March 15, 1956 Grade News: Sixth - In our unit "Electricity and its Uses," several experimental models have been made by members of the class. Don Struthers and Terry Huntrods showed us how electro-magnets work. In our unit on "Science of Sounds," Dennis Downing brought a model to demonstrate the way sound pitch is regulated. Second - In Science, we learned how to make a nail into a magnet. We also tried to make magnets work through paper, wood, and glass. Third - Our Language lesson Monday was on "Notices." We wrote notices of the P.T.O. program for our parents. We observed the five rules we had learned about writing notices. In Science, we are studying the story of the sky and are learning about the sun, moon, and stars.
Last Monday, the South Story Conference held their Annual Basketball Banquet at Colo. Large paper basketballs with the names of the conference schools on them were used as markers for schools. A steak dinner was served about 7:00 P.M. Following dinner, the trophies for first and second place in the conference were awarded. Both Collins teams were presented with the first-place trophies as they compiled undefeated conference records. (Insert 2005: Very likely these are two all-time school records. Both teams Conference champions and also undefeated Conference champs.) Every school had a skit or musical part of the program. Collins was ably represented by the German Band: Rex, Quentin, Don, Mary Ann, and Sharon K. The presentation of All-Conference teams were made. Collins faired very well on both teams. Sandra Carley (jr.) (pivot guard) and Betty Spooner (56) (f) on the girls' first team and four girls received honorable mention: Jill Kilgore (57) (f), Georgiann Briles (58) (pivot forward), Janice Heintz (57) (g), and Mary Jo Shultz (jr.) (g). The boys placed one member, John Vasey (56) (c), on the first team and four boys received honorable mention: Larry Laird (56) (f-g), Bill Ballard (56) (f), Jim Dodd (56) (g), and Elliott Partridge (57) (f).
(Insert 2005: All the starting team players of both girls and boys received special recognition; all-time school record.)
March 29, 1956 The Story County Schoolmasters were hosts to Bus Drivers of the county at a chicken dinner in McCallsburg. Those from Collins attending: Supt. Jackson and Drivers Robert Lawson (School Principal), Fred Elliott, Lloyd Campbell, and Joe Tiffany. After dinner, a talk on driving safely was presented.
Spring Sports - Baseball has started as usual. This year, not as usual, boys track has started. This is the first year for all schools in the conference to have boys track. Ten boys have been working out and plan on making a good showing at Colo April 24 at the conference meet.
April 5, 1956 "Father Be Calm," is the three-act comedy to be presented by the senior class on April 20 in the high school auditorium. The Cast: Rex Morrison - Father, blustery, domineering; Peggy Kloppenborg - mother, typical "yes" mother; Jim Dodd - Dick, high school boy in love with cars, girls, etc.; Betty Spooner - Marilyn, Dick's attractive sister; Bill Ballard - Bert Hemingway, Marilyn's boyfriend; Bob Rice - Everett Parker, another persistent suitor; John Vasey - Red Sandberg, Dick's friend; Betty Taylor - Gloria Grant, Dick's date for the dance; Marjorie Hickle - Margy Coleman, Red's date; Jim Wilson - first cop, very efficient; Quentin Keagle - second copy, kids have his mind in a muddle; Loretta Swaim - Miss Alder, one of Dick's teachers; George Keagle - Grandpa, reminds father some of the things he did when he was a boy; Larry Laird - Radio Announcer; Jerry Nichol - Junior, always getting a word in. This play will remind you of home, only it is so much more humorous when the problems are not yours.