HISTORY OF ZEPHYRHILLS HIGH SCHOOLHighlights of 1975
ZHS Graduates 163 Seniors; Many Awards Are Presented, Zephyrhills News, July 3, 1975 The Student Commons of the Zephyrhills High School was a beautiful—air conditioned-site for the Commencement Friday as 163 graduates, the largest ever, were awarded diplomas Mrs. Agnes Deal, area School Board Member, presented the diplomas assisted by Principal Raymond B. Stewart. Tassels were turned by Board Member, Robert Hartzel and Board Chairman Harley Gilmore and long stemmed tinted chrysanthemums were presented each senior by the junior class. Also presented on the platform were Rev. Paul Steuart of the First United Methodist Church, who gave the invocation and benediction. Superintendent of Schools Thomas E. Weightman, announced the names of winners of special awards and J.C. Steele, senior sponsor, served as emcee and introduced guests. Three addresses on the program included the Salutatorian’s talk, the Presidents’ talk and the address by the Valedictorian. Presented annual special awards by Superintendent of Schools, Thomas E. Weightman, were: Most Athletic—Doug Lail and Betsy Dobson Most School Spirit—Mel Williams and Maria Smith Citizenship—Karen Calhoun and Steve Clark Activities—Tonda Galyan and Randy Bahr Valedictorian—Karen Schlarlau Salutatorian—Steve Clark Armondo Maniscalco, acting on behalf of the Karl Wickstrom family of Miami, presented a leadership and friendship plaque and a check for $100 to Mel Williams as the senior who through those traits most honored the memory of Karl G. Wickstrom, a ZHS Senior who died in an accident in July 1972. Maniscalco was the last year’s winner of the memorial award. Senior Class President Teresa Robinson confined her remarks to brief thoughts about retaining individuality in the face of pressures of life, saying, “Graduation brings an end to our years of public school education and a beginning to the rest of our lives. School has not been just a time for absorbing vast amounts of knowledge, but more a time for learning how to learn. Learning how to research to find the answers to most of our questions, learning to solve problems…”
Life in the military can be exciting and rewarding no matter what branch of the service one is serving. Travel opportunities abound. Many of those in the service spend tours of duties in a variety of different countries, serving their own country while getting the opportunity to see the world and learn firsthand how others think, eat, relax, work and live. But few military tours can be as exciting as the one Staff Sgt. Donald Harrison is serving. Harrison, a 1975 graduate of Zephyrhills High School and son of Mr. and Mrs. Grace H. Sellars and stepson of Edward C. Sellars is serving in the United States Air Force as a part of a unit that serves at Andrews Air Force Base, outside of Washington, D.C., protecting the aircraft flown by President of and Mrs. Ronald Reagan, Vice President George Bush and other officials of the administration. Harrison has been stationed at Andrews AFB for two years. He served as a guard on Air Force One, the president’s aircraft and currently serves with the security force protecting First Lady Nancy Reagan. Harrison is one of 130 men chosen to protect the air craft at Andrews. According to an article in the military newspaper, which profiled Harrison’s boss, SMSgt. John J. Kelly, those selected to the Air Force Security Field are all hand chosen “and of the finest in the U.S. Military. Karen Scharlau, Steve Clark—Top Scholars in ZHS Class of 1975, Zephyrhills News, June 26, 1975 Karen Scharlau has been announced as the Valedictorian of the 163 member Zephyrhills High School class of 1975 with Steve Clark, Salutatorian or second-ranking, scholastically. In addition, the names of 24 other honor graduates of the year’s class were announced for Baccalaureate by Mrs. Betty Jo Hyder, guidance counselor for Principal Raymond B. Stewart. In order to be an honors graduate, a senior must have maintained a “B” average for the four years of high school and have scored at least 300 on the statewide 12th grade test. The ranking is based 80 percent on the grade average and 20 percent on the test score. There are members of the graduating class who scored about 300 on the test but did not maintain the required grade average. Miss Scharlau had a grade point average of 3.95 on a 4.0 being straight A and scored 470 on the 12th grade test of a possible score of 495. Clark carries a grade average of 3.85 and scored 439 on the 12th grade test. Other members of the honors group, not necessarily in order of their ranking are: Randall Keith Bahr, Karen May Calhoun, Cynthia Lynn Cowling, Robert Monroe Cox, Phyllis Cynthia DeBoe, Janet Louise Gill, Mark Grahling Glidden, Daniel Stuart Herndon, James Richard Hinsz, Karen Marie Hughes, Byron Dell Jones, Douglas E. Lail, Laura Ann Mason, George William Meredith, Sherrie Ann Merrill, Judith Ann Padgett, Karen Moyer Peacock, Donald Thomas Poplick, Diane Sue Robinson, Teresa Fay Robinson, Lois Sellars Kelly Mary Ann Welch Johnson.  
ZHS Graduates, Zephyrhills News, July 3, 1975 Valedictorian’s Address In her valedictory on behalf of her class, Miss Scharlau said: “We the Class of 1975 are the hope of today and the power of tomorrow. As we advance in life, we learn the limits of our abilities—Limits which are caused by the loss of enthusiasm and the weakness of will. Only through involvement can we reduce the limitations put upon us and increase our responsibilities. For we are the ones who will shape the world of tomorrow. There are significant space explorations, breakthroughs in medicine and many other discoveries in our lifetimes—discoveries which were found only through inquisitive minds and willingness to wonder. All generations have contributed to the advancement or our country and the world. Since the beginning of the 20th century we have progressed in transportation, industry, nuclear power and electricity in order to make the United States number one. We have seen and been taught through others mistakes and by watching what has happened in our environment. All these occurrences have started the form of the future which we are about to mold. As we shape the future of our world, we will set examples for generations to follow,” she said. “In the “Rules of Life,” by Confucius, it is said, “Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years; people only grow old by deserting their ideals. Nor is youth simply a matter of ripe cheeks and supple knees. Youth is a temper of the will, a quality of the imagination; a vigor of the emotions, and a freshness of the deep springs of life. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.” Confucius said. Our minds if not used wisely can be one of our most powerful enemies. Having an inner conflict can postpone our achievements and goals in life. But those who are firm in will, will mold the world around themselves Miss Scharlau noted that, “Knowledge is a power. There are so many mysteries in the world that we don’t understand. It is not unusual for a young person to have had someone come up to him and say, “if I were only your age and knew what I know now.” Well, we do have a lot to learn and we may not know what they know, but we are willing to learn. “People, in general, say that our generation takes advantage of life, has had everything handed to us, and has had no responsibility. Well a great part of the mischief upon the world arises from words and usually the words of the minority. We have been judged by a select few and we have much to prove to the world. It seems that people tend to forget that once they too, were thought of as irresponsible and illogical young adults. One reason for their attitude is a six letter word, “C H A N G E,” change. If our world does not change, then our children and our grandchildren will not have a chance in this world because we live in a materialistic world, a world of “fend for yourself.” So let our words be few and our actions many,” she said. It is said that “old men dream of dreams, young men see visions.” Our visions may be few, but as we grow, they will become reality and grow with us. We will not let the world pass us by, for the beauties and joys of everyday life open only to those who take time to explore life’s hidden horizons. “As a closing, I say to you, We the class of 75’ hold the world in our hands, what shall we do with it/ for the world is a beautiful book, but of little use to those who will not read it, she said. Salutatorian’s Talk by Steve Clark In his remarks to his fellow graduates and the assembled parents and friends, Salutatorian Steve Clark declared that he is a composite of the people whom he has admired. “I believe in a philosophy of self-improvement through inspiration from others. There are several steps to this way of thinking. “The first step toward self-improvement is through the observation of people around us. Upon inspection we will find that all people have strong and weak qualities,” he said. “Because there are both good and bad traits about people, we must discriminate between the two. Which are the admirable traits? He told the audience that “The second step is to initiate a worthy characteristic in our lives. In the beginning we start by applying it in the ways that our forerunners apply it in their lives. After a trial and error time has elapsed this new quality will take shape and become adapted in our lives. At first we might compete to do better than our forerunners had previously done. Eventually though, this quality will become part of our character. When this happens, we will no longer compete against other people’s standards but will strive for self-satisfaction. “The possibilities of developing this new trait are boundless. Although we may decide to stop perfecting this one quality, we cannot stop our drive for excellence.” Clark said that “There are so many diversities in good characteristics that we may never possess them all. Look at what sort of people we have to choose from, past and present: Conquerors, philosophers, peacemakers, prophets, presidents and many others. “Now let us look at the other side of the coin. All of us have at one time or another seen someone do something of which we disapproved. At that point we should search ourselves to see if we have in us any of that distastefulness. If we do, we should work toward dispelling it from within us, he said. “We all should want to become the best person possible for us to be. Science is progressing and science is a product of man’s desires, why should not man want to refine his character.” The salutatorian said, “Let me compare this progression to a river. We start out as a twisting creek with no direction or power to go anywhere. However, after a few tributaries (representative of people’s better characteristics) become part of us, we begin aiming toward the sea (the sea is representative of completeness and wholeness). As we grow in character, we become stronger until we have the strength to tear down the largest of mountains as does the mighty river. “Although it is impossible to reach the completeness of the sea, we are still able to grow. “We are our brother’s keepers,” he said. “But before we can help others we must be willing to help ourselves. If we are content with the present, we will become stagnant and deteriorate. You are what you want to be so let us make our lives the best that they must be.” As Henry Hancock, Dean of Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Minneapolis, once said, “Out of our beliefs are born deeds; out of our deeds we form habits; out of our character we build our destination.” He concluded.
ZHS Graduate Awarded $100 at Nazarene Church, Zephyrhills News, July 26, 1975 At a recent service at The Church of the Nazarene, Byron D. Jones, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Jones, Shaw Road, and an Honor Graduate at Zephyrhills High School, was honored as the recipient of the Pastor’s scholarship to help toward his tuition next year at Treveca Nazarene College in Nashville, Tennessee.
ZHS Students Cited for High Scores on Nationwide Tests, Zephyrhills News, December 11, 1975 Commendation for high scores on national test programs have been received by three Zephyrhills high schools students. Elizabeth Stanley and Johanna Newton, an early admit student who is completing her senior high school year as a freshman at the University of South Florida, have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their high performance on the 1974 Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Commended Students represent less than three percent of those who are expected to graduate from high school in 1976. Frank Rhoda, is eligible for the National Certificate of Educational Development based on the high score above the 90th percentile nationally he received on the National Education Development Test given 30 9th and 10th grade students at ZHS.
Commencement for 163 ZHS Seniors Set Friday in Commons of New School, Zephyrhills News, June 26, 1975 Members of the 1975 graduating class of Zephyrhills High School—almost 50 percent larger than last year’s senior class—will receive diplomas at commencement exercises Friday evening. The 163 listed seniors will be presented their recognition of completion of their high school education in the student commons area of the new high school at 1975 12th Street. Last year’s 111 seniors thus become the last to have sweltered through the summer heat in the gymnasium ceremony which each year has left graduates and parents alike literally writing wet—the new location is air conditioned. The invocation for commencement will mark the first public appearance of the new pastor of the First United Methodist Church, the Reverend Paul M. Stewart, and it will follow the traditional processional of graduates to the strains of “Pomp and Circumstance, as played on the organ by Ray McLellan. Guests will be introduced by J.C. Steele, III, senior sponsor, to be followed by two of the three addresses of the evening, the first, the Salutatorian’s Address by Steve Clark, followed by the Address to the Senior Class by class president, Teresa Robinson. Awards will be presented by Superintendent of Schools, Thomas E. Weightman. These will include citizenship, school spirit, activities, most athletic and best all-around, most of them for both boy and girl. In addition Armondo Maniscalco, last year’s senior winner, will award the $100 Karl Wickstrom Memorial Leadership and Friendship Award to a member of the class. Valedictorian Karen Scharlau will make her address just before the awarding of diplomas to be conducted this year by Mrs. Agnes Deal, School Board Member of District 1, who will be assisted by Principal Raymond B. Stewart. The Reverend Mr. Stewart will give the closing benediction and McLellan will play, “March of the Priests,” as the recessional. Ushers for commencement are members of the junior class with Beth Boger as chairman. Others are: Torri Burns, Johanna Newton, Christina Spoto, Barbara Zobrist, Charles Back, Randy Douglas, John Fries, Greg Mills, and Eric Pirttima. President Ford’s Message Members of the Class of 1975 have received a congratulatory letter from the White Houses at Washington, D.C., which reads: “As high school graduates you are passing an important milestone. You are about to enter into a society that is filled with challenge and opportunity. What you do with your lives from this point forward will determine not only your personal self-fulfillment, but the general well-being of the nation. “You carry with you the hopes of those who know and trust you. The future of America depends on your generation. You can make of America whatever you want. The opportunities before you are as great as the challenges. “Education is the greatest key to a better life. But to open the door of opportunity you need faith in yourselves, pride in what you have accomplished, and the idealism to persevere. If you add to this awareness that learning never ceases, you will indeed bring to your lives the kind of meaning and satisfaction you seek. “I wish you every success on the road ahead.”—Gerald R. Ford
Students Move To New $3 Million ZHS Wednesday, Zephyrhills News, April 10, 1975 It will be a busy day Wednesday of next week when Zephyrhills High School moves into its new $3 million educational plant on the Hercules property of 12th Street. Final touches are being rapidly put on the partitions and walls this week as teachers are meeting daily after regular classes in the old high school in order to familiarize themselves with the new school and prepare methods of security and of monitoring the vast labyrinth of corridors. Principal Raymond B. Stewart told the News this week that the first big move will be today (Thursday) when a student force will be used to transfer some 8,000 to 10,000 library books. The students will pick up books from the current shelves in assigned sequence, board school buses and be seated in an assigned order, then enter the new school and library by called number to reset the books in an exact sequence, duplicating the library as it now exists. About two-thirds of the school’s books are being moved. “In addition we have received lots of new books—which are still in their boxes—to bring the library up to the latest Southern Association of Secondary School accreditation standards, and these will be placed on shelves by our librarians prior to next week’s opening day.” Principal Stewart said. A few workmen will still be in the plant next week after students begin to use the new school, Stewart said. For example, lights in the parking area have not yet been erected and there are other minor problems on the punch list.” Maybe Bag Lunches A major one of these will be the cafeteria. “All of the equipment is in and our lunchroom staff is ready to open the cafeteria on the first day, but we are having some problems with the operation of the equipment. “I believe the cafeteria will open, but the possibility does exist of using bag lunches for the first few days, if necessary, this will be announced Tuesday,” the principal said. There will be two lunch periods each 30 minutes long and it is hoped two serving lines will be possible. Outside benches for relaxation during the lunch break are a future development under construction, said Stewart. New Hours Set–New hours for all three Zephyrhills schools will go into effect starting next Wednesday. For ZHS the hours will be 8 a.m. to 1:47 p.m. with West Elementary starting at about 8:10 a.m. and running until 2 p.m. Zephyrhills Middle School will start at 9 a.m. and run until 3:15 p.m. The reason for this is that the first bus trips will pick up students in grad K-3 and grades 9-12. The first stop will be at ZHS and the buses will then drive to West Zephyrhills Elementary to drop off pupils. The buses will then begin another hour to hour and one half run to pick up students in grades 4-8 for the Middle School. If ZHS started later, sat at 8:15 or 8:30 as many high schools in Tampa now do, that would force the start of the middle school to 9:45 or 10 and the Middle School would not end until 4 or 4:30. A revised bus schedule admittedly still subject to revisions, appears on 6B of this issue. The Student Council will be taken to the new school Monday and also Tuesday to familiarize itself with the new school. Then starting Wednesday at the change of ever class, SC members will be stationed at various locations over the plant to direct lost students. SC members will report late to their classes on an excused tardy. As another aid to finding their way, students will find signs on all classroom doors, and will be given duplicated map layout of the building. Through the cooperation of the Diversified Education Department, Principal Stewart plans to hang signs in the large student commons area which will direct students into the various areas of the school, such as home economics, physical education, language arts, science, etc. The custodial crew and the lunchroom staff transferred to the new school yesterday (Wednesday). …Designed by architect Eoghan (Owen) N. Kelley, the school has wide curving halls, a large student commons area with a stage, a raised cafeteria and sunken media center.  HERCULES POWDER COMPANY Wilmington, Delaware with branch offices at: Allentown, PA, Birmingham, AL, Buffalo, NY, Chattanooga, TN, Chicago, IL, Denver, CO, Duluth, MN, Hazleton, PA, Huntington, WV, Joplin, MO, Little Rock, AR, Los Angeles, CA, Louisville, KY, Memphis, TN, New York, NY, Norristown, PA, Pittsburg, KN, Pottsville, PA, St. Louis, MO, Salt Lake City, NV, San Francisco, CA, Wilkes-Barrow, PA, Wilmington, DE. Explosives and Blasting Supplies Hercules Permissible Explosives… Hercules Permissible Explosives are officially sanctioned by the US Bureau of Mines for use in gaseous and dusty coal mines. The grades listed below have been developed to meet the varying conditions encountered in different districts. Hercules Red H and Collier permissible are of the ammonium nitrate type. They average from ¼ to ½ more cartridges of a given size to a case than dynamites of the nitroglycerin and other types. Red H C-L. F is the strongest slow permissible and is the leading lump producer. Red H D-L F. is similar to Red H C-L F. except that is has a higher cartridge count. Red H 6 is a strong, dense and fast permissible. It produces a high tonnage of coal per pound of powder, and is recommended where lump coal is not important. Red 4A-L F has medium strength and quickness and is a good all-around powder where the coal is not too hard to shoot. Collier B is a high cartridge count permissible and where suited for the work, is very economical because of its low cost per cartridge. It runs more than 300 1 1/4×8” cartridges per 100 lbs. Other Hercules Permissibles: The list includes Red H B-L F, Red H 5, Collier 2 5 Special, Collier 11, Coal Powder B, Coal Special 3C and Bituminite No. 1 BLASTING POWDERS: “A” Blasting Powder is fro use in dimension stone, slate and granite quarries. “B” Powder is for use in non-gaseous coal mines, coal stripping, quarry and construction work… HERCULES DYNAMITES Hercules L.F. Straight Nitroglycerin D are for use when a quick, smashing effect is needed. Hercules Gelatin L.F. is good for wet areas Hercules Extra L, Hercules Special No 1, Hercules Special No. 2 A WORD ABOUT THE HERCULES SITE WHICH NOW HOUSES THE CURRENT ZHS FACILITY…
Some articles from the time frame about the Hercules Powder Company which is now the location on which the current ZHS plant is located as of 2008. Hercules Powder Company—One of Major New Industries, Zephyrhills News, 1948 The Hercules Powder Company, Camp No. 39 was started in September 1946, and began operations six months later. Homes for white and colored families were built with other buildings of the project on an 80-acre tract just north of the city limits of Zephyrhills. There are approximately 25 white families and 17 colored families living on the grounds. Mr. N.S. Dankiel is superintendent of the project which is estimated to continue for a period of 15 to 18 years. Pine stumps are removed on contracted properties within a radius of 35 miles. These are shipped to the extensive Hercules Industrial Plant at Brunswick, Georgia, and made into naval stores supplies. The three main properties are resin, turpentine and pine oil and many other products and by-products. Zephyrhills welcomes industry and cooperates in helping it to locate in this area.
Hercules Chooses Site, Tampa Tribune, August 9, 1946 The Hercules Powder Company has selected a site just north of Zephyrhills as headquarters for a long-term pine stump salvaging operations which will employ 150 persons. A Hercules representative said the company will erect about 60 prefabricated houses on the site for its workers. A flier from the company shows what they manufactured on the site, below….. 
Nancy Wise Is Named ‘Florida Miss U.S.A. Teen,’ Zephyrhills News, May 1, 1975 Less than a month after giving up her crown as “Miss Zephyrhills,” Nancy Diane Wise, 17 year old daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Julian Wise, Chancel Road was selected as Florida Miss US Teen. Nancy also was selected by her fellow contestants to be the recipient of “Miss Congeniality” trophy.
1975 All-Sports Awards Banquet Trophy-filled Affair, Zephyrhills News, May 1, 1975 More than 300 Zephyrhills High school athletes, their parents, coaches and area sports boosters are expected to be on hand Tuesday evening in the Municipal Auditorium for the annual All-Sports Awards Banquet being presented by the Quarterback Club. There will be no featured speaker this year, a change in traditional banquet fare, in order to give more time to coaches and award presentation makers to tell anecdotes about their players and seasons. The banquet will begin at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are now on sale. Bill Smith, the man who wowed the community by selling more than 200 memberships in the Quarterback Club this year will be banquet master of ceremonies, President Ernest Peeples announced. The invocation will be by the Reverend James Errickson, and Peeples will introduce his officers and make the traditional report on the past year’s activities. Athletic Director Billy C. Douglas will introduce the coaches who will in turn recognize their athletes. Also to be introduced will be cheerleader coaches and their squads. Nine trophies will be presented under the general heading of Quarterback Club awards and these include: Most valuable football back, to be presented by Henry Nesbit; Most valuable basketball player to be presented by William E. McGavern; Best free-thrower marksman to be presented by Dr. Tom Foster; Most valuable baseball player to be presented by Nelson Ryman; Most valuable trackman to be presented by Donnie Nelson; Most valuable golfer to be presented by Buddy Smith; Most valuable boys tennis player to be presented by Jack Fries, and Most valuable girl’s tennis player to be presented by Jeri Lauderbaugh. Four other special presentations are to be featured. These will include:
Also reported to be on hand for the affair will be Mike McGinnis, coach of the Central Florida Community College basketball team, who will be invited to say a few words on the program. In addition to Peeples as president, officers of the Quarterback Club include Fries as vice president and John F. Clements as secretary-treasurer. Directors are Douglas, Smith, Mrs. Lauderbaugh, Art Fish and Mrs. Ada Hill. |
ZHS Graduate Flew With First Lady—Donald Harrison, Class of 1975, The Zephyrhills News, June 2, 1983