The keynote speaker at the 1979 graduation was Dr. Seniors Told to "Look for the Pony" David Hall, a nior speakers, Michelle Ray, Ki rk Statler, and Caroline Voss. Prairie graduate of 1964. Dr. Hall had many interesting stories to relate to our Seniors, but the "Look for the Pony" story was the favorite of not only the Seniors, but also the rest of the audience. Each of them spoke of the problems, decisions, satisfactions, and challenges facing them as adults in the future. They also commented that they had a memorable three years at Prairie His story told of two young boys; one a pessimist, the other, an optimist. The pessimist was given a roomful of toys for his birthday, the optimist, a roomful of horse manure. The pessimist was looked in on later and was still found worrying. The optimist was also looked in on and was heard to say, "There has got to be a pony in here somewhere". Dr. Hall advised the Senior Class not to live in the past, or hope only for the future, but rather to find happiness in the present. The weather was a perfect background for the Seniors. The band, directed by Bill Henley, played an int roductory Forever", followed by "Festival Prelude". The Seniors were led in by Scott Appleget and Dan Dennis, Junior officers, as the band played "Pomp and Circumstance". The graduation ceremony opened with a prayer led by Dale Crozier, a Senior Class member. Then our boys' was quartet, consisting of Jon Gillette, Tom Hofer, Darrell Truitt, and Kirk Statler, sang "Friendship" and "Sophomore Philosophy". The Coalition, under the direction of Russ Price, sang "Take Your Neighbor by the Hand", a song telling us to help each other out. Pat Chalupsky introduced the SeAbove Right: Rolf Bohman, Deb Dyrland, Keith Elias, jerry Bennett, Dawn Becicka, Caren Jean Batt, and Dawn Allen begin the processional to the ceremonies. Right: Guest speaker, Dr. David Hall, gave the Seniors good advice. Senior Michelle Ray addresses her fellow classmates. Kirk Statler had some good thoughts, including a bad opinion of school lunches. Caroline Voss hoped no matter what her classmates chose to do they would find fulfillment in life. Pat Chalupsky introduced the speakers. 24 Graduation Denise Fairley, "Stars and St r ipes and wished each of their classmates "Good Luck". Mr. Steine recognized the top ten scholars who were, in order of rank: Sarah Hartman, Statler, Lee Pavlicek, Kirk Rolf Bohman, Allen Bruns, David Kerber, Debbie Willis, John Vogt, Eric Ross, and Dawn Faas. Mr. Hynek awarded each of the Seniors with the long awaited diplomas, as Mr. Stein announced and congratulated them. Senior Keith Elias presented his classmates with an instrumental selection, "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life". 163 Seniors participated in the ceremony. Diane Reed and Jean McMenimen were their sponsors. Class Officers were President, Pat Chalupsky; Vice President, Ken Cooperman; Secretary, Pam Patterson; and Treasurer, Don Stroleny. The Seniors chose the red rose as their flower and colors of silver and baby blue. the class motto:. "Life is upon us, Tomorrow we're gone, Our Future is before us, But we've only begun. i Senior Sherry McCurk wrote
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