Writing Prompt #11 - NCSSM Football team

Prompt #11:  Write a story about the selection of the school mascot, or about one of the three football games that took place, shortly after, in the Fall of 1980. 

Due Date: September 22, 2025

Details:  Write about the flag football games played between NCSSM and the NC School of the Arts;

Or, alternatively, write about the Pep Rally, or the Powderpuff Game;

Or, alternatively, write about the selection of the Unicorn as the school's mascot.

Blog landing page URL: https: https://half-sheet-of-paper-workshop.blogspot.com/

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Background:  

A lot of events took place in November of 1980.  In addition to a Chess Club "Slave Auction" fundraiser and an Outing Club trip to Hanging Rock State Park; there were two flag football games against the NC School of the Arts "Pickles", a Powderpuff flag football game, and a Talent Show.  The school also voted on its own mascot in the week before the Homecoming Game, fatefully selecting the fabled Unicorn.

Below are some of the events in chronological order, and articles written about these activities, in the student newsletter, "Public Display of Announcements":

Articles about NCSSM Football in Fall of 1980

First published in the "Public Display of Announcements" student newspaper.  

P.D.A. Editor - Saralyn Hawkins

P.D.A Staff - Johnny Adams, Ginger Bailey, Keith Beasley, Teri Bufmeyer, Alex Daughtey, Grace Han, April Hardison, Susan Herbert, Henry Kuo, Eugene Murray, Jeff Parker, Percil Watkins, Polly Weister

11/1/1980 - "Away" Football Game - NC School of the Arts vs NCSSM

TWO EXTRAORDINARY SCHOOLS AND TWO SPECTACULAR TEAMS

    An unusual game of flag football was played between two all-star teams: the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics all star-team & the School of the Arts all-star team.  The game was played at the School of the Arts in Winston Salem, and support was evident for both teams.

    The NCSSM all-stars played well against the N.C. School of the Arts and defeated them 7-6 in overtime.

    The most valuable player (MVP) for NCSSM was Robert Emory for his brilliant defensive performance.  Emory stunned the quarterback by grabbing 9 flags behind the line of scrimage [sic].  Two of these were grabbed during overtime, and virtually assured the NCSSM team of victory.

    The members of the NCSSM all-star team were Willie Miles, Thomas Gilchrist, Curtis Adair, Rodney Robinson, Gary Steele, Robert Emory, Henry Kuo, Alex Reinberg [sic], Sean Cambell, Steve Gallop [sic], and Joe Blunt.

[PDA Volume 1, Number 3. November 7, 1980; Other Campus & Student Publications; NCSSM Digital Collection]

11/8/1980 - "Homecoming" football game - NCSSM vs NCSA

BE THERE, ALOHA

        Do you, the class of '82', miss the excitement of football games, cheerleaders, and the home crowd spirit? Does the thought of seeing your school team in action make your hear race? Do you crave the round of cheers, whistles, and screams? If any or all of the above describe your feelings in any way, shape, or form, then you should attend the HOMECOMING GAME! Be there to see the first Homecoming, the beginning of a NCSSM tradition. Watch your team stomp The School of the Arts. See, with your own eyes, the tremendous spirit and skill of your fantastic team. To observe these truly wonderful sights, be at the Intramural Field at Duke's East Campus on 9th Street, Saturday, November 8 at 2:30 p.m. Bring your friends, your banners, your posters, and your NCSSM spirit. DON'T miss the most spectacular game you may ever have the chance to witness!

[PDA Volume 1, Number 3. November 7, 1980; Other Campus & Student Publications; NCSSM Digital Collection]

RAH! RAH! RAH!

        Friday afternoon... less than 24 hours to the first NCSSM Homecoming Game. The students, as well as faculty, felt the excitement rising. Speculations about the game were endless. Then, it was time for the PEP RALLEY! [sic] Everyone was cheering, clapping, and stomping along with the fantastic cheerleaders at their debut performance. The cheerleaders had the special opportunity of officially announcing the mascot of our school. The winning mascot was of course, the Unicorn! Spirits were running high as the NCSSM cheerleaders introduced themselves and the football team. A roar of applause swept throught [sic] the air as the UNICORNS stepped forward. Defensive captain, Henry Kuo, and offensive captain, Rodney Robinson, were introduced, and then the team went into a huddle. After the cheering ceased, everyone was invited to attend the wiener and marshmallow roast.

[PDA Volume 1, Number 4. November 14, 1980; Other Campus & Student Publications; NCSSM Digital Collection]

SPORTS-SPECTULAR [sic]

        On Saturday, November 8th, the NCSSM Unicorns played in a homecoming game against the North Carolina School of Arts Pickles at the Duke Intramural Field.  The crowd for the Unicorns was outstanding. As Kathy Benzaquin stated, "It was a great turnout, almost 100% participation."  The cheerleaders had the spirit flowing at the sidelines from the beginning to the end.  One of the cheerleaders had a bit more attention than the rest of them.  His name was Eugene "Barbara" Murray.  He was heard saying that "If I can't play, or be a referee, I might as well practice my cheers for the Powderpuff Game."  The crowd of students, advisors, teachers, and parents were as enthusiastic as the players themselves.  The Pickles consisted of both high school and college students.  The Unicorns were made up of 17 fantastic football players:  Johnny Adams, Keith Beasley, Brad Bennett, Richard Everette, Tom Glesne, Bart Houck, Scott Johnson, Henry Kuo, Robert Lee, Rodney Robinson, Eric Roush, Gerry Sherman, Butch Sigmon, Gary Steele, Richard Troutmen [sic], Percil Watkins, and Tommy Yadon.  Although the game ended with a score of 27-21 in favor of the Pickles, our team played a very good game.  This was the first Homecoming, and definitely not the last.  Branson Brown, one of the referees, said that he "had several students from the School of the Arts say that they want the Homecoming to be a yearly event."  The game ended with the crowd giving one more cheer entitled "WE LOVE YOU UNICORNS!""

[PDA Volume 1, Number 4. November 14, 1980; Other Campus & Student Publications; NCSSM Digital Collection]

U-N-I-C-O-R-N-S

        A few weeks ago when plans for this year’s Homecoming game were being discussed, a cheerleading squad was also being formed. After at least half of a dozen hard practices, the newly formed NCSSM cheerleaders were ready for their public debut. On the eve of November 7, they held our pep rally for the next day’s Homecoming football game. During the football game, they enthusiastically cheered and screamed. Congratulations and thanks are due to all of the cheerleaders, who are: Kristen Beitz, Barbara Birdwell, Nicole Brown, Stephanie Jackson, Michelle Little, Martha McNair, Yvonne Slavich, Shauna Tilly, and Eugene Murray, who was the mascot!

[PDA Volume 1, Number 6. December 5, 1980; Other Campus & Student Publications; NCSSM Digital Collection]

11/15/1980 - Powder Puff Football Game

POWDER PUFF

        Do you feel that you've been seeing things? Do the roles of your friends seem to be switched? Don't worry! Your eyes are not deceiving you; The students and faculty haven't lost their minds. Coming your way is the First Annual Powder-puff Football Game to be played Saturday, November 15th at 2:30 p.m. at Walltown Park. The female students vs. the female staff and faculty for a fantastic afternoon of excitement and entertainment. You'll get to see your favorite guys cheering, clapping, and kicking to the "beat". Not only will you have a fun-filled afternoon of kicks, passes, and plays, but there will also be FREE refreshments. Be there, and come equipped with energy and lots of spirit to the best Powderpuff game you're ever likely to witness!

[PDA Volume 1, Number 4. November 14, 1980; Other Campus & Student Publications; NCSSM Digital Collection]

TOUCHDOWN!! 

        On Nov. 15, the Powderpuff teams played a fantastic football game. They weren’t daunted by rain, chill, or mud! Originally, the teams were to be female faculty vs. female students, but due to the weather, some faculty members could not join the fun. As it turned out, the “faculty team” consisted of Quarterback Christal Hunter, Nancy Bodenhorn, Nicole Brown, Kiki Hunter, and Shelley Lineberger who scored both touchdowns. The “student team” was represented by Quarterback Bebe Harmon, Beverly Adams, Elizabeth Granger, Naomi McCormick, and Jamie Pate. The score at the end of the four quarters was Faculty 12, Students 0.  Although there were no official male “cheerleaders”, there was plenty of male “spirit” being generated from the sidelines.

        For all of you who wish to see the teams rise again you'll have your chance!  Chrystal Hunter informs us that "we are going to have an All-Star Female Team play against the winning guy's team, Branson's Brats, in the near future."

[PDA Volume 1, Number 6. December 5, 1980; Other Campus & Student Publications; NCSSM Digital Collection]

Writing Prompt #10 - Music & Song

Prompt:  Write about a memorable song or musical experience from your years at the NC School of Science and Math.

Due Date: September 1, 2025

Details: Write about a memorable song, artist, or album that you associate with your time at NCSSM;  

Or write about the Talent Show or the Gong Show experiences at NCSSM;

Or write about the concerts and the music educational that took place under the direction of Randolph Foy;

Or write about one of the dance parties on campus, or the music (or source of music) in your dorm room;

Or write about the launch of MTV, and it's influence on campus and the wider culture at the time.

 

Blog landing page URL: https: https://half-sheet-of-paper-workshop.blogspot.com/

New Post URL: https://www.blogger.com/blog/posts/6942635268531392674

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Background:

November 22, 1980 - Talent Show

Where Were YOU??? 

        Were you there when the first annual ˜S and M' Talent Show exploded onto the stage?  The expectations from the crowd were running high. The curtains opened and out poured entertainment that surpassed all anticipation as the unleashed talent of NCSSM danced, sang, and Blues'd its way across the stage. The audience experienced everything from being "rapped by computers" to being touched by the emotion of "The Rose". When the final curtain drew across the stage, the excitement only heightened when the show's elite judging panel consisting of Andrea Wisner, Herman Goins, and Joanie Brown (& co.) recessed to pour [sic] their score sheets and try to cane up with a winner. Not surprisingly, the results were slow in coming. That created no problem, however, due to some fantastic post-entertainment starring Dr. D. and his computers (thanks Peter) and a trip "On Broadway" from Wyche's resident jam man Thomas Gilchrist. At last came the big moment - the announcement of the judges' decisions. 

        First came the recognition of the honorable mentions from Zack Smith.  M.C. Thomas Gilchrist and the duet of Clovis Peres and Joe Liles received the two awards presented in that category. Third place went to Tommy Yadon and second place to the team of Tonya Crawford and Charlene Carter. The winner of first place was so hard to decide upon in finally ended with a tie: Michelle Little who sang "Jesus Christ is the Way" and Yvonne Slavich who sang "Out Here on my Own". All the acts may not have received a prize, but every one of them came across like a winner. Let's give the performers, MC, judges, and especially Chrystal Hunter a big thanks for such a super show.

[PDA Volume 1, Number 6, December 5, 1980; Other Campus and Student Publications; NCSSM Digital Archives] 

March 7, 1981 - Gong Show

GONG! 

        Last Saturday night at 7:00 pm, the Assembly Building was turned into a stage for the NCSSM Gong Show. The show gave our talented students a chance to perform in front of three judges. The judges were of arraryed [sic] character, ranging from "Fair" Wilson to Zack Smith to Branson Brown. The MC, Hector Cooper, gave away door prizes for those carrying such items as earrings, cards and babies!! The Gong Show was a big success since both the entertainers and the audience had a chance to "get in on the act". 

        The variety of talent was astonishing. Take for instance the whistling of "Blowing in the Wind" or the Phase 3/DC, Air Band. The winners were: 1st place-Herman Coins and his friend Cynthia Besch; 2nd place-Michelle Smith and Ellis Smith; 3rd place-Clovis Peres and Eugene Murray. All the participants should be congratulated for jobs well done.

[PDA Volume 1, Number 13, March 13, 1980; Other Campus and Student Publications; NCSSM Digital Archives]

Spotify playlist of popular songs at NCSSM from 1980 to 1982

Spotify Playlist link: NCSSM82 on Spotify

(First posted by Rev. D. Keith Beasley, on NCSSM Class of 1982 Facebook page on Sept. 20, 2020.)

Can you believe it has been 40 years since we matriculated as the first class of NCSSM?

Here is an effort to try to get some memory neurons to fire.

I have put together a playlist of songs on Spotify that were popular during our time at NCSSM. These may not be your favorite songs, but they might bring to mind something about your time at S&M with your roommate, your friends, your fellow resident hall members, your instructors, the staff, a trip, the proms, the dances---whatever it may be. Please share whatever you can without incriminating yourself or others.

Remember, this playlist is still a work in progress, and I am asking all of you to help to curate this list. The stories you tell will only enhance the overall experience for us all.

Here is what I am asking of you:

First, click on the playlist...and listen...and be taken back in time.

Second, comment on this post about any music that is on the playlist. Tell us which songs you like. Tell us which songs you hate. Inquire as to why a song is included and tell why it should be deleted.

Third, please make suggestions about any songs that we should add to the playlist. Any recollection connected with the songs will be greatly appreciated.

Also, here are a few items that I had in mind as I put this together:

1 - I tried to stay within the time frame of September 1980 through June 1982 with the music initially included here. (Please note: I will not add anything released beyond June 1982, but will consider earlier material. See the next item.) 

2 - I tried not to insert too many of my personal preferences in this initial playlist. I was listening to a lot of album oriented rock when I first arrived in Durham, so I did not put on here the whole pre-1980 catalogs of Boston, Billy Joel, Led Zeppelin, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. (Of course, if we get the indication that these were popular enough to include, we will.) 

3 - Even though we were not too far removed from the "Urban Cowboy" craze, I could not bring myself to add the Country crossovers that were trending at the time. Thus, there's no Kenny Rogers, Juice Newton, or Eddie Rabbitt. If there is desire to add these, please post in the comments.

4 - Again, there's nothing of "Grease," "Saturday Night Fever," or Barbra Streisand on the list, but if these were sung in late night gatherings in the girls' dorms, I am glad to add them. Although there are some Neil Diamond and Barry Manilow tracks included, they were added reluctantly just to recognize that your parents might have had some influence on your musical choices.

5 - All of the pre-September 1980 music I have included has some special meaning to our time at S&M. For example, "Morning Has Broken" and "You've Got a Friend" were our prom themes. I have included much of the music from the slide shows. There are staples from the dances---"Twist and Shout," "Shout," and "Time Warp."

6 - Please, please help me with any genres that are lacking. I have had a hard time trying to track down any comprehensive lists of the Rhythm and Blues Charts along with Alternative/College Radio lists. (I have managed to find some Top Songs of the year, but I hoped to dig a little deeper.)

Happy 40th anniversary to you NCSSMers.

Spotify Playlist by Keith Beasley: NCSSM82 on Spotify

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Popular albums and songs of 1980, 1981, and 1982

1980:

Albums:

Crimes of Passion - Pat Benatar
Celebrate! - Kool & the Gang
Double Fantasy - John Lennon & Yoko Ono
Arc of a Diver - Steve Winwood

Songs:

Call Me - Blondie

Another Brick in the Wall - Pink Floyd

Magic - Olivia Newton-John

Rock With You - Michael Jackson

It's Still Rock and Roll To Me - Billie Joel

Escape (The Pina Colada Song) - Rupert Holmes

Cruisin - Smokey Robinson

Upside Down - Diana Ross

Babe - Styx

Still - The Commodores

This Is It - Kenny Loggins

Workin' My Way Back to You. Cupid - The Spinners

Ladies Night. Too Hot - Kool & the Gang

Cool Change - Little River Band

Into the Night - Benny Mardones

Whip It - Devo

Master Blaster (Jammin') - Stevie Wonder

All Out Of Love - Air Supply

Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar

You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC

Could You Be Loved - Bob Marley and the Wailers

(Just Like) Starting Over - John Lennon

Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield

Never Knew Love Like This Before - Stephanie Mills

1981: 

Albums:

Ghost in the Machine - The Police
Beauty and the Beat - The Go-Go's
Face Value - Phil Collins
4 - Foreigner
Bella Donna - Stevie Nicks
Hi Infidelity - REO Speedwagon

Songs:

Don't Stop Believing - Journey

Urgent - Foreigner

Celebration - Kool & the Gang

Slow Hand - Pointer Sisters

Same Old Lang Syne - Dan Fogelberg

Tom Sawyer - Rush

Lady - Kenny Rogers

Endless Love - Lionel Richie

In the Air Tonight - Phil Collins

Our Lips Are Sealed - The Go-Go's

Don't You Want Me - The Human League

Start Me Up - The Rolling Stones

Bette Davis Eyes - Kim Carnes

Under Pressure, Another One Bites the Dust - Queen

Arthur's Theme - Christopher Cross

Kiss on my List - Daryl Hall & John Oates

I Love a Rainy Night - Eddie Rabbitt

Keep on Loving You - REO Speedwagon

Just the Two of Us - Grover Washington Jr & Bill Withers

I Love You - Climax Blues Band

Every Woman in the World - Air Supply

Best of Times - Styx

Urgent - Foreigner

Lady (You Bring Me Up) - The Commodores

Hungry Heart - Bruce Springsteen

1982:

Rio - Duran Duran

*Thriller - Michael Jackson
*1999 - Prince
*Love over Gold - Dire Straits

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Musical News Events

December 8, 1980 - John Lennon is shot to death outside his apartment building in New York City.

May 11, 1981 - Bob Marley dies. He died at age 36 from a melanoma that started under his big toenail in 1977.

August 1, 1981 - MTV broadcasts for the first time on cable television in the United States, playing music videos 24 hours a day. First to air is "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles.  The channel originally aired music videos and related programming as guided by television personalities known as video jockeys (VJs).

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Google AI reply to "Who were the biggest musical artists of 198* in America?"

In 1980, some of the biggest musical artists in America included Blondie, Pink Floyd, Olivia Newton-John, and Michael Jackson. Blondie's "Call Me" topped the Billboard Year-End Hot 100, while Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall, Part II" also achieved significant success. Olivia Newton-John's "Magic" and Michael Jackson's "Rock with You" were also among the top hits of the year, according to Wikipedia.

Here's a more detailed look at some of the key artists:
Blondie: Their hit "Call Me" topped the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 chart, solidifying their position as a leading act of the era.
Pink Floyd: "Another Brick in the Wall, Part II" was a major success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100.
Olivia Newton-John: "Magic" was a chart-topping hit, contributing to her continued success.
Michael Jackson: "Rock with You" was a major hit for the young star, showcasing his growing popularity.
The Police: Sting and his band had the best-selling single of 1980 in the UK with "Don't Stand So Close to Me".
Kenny Rogers: He was also among the most successful artists on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US.



In 1981, some of the biggest musical artists in the US included Diana Ross & Lionel Richie, Blondie, Kim Carnes, and John Lennon. "Endless Love" by Ross and Richie topped the charts for an impressive seven weeks. Blondie had a strong year with hits like "Rapture" and "The Tide is High". Kim Carnes' "Bette Davis Eyes" was the year's biggest hit overall. John Lennon also had posthumous hits, including "(Just Like) Starting Over".

Other notable artists who achieved significant success in 1981 include:
Diana Ross & Lionel Richie: Their duet "Endless Love" dominated the charts, earning them the most weeks at #1 for the year
Blondie: They had a successful year with multiple hits like "Rapture" and "The Tide is High".
Kim Carnes: "Bette Davis Eyes" was the biggest hit of the year.
John Lennon: His posthumous release, "(Just Like) Starting Over" reached #1.
Rick Springfield: Had a comeback year, marked by the hit "Jessie's Girl".
Duran Duran: Their self-titled debut album and singles propelled them to MTV stardom.
Styx: The band's album "Paradise Theatre" reached #1, and their single "The Best of Times" hit #3.
Foreigner: Their album "4" was a commercial success, spending 10 weeks at #1.
Phil Collins: He launched his solo career in 1981, becoming one of the best-selling male artists of the decade.
Prince: His music and performance style helped him become a significant figure in American music.



In 1982, some of the biggest musical artists in America included Olivia Newton-John, Survivor, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder, and Daryl Hall & John Oates. Olivia Newton-John's "Physical" topped the Billboard Year-End Hot 100, while Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" was also a massive hit. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts' "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" was another chart-topper. Other notable artists included Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder with "Ebony and Ivory" and Daryl Hall & John Oates, who had multiple top-ten hits.

Here's a bit more detail:
Olivia Newton-John:. Her album "Physical" was the #1 album of the year, with the title track being a massive hit.
Survivor:. Their song "Eye of the Tiger" from the movie Rocky III was a huge success.
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts:. "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" was a #1 single and solidified Jett's place in rock music history.
Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder:. Their collaboration "Ebony and Ivory" was another memorable hit of the year.
Daryl Hall & John Oates:. They had three top-ten hits in 1982, tying for the most top-ten hits during the year.
Other notable artists:. The list also includes The J. Geils Band, Rick Springfield, The Police, Journey, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Madonna, all of whom were making waves in the music scene.

Prompt 11 - Unicorns...why???

by Grace Han Cunningham

Growing up in Durham and as a Duke faculty brat, the only ball game I ever paid attention to was basketball, not football. Plus the school I attended before NCSSM did not have a football team either. I do recall the excitement when the flag football team was established and shortly thereafter, a need for a new and improved mascot, motto and um, school colors.

When we arrived, the school colors were orange and brown. We had the so-called 'flaming diaper' as our logo and our then school motto was selected as "Maius opus moveo," Latin, from Virgil's Aenid and loosely translating to "I accept a greater work" or "I initiated a greater challenge." I believe that is the only item of the original selection that remains unchanged.

Well, that wasn't gonna work for Class of 82 so off we went in search of a new mascot and better colors! The reasoning behind those colors (if I recall correctly) was that no other school had them - for a reason, they were supremely ugly in combination. 

Regarding a new mascot, many ideas were put forth, including The Pioneers, plus a bunch of other mystical creatures. I recall seeing a lot of Mrs. Grossman's and other stickers featuring unicorns around that time at the mall and for some reason, we all thought that would be highly unique mascot - it was and still is! NCSSM is one of about six schools that use the unicorn, with New Braunfels HS in Texas adopting it in 1928. We got around to voting in the Unicorn right before Homecoming and Dedication Week. 

I don't recall exactly when we picked our school colors - the first yearbook was black cloth with a grey silk screened unicorn. But by the 2nd year, we had gravitated towards blue and silver and I believe that yearbooks since then have been that color. Ours had a blue cover and a silver flaming diaper logo embossed on the front, which cost a goodly amount but it was our first graduating class and the yearbook staff really worked our faculty advisor to pay for it. 

Regarding football, one of my favorite NCSSM things I saw in the past (and needs to be put in the Spirit Store) is a t shirt that said NCSSM Football - Undefeated since 1980. I recall Branson was very enthused about flag football teams, cheerleading squads, and games and at some point, discussions were had about silk screening a bunch of unicorn T-shirts. [The only shirts I remember actually screen printing were Morning Has Broken baseball shirts for prom- I wish I still had that one. Joe Liles' art class room remains one of my most vivid best memories of campus life, but that is another story.]

Pranks: A Relived Nightmare!!

 by Kathleen Benzaquin (founding Head of Residential Life)

Being the person in charge of discipline, at least before it got sent up to Dean Collins, was truly a job I did not relish.  I appreciated most of the pranks for their creativity and the need to blow off some steam.  Not easy living 24/7 in what was then a high visibility school. Always reporters and distinguished visitors around with the pressure to behave and act appropriately.  I felt as much on display as the students felt some days.  But we were "pioneers" at every level hoping to make this crazy new idea a real success.  It seemed worth the risk, and pranks were just a natural part of our growing pains.

The only prank I ever felt really angry about was when some juniors during the 1981-82 year brought a bow and arrows on campus and were shooting them from their dorm room into an area under construction.  The possibility of something tragic happening was so great; you can see from other entries how often students went into off-limits areas, that it really freaked me out.  Fortunately no one was hurt.  But that "prank" was not a funny one by any means.

 I enjoy reading the student perspectives on this and the other topics.  Being at NCSSM and part of the original team is the highlight of my career.   Good times, crazy times!

Pranks, Pranks, Pranks

by Grace Han Cunningham

Each of our years on campus was a lengthy and semi-epic how-to book of camp and dorm pranks. Yes to all the usual indoor dorm pranks -- Kool-Aid powder in showerheads, short sheeting beds, propping cups of water and ice on half opened doors, blowing baby powder under doors with a hair dryer, 'canning' a doorway; and periodically items from other parts of campus would find their way into dorm hallways and rooms. Senior year, tying up Robert Lee to whatever stationery object readily available became a thing. I was never sure *exactly* what he had done to deserve this fate -- he was taped to several columns, desk chairs, etc. during our senior year -- but I have a good guess. 

Yes to all the outdoor pranks - swiping underwear and bras and running them up the flagpole out front, rolling Dean Collin's VW bug into the main elevators at the Bryan Center, tossing Dr. Miller into the pool, and skipping school on senior skip day. I'm told Ross Baker was livid about it because she had a special guest speaker lined up that particular day. I suppose now it's all gone official. 

There were rules to pranking and a hierarchy. Rule #1 was you don't prank your roommate because, duh, you had to live with the outcome. Roomies would work together to perpetrate pranks on other roomies, members of the hall, members of the opposite sex, RAs, and of course, faculty.  Off-limits areas were always a pinnacle prank. 

We had a great bond with all of the faculty, Drs. Clarke and Miller were favorite targets - here's a motley crew dressed up as tribute to Dr. Clarke. 

I took a lot of photos both years, as the yearbook assistant-editor, and then editor; I remember what fun it was to develop all those rolls of film in Joe Liles' darkroom, and the magic of seeing the prints develop in the solution trays. I wish I had saved some of the negatives -- I know there were more photos of pranks that never made it into the yearbook. 

The juniors proved to be quick on the uptake and eager to assume the burden of Good Pranks -- Fred Did It become their riff on Kilroy Was Here.

But smart kids are creative and we managed to have way too much time on our hands and helped ourselves to access to parts of the campus, including classrooms and laboratories. Senior year, First Hill  (then a men's dorm) and First Beall (had become a women's dorm) had a fairly entertaining prank war going on. The back and forth went on for a while, to the dismay of the RAs and delight of the rest of the respective dorms.

Then finally came a prank that broke the administration's back and led to the banning of several members of First Hill from further social, on-campus activities, including Senior Prom -- the "Butyric Acid Incident" of 1982. I have no idea how said members of First Hill had gotten their hands on some butyric acid, but it is a nasty substance -- a liquid form of fatty acid that gives off the most horrific stench of vomit, sweat, sour milk, and other vile bodily fluids. Not much goes a long way.  My dorm room reeked of it; the hall reeked of it; our RA was in an absolute panic over it. My roomie Michelle Zimmer and I spent an entire day cleaning out everything -- every surface -- washing all of our clothes and bedding, and still the stench persisted.  A small amount had been applied to the backside and side of one of our bunk bed/closet combos (perhaps thru the window?)  After two days we finally removed all of the acid and the smell died down to where we could actually sleep in the room again. 

Admin was Not Pleased and certain members were banned from Prom, May 22, 1982. Instead they decided to do some fundraising and host their own event off campus earlier in the month. It was a really good thing we had all been accepted to prestigious universities and colleges by then as I'm sure admin was quite done with us. But everyone participated in Senior Skip Day, one of the last pranks of the year.

No one was quite ready to leave yet when graduation rolled around. A sense that the epic adventure was over, that the band of merry pranksters was disbanding for an unknown future, and that our two year quest was at an end.  

Throwing Miller in the Pool

by Lois Thornburg

It was the end of our junior year.  A plan had long been discussed to throw Dr. Miller in the pool, because we all loved him so much I guess, and today was the day. I was to bring him to where many of our classmates were gathering, on the lawn beside Hill House. 

I sat down with Miller at lunch in the cafeteria and wheedled him to go back to his office to show me what my final grade was, proffering some excuse about why I had to have it. I’m not sure he ever believed me, but he agreed to go. We walked out the basement doors, up the asphalt slope of the parking lot, crossed the street, and lo and behold, it looked like what Miller would later describe as some photogenic idyll of milling students right out of a teen movie.

As we climbed the steps to the side door of Hill, the crowd descended, picking up Miller and carrying him toward the pool. They started removing his watch, shoes, belt, and wallet as they rounded the back of Hill and got ready for launch. 

Then Beverly Robinson caught  Miller in air with her camera (see below) as Eugene, Doug, Johnny, Polly, and April, with some assists, heaved Miller in the water.  

I remember Drs. Wilson and Baker and some others staring aghast out the windows of basement Hill. For the rest of us, including Miller I think, it was great fun.

A priceless photo capturing instructor Jon Miller midair, as he is unceremoniously dumped into the pool beside Hill House.  

Left to Right: Robert, Alex, Lois (the author), Eugene, Jon Miller, April, Johnny, Doug, Polly, Tim.

[credit Beverly Robinson.  Page 67, 1981 NCSSM Odyssey yearbook, NCdigital.org website]

Miller knew he was due soon at a faculty and administrators’ meeting and so headed straight there, sopping wet.  The yearbook photo (below) captures him, hands outstretched, as he explains, “I’ve been thrown in the pool.” He still had to go home, change, and come back. 

Dr. Jon Miller explaining the situation to Dean Cecily Selby and Rosemary Oates, as the students (Polly, Ginger, and Ami) try to contain their glee in the doorway.  [Page 44, NCSSM Odyssey, NCdigital.org]

First Annual NCSSM Senior Skip Day 1982

First Annual NCSSM Senior Skip Day 1982

by Shelley Lineberger Hitt

A few years ago, I received an email from my daughter’s school notifying me of the carefully scheduled, administration-orchestrated “Senior Skip Day.” Huh? That doesn’t seem right, I thought. Doesn’t that sort of miss the point? And these kids don’t even live at school, so skipping would mean just not showing up… big deal. 

Not so simple or risk-free for the intrepid NCSSM class of 1982! In place of the well-worn path of tradition most high school seniors tread, we were offered the opportunity and challenge of creating our own traditions. Given we were generally considered the “good kids,” this usually meant establishing our student government, our own clubs and sports teams – generally working to “exceed expectations” and make everyone proud.

But in the spring of 1982, a little rebellious streak began to grow. It started out with some quiet rumblings… we need to have a senior skip day. Shhh… keep it quiet. Could we make it work? How to get off campus, what to do, where to go? And of most concern – would we get in trouble? We knew the powers-that-be had a lot riding of the success of NCSSM, so the consensus soon focused on critical mass… if we could get enough of the class to participate in the Skip Day project, what could admin do to us? We calculated that the grown-ups weren’t going to risk ruining graduation, or tarnishing the records of most of the class since we were essentially the report card for their own professional experiment. So, momentum grew for our mini-mutiny.

Given the majority of us were rule-followers, it was no small sales job to convince our classmates to not only skip class, but flagrantly disregard the off-campus sign-out procedures. But nerds or not, we were still teenagers, and the Skip Day idea started to take form. Strategies for leaving campus… in small groups on low-visibility sides of the block. Meet in Duke Gardens. Bring water, snacks, towels and games for a long, warm spring day of fun. Someone brought a boom box for music. Ultimate frisbee, games of catch and a little sun bathing. 

A few classmates had to take an exam in the morning, but joined us a little later. Not sure how that worked logistically but it seems the admin were playing along nicely.

As the day wound down, we had the presence of mind to capture the moment. Forty plus years have blurred my specific memories of the day, but my clearest memory is gathering everyone together for the First Annual Skip Day group photo on the rocks in Duke Gardens. I treasure this photo more than any picture I have from those years (even though I turned around when the shutter clicked… what did you say Eric?). That photo embodies the unity of our class, the love we have for each other, and the rare opportunity to enjoy a whole day together without stress or structure. Ahh, what a great day it was.

A photo of the class of 1982 on Senior Skip Day, on the Rock Garden, behind the Fish Pool, at Sarah P. Duke Gardens.

(NCSSM Photograph Collection.  NCSSM Digital Collection.)

A second photo of the class of 1982 on Senior Skip Day.

-courtesy of Shelley Lineberger Hitt.  

(Also found on page 6 of the June 11, 1982 edition of The Stentorian, Vol. 1, No. 5)