Page Two—THE GRYPHON—Thursday, September 30, 1976
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The purpose of the Gryphon is to examine events in the
school, the community and the world which affect the
lives of the students of RMSH. It is the Gryphon’s aim
to stimulate awareness of issues, to promote a better
understanding of others, and to bring about positive
action where change is needed. Student, faculty and
community response is welcomed and may be sent to
Student Assembly Governed
By Students Or Advisors?
Who is really in charge of ‘‘Student organizations,” the students or the faculty
advisors? This question and similar ones have concerned a number of students
and teachers for several years.
The students complain that teachers and/or advisers take over supposedly
student organizations. The students strive to do things “their way” according to
the wants and needs of their peers. When they attempt to do this, they feel that
they are being restricted by the advisor in planning projects and procedures.
Although they may want to rebel against these restrictions, they feel pressured to
do things the advisor’s way for fear of reprisals.
The teachers and advisors strive to maintain previously high standards, and
they also want to create and maintain pride in their organizations or clubs. Oc
casional conflicts within the questioned groups are caused by differences in
mores and moral standards. The teachers have to uphold legal standards and the
objectives of the administration, the school board, and the superintendent.
Therefore, in some situations the advisers are not “taking over,” only trying to
maintain the standards. Also, one of the biggest complaints the teachers have is
that students fail to meet and uphold responsibility fully and promptly.
Solutions to the problems may center around advance planning. If students or
faculty members have a new idea, they should present it in writing in detail ex
plaining why it is workable. Then the adviser has an opportunity to consider and
consult with others before the meeting and the actual discussion. After discussion
is completed, there should be a written deadline schedule designating the dif
ferent jobs and obligations that should be performed.
Many times the communication between students and advisors is inefficient.
Perhaps this may be solved by a careful study of the organization’s constitution.
One of the most important things to remember is to have an understanding from
both groups that the other is human and that everyone, even students and faculty,
make mistakes. Finally, everyone should try to have a sense of humor. Laughter
at oneself and with each other leads to better relations!
Senior Selection Questioned
Just what is it that makes for an outstanding Senior?
Nobody knows.
The selection of outstanding seniors is sponsored by the Hi-Noc-Ar staff. It
works this way. Each senior casts 20 votes for the students of his choice, 10 blacks
and 10 whites. This is to assure that those students chosen are considered to be
“outstanding” by a large portion of the senior class. To aid in their selection the
Hi-Noc-Ar staff encourages the senior class to vote only for students they would
desire to represent them.
Such a method is inadequate. It has failed to define the word “outstanding” and
to stipulate specific qualifications which should befulfiled by those students being
considered.
Too often students vote for persons they like rather than those who have made
outstanding contributions to the school or excelled in some area.
Could a more equable selection process be established? Could a committee of S.
R. A. representatives, faculty members, coaches, and administrators nominate
20 blacks and 20 whites. Thse nominees, along with their qualifications, could then
be listed on the ballot, and seniors could vote for ten members of each race.
Sophs Order Articles
Editor’s Note: On Sophomore Invitation Day at Rocky Mount Senior High
School, sophomores are sometimes required to dress to represent their age, like
babies. The opinion of THE GRYPHON is expressed in the following letter.
Squirts & Squabble Baby Co.
nil Sesame St.
New York, N. V.
Dear Sirs:
Our school is planning a Sophomore Initiation Day on October 1. On this day,
sophomores are to dress up as babies, and I, as Sophomore class president, am in
charge of ordering the necessary articles.
I would like for you to send 500 daytime Pampers along with 250 baby bottles.
We will need 300 tricycles to transport students to and from classes. We also need
400 bibs to keep any food spills off of us at lunch. Please send 50 Sesame Street
records and 30 Electric Company records so that we can enlarge our present
library.
With your prompt response, I am sure that we will be able to have a successful
initiation. Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Herman Grabowski
Sophomore Class President
the Gryphon, room 110; however, the editor reserves
the right to withhold libelous or profane letters.
COMMITTEE ENCOURAGES ENTHUSIASM FOR GRY
PHONS: The School Spirit Committee makes bamiers for car
antemias. Janet Winstead, DeLaine Kea, and Jamie Landis,
president, are pictured cutting, stamping, and stappling.
They also plan the pep rallies and ring the victory bell at
football games. [photo by B, Hutchisson]
EDITORSECHQ
By Billy Carroll
Recently, Director Clarence
M. Kelly of the Federal Bureau
of Investigation stated, “If there
is an institution in our society
with power that approaches
unlimited power, that institution
is the news media.”
The American Press has
achieved a level of seemingly
unchallenged power which
many of its critics feel will prove
to be hazardous to the rights of
the individual. In recent
reporting concerned with Wash
ington sex scandals, the press
has implicated various Con
gressmen in a torrent of stories
which often lacked verification.
Reporting which was frequently
based on speculation alone was
rampant during the kidnapping
of Patty Hearst and her
activities following the incident.
Last winter, Daniel Schorr of
the Columbia Broadcasting
System, obtained a highly
secretive copy of a Congres
sional report on U.S. Intelli
gence. He passed the document
on to the Village Voice, a weekly
New York City newspaper, for
publication despite its classified
nature.
Such violation of ehics is
resulting in very little court
action although a congressional
committee is investigating.
Power of the press is also
becoming a threat to the public.
Growth of T.V. networks,
news magazines, and daily
newspapers is resulting in a
“National Press.” Such daily
publications as the New Yorit
Times, Washington Post, Chi
cago Tribune, and the Los
Angeles Times wield influence
which extends far beyond the
areas which they directly serve.
News gathered by staffs which
comb the globe are distributed
to hundreds of smaller papers
across the nation. The result is
of course a news presentation
dominated by a few papers.
In June of 1976 the power of
the press was further increased.
The Supreme Court limited
“gag” orders through which
judges attempt to prevent
excessive or inflammatory pub
licity which might hinder a
defendant’s right to a fair trial.
If such abuse of freedom of
the press is allowed to continue,
the individual and thus the
public will have to face a loss of
many of their rights.
THE GRYPHON
Rocky Mount Senior High School
308 South Tillery Street Rocky Mount, N.C. 27801
Member of Columbia Press Association
Member of Quill and Scroll
Editor-in-Chief
PUBLISHED MONTHLY
News Editor
Managing Editor
Copy Editor
Advertising Manager
Business Manager
Circulation Manager ^
Terri Gardner
Billy Carroll
Jackie Wilde
Trey BuUuck
Kevin Maurer
Cathy Kilpatrick
«..iii;iuauuu « Debbie Mosley
Staff Writers Clifton Barnes, Neeley Blanchard, Kathy Carrol
Mary Davis, Mary Fleming, John Gilmore, David Goff
Beth Hutchisson, Jennifer Jones, Frieda Jordan, Keith King
Robby Noble, John Smith, Cyndi Strickland, Dan Thorpe
Karen Walston
Advisor Mrs. Henrietta Barbour
Principal jyi,. Elton Newbem
Assistant Principals Mr. Charles Davis, Mr. Robert Miller