High school, senior year, first day

September 5, 1961

On the first day of our senior year, sixty seniors gathered at the east end of the balcony in the high school auditorium. We talked and laughed while waiting for the senior class sponsors to arrive. As we discussed events, Keith Rollins turned to me and said, "I'm going to nominate you for class President."

We talked and waited and finally Mr (Dwight) Rogers and Miss Boyd arrived. They made some remarks that made no history and said let's elect class officers. Keith nominated me, others nominated others and the nominees exited into the hallway to await the results of the voting. Within seconds, Mr Rogers came into the hallway and said, "Mr. Pres, you can take over now." I conducted the rest of the meeting and we elected Don Barker, Sue Lee, Lean Brice, Cecelia Mills and Dianne Wilson class officers and then adjourned the meeting, went to our respective classes and began our senior year.

This is a photo of me as a senior sharing some very important observations with some very beautiful women. (Note to boys: if you've got to go to school, try to spend as much time as you can surrounded but beautiful women.)

Three hours later, about noon, Don and I hopped in my mom's car and drove home for lunch where the table was set just as it would be set every school day for the next 9 months. We passed food around, and jabbered on mostly about what happened at the first day of school--my senior year and Don's junior year.

When I felt the time was right, I said, "Well, guess who's president of the senior class."

My mom said, "Keith?"

"Nope."

Don said, "Ricky?"

"Nope."

My dad said, "A.W?"

"Nope, guess again."

"Charles?"

"Nope."

"Chuck."

"No-o-o-o!"

Now I was beginning to feel bad. Insulted. Disappointed. I said, "Guess me!"

My mom said, "You!?" in a way that included a question mark and an exclamation mark. "I mean, you're the president of the senior class?"

All eating stopped for a moment. Don said, "Are you the president?"

"Well, yes," I said. "Why are you so surprised."

Among comments of "Congratulations!" and "That's great." "Good for you." we continued eating but all talk revolved around senior class issues.

I've always remembered that momentary twinge of disappointment that I felt when my family guessed every name they knew but mine. Watch my dust--they're in for many more surprises.