race. The other mark was set by Jerry Pricher who won first in the 880 with a time of 2:08.6. East Pay, a heavy favorite to win the Tampa Bay Conference track and field meet today at Ft. Meade tallied 123 points in the match Friday. Zephyrhills was second with 45 points and Turkey Creek third with 33. Ft. Meade has the best chance to upset East Bay in the TBC meet while Coach Jim Davis’ Zephyrhills boys are hoping for a second or third. All seven TBC schools have track teams and will be participating. In other events in Friday’s triangular at East Bay, Odom also won the 100-yard dash with a 10.2 time, while Mike McCreadie took first in the low hurdles and second in the highs. Mark Penny won second in the lows, and the mile relay team composed of Odom, McCreadie, Ken Sampson and James Giles took first. The district track meet will be May 2 at Ft. Meade with all winners of first or second places going on to the state meet. Junior Class to Present Play, “Hold the Phone,” on Saturday, Zephyrhills News, April 17, 1969 Picture Caption: “Hold the Phone” is the name of the 1969 Junior Class Play to be presented for the public Saturday night in the high school auditorium. Members of the case include: Beverly Smith, Shirley Rose, Jo Ann Breckenridge, Lynn Murphy, and Valerie Smith. Also Carolyn Perry, Jim Simons, Chester Cardwell, Thomas Eiland, Wade Toler, Odis Hill Jr. and Miss Marion Ditter, faculty director. Absent when the photo was made were Cheryl Trogden and Gary First. Who could have thought such a thing could happen, and of all people, to Bob Brantley. In his hometown they called him “Bashful Bob.” He has a bad case of “female phobia” and shied away from women as from poison. And now, only two days after coming to the big city, he has fallen in love with one girl and got himself engaged to another. This is the basic plot of “Hold the Phone,” a comedy in three acts by Felicia Metcalfe to be presented Saturday evening in the Zephyrhills High School auditorium by the Class of 1970 in cooperation with the Heuer Publishing Company. Senior Play Set Friday, Zephyrhills News, June 30, 1969 The curtain will open at 8 p.m. Friday on “Brides to Burn,” this year’s senior class play at Zephyrhills High School auditorium. Tickets will be available at the door for the 3-act comedy farce. Mrs. Constance Kaylor is director and students include Jerry Pricher, Bob Kinne, Melanie Massey, Anne Neal, Virginia Manley, Donna Sansom, Linda Wells, Barbara Rooks, Martha Colandria, Larry Bryant, Craig Palmer, Joy Reutimann, Joe Ahrens, Carolyn Dean, and Richard Miller. Cagers Battle Santa Fe, Then Mulberry for TBC Loop Lead, Zephyrhills News, January 20, 1969 The Santa Fe Hawks, narrow winners over the Zephyrhills Bulldogs at Lakeland earlier this month and more recently triumphant in an upset of Tampa Catholic will square off against the Bulldogs again Saturday in the ZHS gym. Zephyrhills winners over Ft. Meade and Brewster in games this past week and now boasting a record of 11 wins and six losses and 7-1 in Tampa Bay conference play, will have its work cut out but Coach Carroll Phillips is somewhat optimistic about the possibilities. “We have some idea of how to play the Hawks now, and if our boys produce their customary team effort, a balanced scoring attack should give us the win,” the head Bulldog told the News. Except for Dale Palmer, who is still recovering from a sore arm, the team is intact again. Bill Porter playing at full speed against Brewster Tuesday night. Tuesday of next week the “Dogs will travel to Mulberry for a game that may decide ownership of the TBC crown for Zephyrhills and the Panther are tied for the league lead. The Bulldogs have lost twice to the tall Mulberry crew, once in the Christmas finals and again in the ZHS gym, so the edge will be the hosts. The Phillips men will be hoping for overconfidence on the Panther’s part, and for an unusually good game of their own. Top Ft. Meade Miners Friday night Richard Back scored 22 points to lead the Orange and Black to a 49-36 triumph over Ft. Meade. Rodney Price hit 11 and Richard McLellan eight, while David Krystofiak, who got the ball on passes only three times in the game, scored only one field goal and hit three free throws for four points. He led rebounders, however, with 17. It was the second big game in a row for Back, who was hitting his long jump shot with precision canning nine in the game. Ft Meade—9, 8, 10, 9—36 Zephyrhills—10, 14, 16, 9—49 The junior varsity also won by a large margin, building its best record in many seasons behind the fine play of several boys, all of whom shared honors, according to Coach Lamar Stephens. Brewster 58-44 Victim Paced by 6-5 Krystofiak, who scored many of his baskets on tip-ins of shots taken by other Dogs, the team won over Brewster Tech of Tampa here Tuesday night 58-44. Richard McLellan turned in his 16 points, while Back continued to rip the nets with his sharp eye for 12. Coach Phillips was pleased with the play of Keathel Chauncey, who hit five points and helped slow the team down when racehorse tendencies led to several ball losses. Doug Prowant scored two points and Bill Porter one in the win. Krystofiak led rebounders with 15, while Back snagged eight. Score by quarters: Brewster—8, 9, 12,15—44 Zephyrhills—11, 17,7,23—58 The Jayvees had an easy time with the Brewster Baby Rams, scoring a lop-sided 58-18 victory. Former ZHS Basketball Star Blessing To Be Assistant Principal at West Elementary, Zephyrhills News, May 1975 Leland Brant Blessing, former Zephyrhills High School basketball star, will return to this community in the fall as the new assistant principal of West Zephyrhills Elementary School, Principal Ferd E. Renninger has announced. West Elementary has 900 students on double sessions; the school has a rated capacity of about 600 students, Principal Renninger has never had a fulltime assistant. Blessing is a native of Daytona, Ohio, and is qualified to teach elementary and secondary physical education and high school biology. A 1965 graduate of Zephyrhills High School, he was a member of the ZHS state championship basketball team in Class B, 1964 and helped the team defend the title into the regional finals in 1965. He earned the associate of arts degree in physical education at Yancey State Junior College in Alabama in 1968, and the bachelor of science degree in physical education with a minor in biology at Troy State University in Alabama in 1970. He has done graduate work at Florida A&M University in administration and supervision and expects to earn his master’s degree in that field next month there. For two months in 1970 Blessing coached football at Pasco Junior High School in Dade City and he has taught biology and been baseball and basketball coach at Chattahoochee High School in Chattahoochee since August of 1971. A sergeant in the Marine Corps Reserve, Blessing is married. His wife is an elementary school teacher. School Daze by Kathy Shannon, Zephyrhills News, May 8, 1969 The Key Induction ceremony was used last Wednesday for the induction of 31 new members into the ZHS chapter of the National Beta Club. This ceremony involved explaining the keys of achievement, character, leadership and service and how they can be used to unlock the doors of success in life. The 31 students were “tapped” on the shoulder, an ancient chivalric symbol of recognition and honor. The students who were tapped had earned at least a 3.2 grade average for a period of three semesters and were approved by the faculty as well as the Beta Club members. The following students have been voted to join the club: Anne Neal, Sue Douglas, Janet Huber, Kathy Oliver, Raymond Bohannon, Julie Phipps, Tom Eiland, Otis Hills, Bill Coyne, Herbert Ferrell, Irene Graf, Dennis Hartley, David Krystofiak, Larry Lindsay, Jeff Brown, Debbie Dinsmore, Debbie Finnell, Marlies Gerber, Evelyn Jones, Randy Jordon, Larry Kretschmar, Carl Lippincott, Andrij Neczwid, Lois Wells, Mabel English, Valerie Wickstrom, Jackie Archie, Edward Holt, David Oliver, Lynda Stewart and Joyce Anderson. Congratulations to Andrij Neczwid who placed second in the state talent contest which was held in conjunction with the State Beta Club Convention in Jacksonville last weekend. For the contest, Andrij played “Fantasia Impromptu” by Chopin. Three other delegates also attended this convention in Jacksonville. They were Lynn Murphy, Barbara Rooks and Valerie Wickstrom. Many ideas were gained at the convention for use in the club next year. Accompanying the students to Jacksonville was Mr. William Alexander. Congratulations to Anne Neal who has brought honor to ZHS by placing 3rd in the public speaking contest at the state Cooperative Education Clubs of Florida Convention last weekend in Jacksonville. Also representing the DCT Club of ZHS were Brenda Hughes, Janet Huber, Debbie Forbes, and Inge Hennessy. Mr. Stanley Kendrick accompanied the students. Business law students at ZHS commemorated “Law Day” (May 1) by presenting “A Mock Trial.” Directing and sponsoring the 1-act play was Mr. Ronald Haws. Members of the cast included: Virginia Manley, Keathel Chauncey, Larry Bryant, James Duckett, Dwight Meengs, Chester Cardwell, Frank Neal, Linda Lippincott, Allen Greene, J.B. Braxton, Carl Copper, Donna Sansom, Bobbie Jackson, Kathy Bamberger, Marlene Davis, and Merle Williams. Other students helping with the production were Richard McLellan, Gail Drew, Nancy Massey, Sharon Bracknell, Jerry Gill, Gary Ouderkirk, James Kelley, Dennis Schall, and Wade Toler. Future Homemakers of America of ZHS are collecting articles to send to American soldiers serving in Vietnam. Anyone wishing to donate small, useful articles is asked to bring them to either the home economics building or the main office. The drive will end May 13. On this day FHA members have planned an International Dinner. Rex Brown, who will show slides on Africa and the Holy Lands, will be the featured speaker. Good Luck this weekend to the Bulldog Basketball team in the State Tournament and to the Bulldog band in the State Finals. ZHS is indeed “on the map.” Clarence Odom In Broad Jump at Gainesville Meet, Zephyrhills News, May 8, 1969 Only one Zephyrhills High School trackman qualified at the district meet last week to advance to the state track finals at Gainesville this weekend. He is Clarence Odom, who went to the meet last year in the 100 yard dash, but who this year had to make a broad jump of 20 feet 10 ½ inches to earn his state meet berth. Coach Jim Davis told the News, “it was rough at the district. In any other district we would have qualified several boys to go, but our district is terrific; there were some great times turned in.” Davis and Odom leave Friday morning and the broad jump event is to be held early in the day. 10th Annual Alumni and Friends Biggest and Best Ever, Zephyrhills News, June 26, 1979 by Jaynell LeHeup Hopes for the biggest and best became a reality Sunday for the 10th annual Zephyrhills High School Alumni and Friends Reunion. At 1 p.m. the group’s President H.D. Pollock, Class of 1935 gave the welcome. ….Attending included “Miss Zephyrhills of 1969, the former Miss Debbie Forbes, now Mrs. Jim Sessoms of Dade City, accompanied by her son, Page, joined her parents, Vance Forbes, Class of 1933 and Norma, Class of 1937; Mr. and Mrs. Donnie Nelson, Class of 1958, Sharon, class of 1960 and other relatives. Mrs. Pat Forbes Lucas, Class of 1967 accompanied by her son, Marc, and fiancé, John Newcomer of Tampa; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bandrimer of Miami and children, Lisa and Bobby. Mrs. Bandrimer is the former Miss Barbara Sabin, Miss Zephyrhills of 1951.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 1968School Days for 93 Graduates, Zephyrhills News, June 6, 1968The Zephyrhills High School gymnasium was the scene last evening of commencement exercises for the 93-member senior class. Jimmy Simmons played an organ prelude, then “March of the Priests” as the processional during which the white capped and gowned graduates filed into the hall and took their places. The Rev. James Smith, pastor of Double Branch Church of which the class president is a member, gave the invocation. Acie Ellerbe, president of the 1968 graduating class spoke on the topic, “Using Our Education.” Class Salutatorian, Rene Geddes uses as her topic, “The Value of A True Teacher” and H. Daniel Pollock, valedictorian, chose the class motto, “Today’s Challenge is Tomorrow’s Quest” as topic of his address. Mrs. V.E. Witt, longtime member of the Pasco County Board of Public Instruction from Zephyrhills who is retiring after 20 years of service, presented special awards. The salutatorian medal went to Rene Geddes and the valedictorian medal to Danny Pollock, who also was the recipient of the Activities Award. John Neal, with a 486 score out of a possible 495, won the Scholarship Award and Ryan Gray won the school’s Athletic Award. School Spirit awards were presented to Acie Ellerbe, Class President and to Janette Dunnigan. June Standland won the Citizenship Award. Riki McGinnis won the Best All-Around Boy Award and also was the recipient of the $100 Jaycees Athletic Scholarship. June Standland also was recipient of the Best All-Round Girl Award. $25 US Savings Bonds were presented by Zephyrhills Rotary Club to both the valedictorian and salutatorian. Pres. Ferd Renninger made the presentation. Chester Taylor, Pasco County Superintendent of Public Instruction, assisted by Prin. Raymond B. Stewart, presented diplomas to the 93 graduates. Principal Stewart also gave recognition to winners of scholarships which had previously been announced. The Rev. Leslie C. Poe, pastor of the Church of the Nazarene, gave the benediction and Simons played “Pomp and Circumstance” as the recessional to which the graduates filed out of the gymnasium. Ushers were members of the junior class including Sue Douglas, Melanie Massey, Cathy Muse, Barbara Rooks, Sue Thompson, Joe Ahrens, Richard Back, Rodney Price, Jerry Pricher, and Doug Prowant. Reception Follows-Following Conclusion of the commencement exercise a reception for the graduates, their dates and parents was held in the gymnasium. Mrs. Owen Gall, in charge of decorations, used a white lace cloth over French blue on the refreshment table to carry out the seniors’ color scheme. Red and white roses, class flowers, also were featured in the motif, as were figurines of boy and girl graduates.
Speeches by Top Grads at Commencement, Zephyrhills News, June 13, 1968 Salutatorian Speaks Miss Rene Geddes, class salutatorian, used as her topic, “The Value of A True Teacher.” She lauded encouragement and support from parents, family, friends and fellow classmates. Excerpt-“A true teacher’s philosophy is not to instruct a class but rather to create an individual, teaching the individual the fundamentals of society and how to cope with society itself…and understanding the vital role the teaching profession plays in the preservation of our democratic way of life.” Valedictory Address The class motto, Today’s Challenge is Tomorrow’s Quest,” was the topic chosen by H. Daniel Pollock as his outstanding address as valedictorian. “This phrase not only applies to the young men and young women who tonight enter a new world but to all people everywhere. A challenge is beneficial to all, but where is the utility of a challenge if it be not met with acceptance and enthusiasm” The hope of the class of 1968 is that we will always be ready and willing to answer the challenge of the adult world, our peers, our enemies as well as our friends,” he said, and continued. “High school has provided facts and principles to serve as the building blocks for our thoughts …which must be timely and appropriate to be of any usefulness.” Pollock went on to say he believes the foremost and most formidable challenge that will inevitably face students of today when they become adults is the problem that has dogged men’s progress from the very beginning of the history of his coexistence with his neighbor—the harmful and useless fear of other people, distrust of the stranger, and the inevitable attempt or desire to remove the fear by destroying the stranger. “The past decade has been marred worse by the mistrust and fear among men than any other period during recorded history. This problem has been the most shameful encountered in those 10 years, yet the human race proudly points to its achievements in the areas or outer space exploration, transplantation, of the core of the human being, and explanations of the infinite and the infinitesimal, while citizens of the same city fight each other with whatever weapons, humane or insane, are available at the time. The problem of feeding the billions of starving people throughout the world must take a back seat to the research and manufacture of sophisticated weapons by the most advanced civilizations ever to show their faces on this earth, for the sole reason that as one nation dies, it may not be alone in oblivion,” Pollock said. He went on to say some of the challenges faced by the 1968 graduates are to accept critically, yet practically and readily, the heritage given by ancestors including that of the advancement of the technical knowledge of mankind. “Some of these graduates perhaps will have their names and deeds mentioned in headlines…but the majority will settle back to become members of the general public, the backbone of America—average men and women, husbands and wives, faithful to their country and their fellowmen. These are people who give America her name as the most wonderful country in the world. To continue to deserve this labeling, these are the people who must throw off their apathy and indifference, speak up and give their private thoughts voice, make and modify the governments,” said Pollock. The valedictorian added that it is well to remember that each man has a dream, a goal to reach which if set sufficiently high and pursued honorably pride can be taken in its attainment or even the success present in the failure, and quoted, “Aim for the stars—if you fall short, you will have the moon.” Pollock said, “We newcomers to the world face the responsibility of maintaining the honor of America which includes preserving the motion of the political mechanics of the country, providing for and protecting the general welfare of the people of the United States. Currently we are faced with the unpleasant yet very real threat of a civil war between the races in this country. Before the threat becomes any darker, we of all races must fight to prevent it rather than to prepare for and win the war when it does come.” In conclusion Pollock asked those in the audience to accept and welcome each of the 93 graduates “as you would any person in whose hands rests the future nation and the world.” Addressing fellow graduates, he said, “tonight we accept a share of the responsibilities of a society with many wounds and illnesses. We join the elders who have lived here and endeavored to improve the surroundings for our efforts. Let us respect, hear, care for them and profit from their experience and errors. Let us, with their help, heal those wounds and cure those illnesses. With these graduation exercises let this nation, under God, have a new birth of freedom. Let us insure that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth. “The challenge is presented: it is time for the quest to begin.” Graduation Activities Den With Commencement June 5 For Largest ZHS Class: 93, Zephyrhills News, 1968 Baccalaureate services for the 93-member 1968 graduating class, largest of record for Zephyrhills High School, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the sanctuary of First Methodist Church. The organ prelude is to be played by Mrs. Nancy Braswell, who also will play, “March of the Priests” as a processional. An invocation is to be given by the Rev. Charles Roesel, pastor of the First Baptist Church, and Jerry Pricher is to sing a solo. The Rev. Floyd W. Cooper, pastor, will deliver the baccalaureate sermon using as his topic, “The Days of Thy Youth.” After the benediction by the Rev. Richard Pollard, Vicar of the St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, Mrs. Braswell will play March Pontifical as the recessional. Ushers are to be members of the sophomore class including Lynn Murphy, Debbie Hambright, Sabra Cooper, Patty Hayden, Shirley Rose, Keathel Chauncey, Cliff Brown, Doy Smith, Jimmy Simmons and David Krystofiak. Commencement--June 5 The Zephyrhills High School gymnasium will be the scene Wednesday evening, June 5, beginning at 8 o’clock of Commencement exercises for the seniors, whose president is Acie Ellerbe. Other officers of the class are June Standland, vice president; Sharon Jefferson, secretary; and Donna Bales, treasurer. Sponsors are John F. Clements and Mrs. Constance Kaylor. Mrs. V.E. Witt, longtime Zephyrhills member of the Pasco County Board of Public Instruction who is retiring this year, will present special awards. Diplomas to the 93 graduates are to be presented by Pasco County Superintendent Chester Taylor, assisted by Principal Raymond B. Steward who also will make scholarship announcements. Miss Rene Geddes, class salutatorian, will speak on “The Value of a True Teacher” while Danny Pollock, class valedictorian, has chosen as his topic, “Today’s Challenge is Tomorrow’s Quest.” Acie Ellerbe, class president, will speak on “Using our Education.” The Rev. Jimmie Smith, pastor of Double Branch Baptist Church of which the class president is a member, is to give the invocation and the benediction will be given by the Reverend Leslie C. Poe, pastor of the Church of the Nazarene. Sandy Simons is to organist for the commencement program and members of the junior class will serve as ushers. Reception to Follow Immediately following the commencement exercises a reception will be held in the gym for the graduates, their dates and parents. Mrs. H.D. Pollock is in charge of arrangements for the reception and Mrs. Owen E. Gall, co-chairman, will use the class colors, French blue and white, in decorations. School Daze by Janette Dunnigan, Zephyrhills News, 1968 Oh my goodness: I have graduated. And just last night. Where has the year gone? Into the past—and very swiftly at that. Well, that is what I said just yesterday that I –oh, I’d better not get started on that. I’d be talking for a year! (That’s a long time, too!). Would you believe—Class Night was a success? Of course, it was even though all the censors, we still came out with a pretty decent Class Night Program. It seemed to be a combination of the “Smothers Brothers Show,” and Rowan and Martin’s “Laugh In,” two very popular television series with our generation! I hope there weren’t too many hard feelings for you Juniors. When you get to be a Senior, you will have to have someone to “cut” and that will be the Juniors of ’69. So, don’t you take it so hard—we love ya! Speaking of success and also of Juniors—wow! That’s about all I can say about the Prom. The theme was “Gone With the Wind,” which was carried out beautifully with “home” made,” fantastic murals relating to the novel and it’s been a long time since the Municipal Building looked so good. Even with the rainy weather once you got inside the entire mood changed and it was as if you were back in time. Extra special congratulations go the Mighty “69ers”. That was one beautiful job! To top the Prom off to a tee, the 1968 Royalty were crowned. No one even knew who was nominated for the honors, but the president himself, Dale Palmer. About halfway through, he introduced Mr. John Geiger, who did the honors of crowning Cliff Cooper as King and Laura Achillich as Queen. Laura and Cliff looked great, proving that the Juniors do have good taste even when it concerns us Seniors. Well, students, final exams are over and we finished the scholastic year like a hurricane—in more ways than one. Baccalaureate was held in the Methodist Church Sunday and Commencement in the gym last night. There were big crowds for both. After all, there are 93 graduating seniors and most have two parents, that’s—let’s see—186 people. If all 93 seniors have two sisters or brothers or cousins or whatever that would make 372 people attending while if all 93 people attending were to invite two guests that would make 558 guests and if those guests were to bring two more people—oh forget it! I can’t count that high! We all did appreciate the interest shown by so many unrelated adults in attending our graduation activities. Thanks for reading this column through the school year. Now I’m off to make my mark on the world. In fact, watch for News of all 93 seniors of 1968—we plan to make it.
Enrollment Tops 1600, Almost 725 at High School, Zephyrhills News, September 5, 1968Zephyrhills’ three public schools had a combined opening day enrollment of 1636 students as classes for the 1968-69 term began Friday. Of this number 721 were enrolled at Zephyrhills High School, 435 at East Elementary School and 480 at West Elementary School Principals Raymond B. Stewart, James Walker and Ferd Renninger of the three schools, respectively; anticipate an appreciable increase in the enrollment figures as students return from vacation trips.
School Daze by Jannete Dunnigan, Zephyrhills News, January 2, 1968 The Beta Club is hitting the spotlight. Last Friday, they had their annual tapping ceremony. This is a supposing solemn ceremony where the old members go into the group of students and “tap” the new qualified members, bringing them into the club. It looks as though the Beta’s will have an outstanding organization working next year. Convention time is here again. The Beta Club will send its newly elected officers to their state convention Thursday through Saturday. And I have the honor of announcing the 1968-69 officers. For the highly honored office of President, we have the well experienced and qualified Jerry Pricher. Vice president is another experienced gentleman, Cliff Brown. Now that the council has two secretaries, Brenda Hughes as corresponding secretary and Valerie Wickstrom as recording secretary, all the work can be done efficiently and expertly. Handling the money and expenditures will be Frankie Hall and parliamentarian is the re-elected Doy Smith. Sounds good, doesn’t it? With that group, it has to be. The Future Homemakers of America held their International Dinner Tuesday evening in the Home Economics building. As usual it was a wonderful success. Who’s president-elect for the coming year? She sure is going to have a tough time to out-class President Weesie Hall. The 1968 Track Team, Zephyrhills News, April 18, 1968 The 1968 Track Team members are Herbert Farrell, Larry Lindsay, Ruben Odom, Jerry Pricher, Dennis Hartley, Jim Streer, Dale Eady, Mike McCreadie, Ryan Gray, Ed Chadwell, Ulysses Alexander, John Mullin, Wally Reeves, Rocky Stanley, Mark Penny, Skip Stewart, Billy Poe, Doug Prowant, David Krystofiak, Cliff Brown, B.B. Lane, Richard Back, Richard McLellan, Alvin McKenzie, Clarence Odom, and Coach James Davis. Two Chapters of Future Farmers Hosts Friday at 3-County Sub-District Tests, Zephyrhills News, April 18, 1968 Municipal Auditorium will be the scene tomorrow of the annual Future Farmers of America Sub-District Contest in which representatives of chapters of Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas Counties will participate. Registration is scheduled from 8:30 to 9:00 am in the foyer and refreshments will be served by the host chapters, Zephyrhills Senior and Junior, whose presidents are Ryan Gray and David Brown, respectively. Panels of competent judges from the Dade City-Zephyrhills areas are to evaluate competition in public speaking parliamentary procedures, string band, harmonica, and quartet. There will also be tractor driving contests. FFA chapters expected to have representation in the contests include Brooksville, Dade City, Mickens, Largo, Largo-Seminole, New Port Richey, Parkland, and Zephyrhills senior and junior groups. William G. Turk III and Marcus Shackleford, Vo-Ag instructors and sponsors of the host groups, are in charge of arrangements for the event, which is expected to attract widespread attendance from the several area chapters. Filming of Football Games Is One Quarterback Club Project, Zephyrhills News, September 5, 1968 All home games of the Zephyrhills High School football team will be filmed this fall, thanks to a contribution voted Monday night by the Quarterback Club at the year’s first organizational meeting. Members voted to pay $300 of the $500 asked by the school as a donation to pay for the filming, and two members of the club indicated that they personally will come up with the other $200 required. Coach Bob Alwood explained that the films are invaluable training aids to coaches and players, and he promised that showings for citizens at a downtown location will be arranged for the Tuesday following each home game. Harold Mains, presided over the first meeting at which a budget of $1375 was adopted. The budget presented by secretary-treasurer Bernard Wickstrom included $30 for administration, $830 for payments on the $1250 press box debt owed by the club, $400 for the annual spring sports banquet and trophies and $25 for the club’s Miss Zephyrhills contest entry. Members amended the proposed budget to increase the total amount the club will give varsity and jayvee players as spending money on their trips to Gator grid games from $60 to $90, increasing the spending money gift from $1 to $1.50 per player. Members also voted to pay $200 toward the school’s football insurance costs. The annual membership drive, headed by Vincent Peel and C.A. MacDonald was kicked off and a report by noon on September 16 was asked by the co-chairmen. Peel also told the group, meeting at the Bank of Zephyrhills lobby, that the membership of 163 last year was second only to one year when 165 were signed. “This year the goal is 200 members,” he said. MacDonald said the club could have 300 members with little efforts. “Our purpose is noble; our effort should be greater,” he told the sports boosters. Art Fish was named chairman of the concessions committee for this year, to be assisted by Carl Lippincott and last year’s chairman, Dennis Desmond. A public relations committee was named by President Mains with Alice Hall as chairman and Madeline Sigmund, Bob Artabasy and Wickstrom as members. Danny Pollock, ZHS Valedictorian, Awarded 4-Year College Scholarship, Zephyrhills News, April 18, 1968 Harmon D. “Danny” Pollock, Jr. 17, of Zephyrhills is the recipient of a 4-year college tuition scholarship under the American Can Company Foundation grants, it was announced today. A certificate of the award, one of 14 such scholarships offered yearly by the American Can Company was presented to Harmon by Richard Steele, plant manager of the American Can’s local manufacturing facility located at 22nd Street and Adamo Drive, Tampa. Bill’s Night Out, Zephyrhills News, April 18, 1968 Here is the cast of the Junior Class play, to be presented Friday evening in the auditorium at Zephyrhills High School. This year’s 3-act comedy, again directed by Miss Marion Ditter, is entitled, “Bill’s Night Out,” and will feature, Donna Sansom, Joe Wells, Joe Ahrens, Susie Overhuls, Craig Palmer, Anna Doerr, Ann Howard, Jerry Pricher, Linda Martinson, Mary Grimes, Ingeborg Hennessy, Raymond Bohannon, Carol Burnside, Kathy Muse, Richard Miller, Sue Ellen Thompson, Gail Connolly and Gloria Gavin. Spelling Bee Winners, Zephyrhills News, March 26, 1968 Betty Greene, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Greene, takes the center seat as winner of first place in the annual Zephyrhills High School Spelling Bee. Betty is an eighth grader, as are the second and third place winners: Pam Miller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Bryant and Lynda Perry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Perry. Carol Brown, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Brown was fourth place and Debra Clark, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford C. Clark was fifth place. Phyllis Jarrett, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Jarrett was sixth place. The girls will compete in the Pasco County Junior High Spelling Bee to be held in the Zephyrhills High School Auditorium April 5th at 7:30. Winners will go to the Sun coast Bee May 3 in St. Petersburg. School Daze, by Kathy Shannon, Zephyrhills News, 1968 Homecoming 1968 is behind us and now all that remains are the memories. No one can dispute the fact that this year’s Homecoming was one of the best and most successful for ZHS. There was something for everyone to participate in whether it was sticking a pin into the “Voodoo Ram” or cheering the team on at a pep rally. The week ended perfectly with the team winning. During halftime of the game the Bulldog Marching Band formed a heart and as they played the royalty candidates were escorted down the center to the front of the field. Everyone held their breath as Mr. Bill Brown (emcee) opened the envelop containing the final results. Sue Douglas, a Senior at ZHS, was crowned as the 1968 Homecoming Queen by last year’s queen, Donna Bales. Johnny Braxton also a Senior was selected by the entire football team to reign with her as Homecoming King. Two very deserving Juniors, Sabra Cooper and Keathel Chauncey, received the honored titles of Homecoming Princess and Prince. Completing the Royalty Court were Lois Wells as Sophomore Maid and Martha Padgett as Freshman Maid. Juniors captured first place honors with their float, “Darn the Rams.” Second place honors went to the Freshmen with their float, “Whip the Rams.” Third place was awarded to the Senior Class with their float, “Dam the Rams.” The Sophomores placed last with their float, “Knock Out the Rams,” but they received the honor of burning the “Voodoo Ram” at the bonfire and were recognized for decorating the halls with the best posters. Alumni were recognized at half time by being asked to stand. Mrs. Angie Skinner and Frank Sellars received a gift for being the earliest graduates of ZHS present at the game. Following the game was the annual Alumni Homecoming Dance which was turned into a victory celebration. This was the final event of a very wonderful Homecoming Week. Two Student Council officers are in Homau, La., this week to participate in the Southern Association of Student Councils Convention. Representing ZHS at this big convention are Jerry Pricher and Cliff Brown. Sparkling Song Stylings, Zephyrhills News, March 14, 1968 Sparkling Song Stylings by the Young’uns and Company delighter “Comedy Tonight” audiences. Members were Larry Miller, Laura Achillich, Eloise Hall, Patty Hayden, Paul Woodruff, Lynn Murphy, Linda Duckett, Cliff Brown, Terri Rickard and Jerry Pricher. Mrs. Pat Murphy directed the unit. School Board’s Position on Teacher Strike Outlined by School Director, Zephyrhills News, February 29, 1968 Pasco County Superintendent of Schools, Chester Taylor, emphasized the necessity of teachers abiding by their contracts in an address to the Zephyrhills Women’s Republican club at the covered-dish luncheon Tuesday in Municipal Auditorium. He told the group the Pasco County School Board has adopted a ruling making it mandatory for any teacher who walked out in compliance with the Florida Educational Association-called “strike” wanting to return to the county school system to apply as a beginner. “If accepted the teacher will receive a beginning teacher’s salary and if he or she has 10 years of experience they will be credited with only five years,” he said. All continuing contracts have been voided. Taylor struck out at the unionistic tactics of the FEA and said SB77X passed in a special session of the Florida Legislature, has not been fully explained to teachers by the association and that teachers who walked out feel the bill is “totally unacceptable” strictly on the say-so of the FEA. The superintendent charged that the FEA is not getting full information to teachers and further that it is preventing the school board from getting full information to them. “Even Dr. Phil Constans now admits there is more money allocated under the bill than he told teachers was allocated,” Taylor said. Supt. Taylor said the FEA did not wait for legislation adjusting taxes to implement SB77X to be passed before calling for the teacher walkout. Urges Letters to Kirk “While SB77X doesn’t do everything I might want it to do for education, it’s an improvement over what we had and I hope all of you will write Gov. Kirk and ask him to veto this bill. It is very beneficial to Pasco County, he said. Supt. Taylor quoted Jack Morgan, president of the Pasco Classroom Teachers Association as having said, “Salaries in Pasco County are not the problem since the county rates 12th statewide in teacher pay.” Explaining some features of the new education bill, Taylor told his audience Pasco County has no public kindergarten now but under the new bill would be able to put in this program. Also “this bill would enable us to enlarge on and improve the present program for exceptional children,” he said. Taylor told the group each text book is programmed to last five years. “However,” he said, “I feel junior and senior high school pupils should purchase their own books; then they’d take better care of them.” On the subject of taxes, Taylor said, “The school board had a reminder last November as to how the citizens felt. We asked for 9 mills and they voted 6 mills.” The speaker said emphatically he could not see eye-to-eye with teachers in the county, saying they walked out to benefit the children and added, “I am happy to tell you the substitutes we have hired are fully qualified and a majority of teachers actually are on the job, contrary to what the FEA says.” Supt. Taylor also emphasized that schools in the county were closed Thursday and Friday merely to reorganize. “We couldn’t complete work for the year without re-Planning,” he said. Nineteen From Zephyrhills Faculties Leave Positions, Zephyrhills News, February 29, 1968 With Gulf High School at New Port Richey on double sessions, and with all other schools of Pasco County “operating smoothly” with the aid of substitute and citizen volunteer teachers, citizens sat back this week to await developments in the statewide teacher strike. A major dividing point was reached Saturday afternoon when the school board, meeting in special session, unanimously accepted and approved 148 resignations. Following a tabulation of teachers missing from classrooms, and a comparison with letters requesting withdrawal of resignations, the office of County Superintendent Taylor came up with a total figure of 143 teacher resignations, plus those of two supervising personnel. The county has employed 407 in education. The board drafted resolutions to Gov. Claude Kirk and legislators who serve Pasco County, stressing that the veto of the educational package then lying on Kirk’s desk would “change the situation from crisis to chaos.” The resolution aimed at members of the legislature asked that they call themselves into session and override a veto if it should be forthcoming. The 148 resignations accepted Saturday were delivered to Supt. Chester W. Taylor shortly after noon by Mrs. Carolyn Dudley and Elmo Collins, both of Dade City. The resignations were those submitted on a form apparently signed by many in October. The forms had been altered, changing the effective date to “immediately” instead of the next regular board meeting. It was not made clear why another phrase in the resignations had been crossed out on each. It read: “I believe this fact constitutes good and sufficient cause for this request for release from contract of employment.” The changes had been initiated by each individual teacher. In taking the action, the board did not include any punitive measures against the teachers. Taylor said any of the teachers could reapply and would be given equal consideration with new applications but added that all who were on continuing contracts had now automatically lost that status. The board approved salary schedules giving substitutes with a high school diploma $15 a day; all with some college work $20 a day; those with a college degree will be paid $25 a day. The board made the salary schedule effective for the duration of the emergency and retroactive to February 19. “The basic foundation of the society we live in is the respect of a contract,” Taylor said. “We’ve suffered wounds that will be a long time healing.” He said. Taylor read from the teacher contracts: “That the teacher agrees to teach the full period of service for which this contract is made, to comply faithfully with the school laws and with all rules and regulations…” and from the teachers’ own Professional Practices Commission statement of ethics: “We regard the employment agreement as a solemn pledge to be executed in both spirit and in fact in a manner consistent with the highest ideals of professional service. Sound personnel relationships with governing bodies are built upon personal integrity, dignity and mutual respect.” He remarked that if the School Board “had suddenly announced we could no longer use the services of 54 teachers in mid-year we would have been surrounded by an army of lawyers.” Taylor said he was distressed that many fine teachers were led to believe there would be no lasting problem in resigning and that in the final analysis they will be excused and rehired. “I am afraid this will be impossible,” he said. The die is cast.” Kitzmiller Resigns Too The two supervisors who resigned were Mrs. Alta Gray, visiting teachers on the west coast and Robert Kitzmiller, math-science coordinator and a Pasco employee for 20 years. Kitzmiller read a formal statement at the opening of the meeting in which he predicted that the $1.5 million coming to Pasco County in the new education bill will be used up in short order. It will take a half million just to maintain the current program I n the face of growth in the next two y ears, and the other million will go thereafter as the schools grow at an accelerated predicted rate of 15% per year, he said. “There are those who say the teachers of Florida have left the classroom over salaries. Let’s set the record straight. The salary program requested by the Florida Education Association is in the package passed by the Legislature. The program we have requested for the children is not.” Kitzmiller told the board. Kitzmiller bemoaned the use of “unqualified” persons filling classroom jobs and said the “sight of public rushing to replace teachers is disgusting.” He charged that others were filling personal vendettas with certain teachers, and referred to “public officials grasping funds.” In maintaining “an illegal 38% assessment while other counties have tried to live within the legal rate.” He warned the board not to count on the legislature to do more for education in 1969, asserted the county has taken a “giant step backward” in returning to an era when the only qualification to teach is a high school diploma, and said he was resigning for reasons of conscience. The protesting coordinator then placed his locker and desk keys before Supt. Taylor. “Where’s the photographer?” asked Taylor. “You’d think with a production like this you’d have a photographer.” As Kitzmiller turned to leave the room, Supt. Taylor called after him. “Hey wait a minute, where’s your resignation: all you’ve left is a handful of keys.” Kitzmiller called back that his resignation would be found in the stack of others delivered that day to Taylor. When Taylor asked for a copy of Kitzmiller’s statement, the coordinator refused, later giving the copy to the reporter for St. Petersburg Times. About Double Sessions With regard to double sessions for Gulf High School, the board observed this is the first such program ever for Pasco County, and that Hillsborough County had more students on double sessions prior to the strike than the total school population of Pasco County. The board revealed it is seeking legislative permission to refloat the proposed 2-mill Buildings and Buses Special levy which voters rejected last year, hoping to put it back to a vote yet in 1968. Supt. Taylor emphasized other points: -Parents need to be told their children are under certified personnel, and reminded to tell their children to do their best to help keep the schools orderly; -That starting Monday (February 26) the schools will begin to process attendance violations under the state compulsory attendance law for all students under 16 “as rapidly as we can get to them.” -That when he announced early in the strike that “Gulf High was hit worst of all” he had reference to the damage to about-to-graduate seniors rather than the percentage of missing teachers; -That police were around and about schools Feb. 19 and 20 at Supt. Taylor’s request when he became alarmed over incidents in Tampa schools on those days, and not because they were needed in Pasco County. Our students are to be commended in every way, he said, and this statement was seconded by Professor O.K. Mickens, principal of Mickens High School, who observed that his students had been “just about perfect” in the face of the loss of half that school’s faculty; -That ways will be sought to prevent striking teachers from “working on those still teaching, after Mrs. Margaretta C. Witt of Zephyrhills indicated that this is a problem and that many parents have expressed concern and displeasure about such incidents:’ -That striking teachers can apply for a refund of money they have paid into teacher retirement programs, and that except in cases of disability and pregnancy incurred prior to the strike, all insurance was cancelled when the resignations were accepted. Four Zephyrhills Teachers Back on Job, Zephyrhills News, Thursday, February 29, 1968 Four teachers in Zephyrhills schools who joined the original walkout February 19 have now returned to their classrooms. All four obtained their resignations back prior to action on them by the Pasco County School Board. Back to honor their contracts at the high school are Miss Eugenia Moshonas, guidance counselor, and James Davis, mathematics instructor and track coach. The resignations of six others have been accepted. Additional substitutes at the high school the past week have been Julius Williamson, Leon Andrews and Mrs. Beulah Kelley. Returning to duty at East Elementary were Garnard Martin, fifth grade. The resignations of eight others have been accepted. Helping out as substitute teachers at East this past week have been Mrs. Ezelle Robinson and Mrs. Marjorie Loomis. In addition to those persons listed last week. Back in the classroom at West Elementary is Mrs. Patricia Eikeland, third grade, leaving a total of five teachers there whose resignations have been accepted. New substitutes this week are Mrs. Louisa Buche and Mr. and Mrs. Dale Powers. Absent Teaches Have Broken Tenure Contracts, Board Rules, Zephyrhills News, February 22, 1968 Striking Pasco County teachers have lost their jobs. Although they haven’t been fired, when the absent teacher’s resignations arrive from the Florida Education Association they will be accepted by the Pasco County School Board. And any who say they are sorry, had made a mistake and apply for reinstatement, will be told to make application like any first year teacher, and if rehired will be hired under an annual contract and at a beginner’s salary. In other words, any striking teachers who are rehired will have lost their continuing contract tenure an accumulated wage raises. The school board tackled the knotty problems created by the striking teachers at its meeting Tuesday and passed a motion which states: 1. All teachers who are willfully absent from their classes, have violated their contracts, resignation or not; 2. Supt. Chester Taylor Jr. may accept any written resignations since those in FEA hands are not being delivered, and may fill vacancies as they are created; 3. Any teacher willfully absent from duty but who wishes to return to employment will be placed by Superintendent Taylor under suspension until the next meeting of the board; and 4. At its next regular meeting the board will consider suspension of all such teachers who have not resigned. The board agreed to move slowly on the issue of suspension, since such action requires the hiring of additional lawyers and the holding of hearings on charges, and could mean 141 “trials”, any or all of which could be appealed. The board also refused to put into motion its plan to rehire all teachers who have broken contracts only on an individual basis and only under new starting-salary contracts, but made its intent clear. Striking teachers have “broken continuity of service” and must be rehired, the board said, emphasizing it plans to treat all of the strikers alike with favor toward none, or undue punishment toward none. YES, You Can Help! You can help the children of Zephyrhills. If you are qualified to help out in the classrooms of Pasco County, please step forward. Volunteer your services for either limited or extended service during the current educational emergency. If you have a college degree or some college training in the correct field, or have been previously certified or have classroom experience in Florida or some other state or are a retired teacher, you are needed. And will be paid up to $26 per day for your services. Principals may not have a place for you immediately, but under instruction of the School Board they are developing lists of qualified citizens who may be called upon to keep the school doors open. Laura Hall Wins Homemaker Prize By Betty Crocker, Zephyrhills News, February 8, 1968 Because she ranked first in a written homemaking knowledge and aptitude test given senior girls in Zephyrhills High School December 5, Laura E. Hall becomes the 1968 Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow for her school. It has been announced. Registered for the test, now in its 14th year, were 603,798 girls in 15,079 of the nation’s high schools, a new record for the program sponsored by General Mills. Laura, usually known as Eloise or “Weesie” is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Hall, 2107 3rd Avenue, remains in contention for awards ranging from $500 to $5,000 and will be awarded a specially- designed silver charm to mark her local achievement. A State Homemaker of Tomorrow will be selected from winners in high schools of the state in the programs’ next step. The State Homemakers of Tomorrow, together with a school advisor, will join winners and advisors from each of the 49 other states and the District of Columbia in an expense-paid educational tour of Washington, D.C., Colonial Williamsburg, Va. And Minneapolis, where the trip will climax with naming the 1968 Betty Crocker All-American Homemaker of Tomorrow. (Note that in 2007, Laura E. Hall, is a buyer for the prestigious Berbery Department Store and lives in London, England. She has made a career in the fashion industry). Second Three Tough Contests In Row For Dogs, Winners of First 2 Games, Zephyrhills News, December 12, 1968 The 1968-69 ZHS Bulldog Varsity—(Winners of their opening game of the season and preparing for their first home game here Friday night), are the members of the Zephyrhills High School basketball squad: Keathel Chauncey, Terry Linville, Richard McLellan, Doug Prowant, Rodney Price, Coach Carroll Phillips, Bob Geddes, Dale Palmer, David Krystofiak, Bill Porter, Richard Back and Manager Frankie Hall Victorious by 63-52 in their second game of the season the Zephyrhills High School basketball team is preparing to unveil its new “V” offense for hometown fans Friday night against Brewster tech. Mrs. Witt Tells Her Intent to End School Board Job, Zephyrhills News, January 4, 1968 Mrs. Margaretta C. Witt, Pasco County School Board Member from Zephyrhills for the past 19 years announced Tuesday that she does not plan to seek reelection in the May Primary election. Mrs. Witt, who has served five consecutive 4-year terms, told fellow board members that she believes “It is time that I stepped aside in order that the voters might choose a younger and perhaps more progressive board member.” Occasion for the announcement was a discussion during the regular School Board meeting on progress made for the schools in the past several years. Supt. Chester W. Taylor Jr. noted that the board had been more or less intact for several terms, then observed Mrs. Witt would be back one more year and hopefully more after that. Mrs. Witt told the board, “My years on the School Board have been most interesting, and I have enjoyed every minute of my service. It has been a big challenge but I feel no board member should ever feel he or she has permanent possession of a job, and that others too should have a chance to serve. I will continue to work all I can for our schools, and to contribute my services where they can best be used, but perhaps a younger person, one with children in school, would be more responsive to the immediate needs of the Zephyrhills area,” she said. In her five terms on the boa |
