Hilltoppers compile outstanding records
The Hilltoppers compiled an outstanding record in the West Suburban Conference in the 1970s and 1980s. The boys won 30 titles in nine sports and the girls won 16 titles in five sports. Considering that Glenbard West was usually the smallest school, and did not compete in swimming, badminton, or soccer (until 1977), it is an impressive record.
The football team won 13 titles, including seven straight title from 1971 to 1977. They finished second in 5-A competition in1976 and won the title in 1983. Championships were won in golf (7), wrestling (3), indoor track (2), and Cross Country, soccer, basketball, baseball, and outdoor track. The Cross-Country team finished second in the state in 1972 and 4th in 1975. In 1984 - Varsity soccer team won the first Conference Soccer championship in GW history. They beat Hinsdale Central 1-0 in championship game on their field. |
Girls' athletics and Title IX at GWHS
Pictured at right, Ginny Stein in 1973, the first year Glenbard West offered gymnastics. “I kept falling off the beam! I wasn’t very good,” Stein said, “but I had a lot of fun!”
In the early 1970's there were no interscholastic teams for girls. The sudden rise of athletic competition for girls, aided in no small degree by Title IX legislation, finally gave the girls their share of the facilities, dollars, and publicity that had long been reserved for the boys. Their rapid growth, however, spelled the end of a highly successful G. A. A. program. The only sport for girls in 1971 was tennis. Gymnastics, and track were added in 1972, basketball in 1973, softball in 1977, cross country in 1978 and soccer in 1984. At one point in the 1970’s, girls didn't take P.E. their senior year. The reason? The simple fact that the school didn't have the physical room to hold P.E. for Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior Girls' P.E. The exception: Senior boys had to take their P.E. class. |
Title IX in play at GWHS, by retired coach, Sue Pariseau
Sue Pariseau taught PE and math at GWHS for 35 years. During that time, she coached track for 29 years and cross country for 27 years. The following is her account of Title IX, its impact on the athletic program at Glenbard West, and the opportunities it opened for female Hilltoppers.
Female athletes of today are far more physically fit and mentally stronger than when the girls’ program started in the 1970’s. Today, female athletes are highly competitive, and some are rewarded for their efforts with college scholarships. It’s wonderful to see how the programs have developed to be able to produce the athletes of today Interscholastic sports for girls became a reality at Glenbard West after the passing of Title IX in 1972.
Title IX required any athletic program to offer girls the same opportunity as boys to compete in sports.
At Glenbard West, if you were teaching physical education, you were “recruited” to coach one of the sports that were being offered. Our athletic department was careful not to offer too many sports, initially. The thought behind that was to be sure that there was an interest in a particular sport and that the programs added would succeed. Surveys were handed out in gym classes to determine what sports would be added
Girl’s tennis had already been an established program and the interest for other sports seemed to be in Basketball, coached by Mary Lou Steiner, Gymnastics coached by Jane Leggett and Track and Field coached by Eleanor Arlen. The following year, Lynn Larsen became the Gymnastics coach and Sue Pariseau became the Track coach.
There were plenty of growing pains, as practice space became an issue. GAA, an intramural sports program for girls, had gym space before any athletic team could use the “Girl’s Gym” which was located where Elliot Library is currently. There was no Field House, just Biester Gym with one main gymnasium and a 110-yard track downstairs. In the middle of the track was the wrestling area and in the SE corner a very, very small weight room.
The facilities were overflowing and needless to say, there was more than one “discussion” about who gets the practice facility first. The Athletic Department did an adequate job when it came to scheduling the facilities. Of course, no one was 100% happy, but it was fair for all. Eventually, maybe 3 years later, the GAA program dissolved due to lack of participation and that opened up more practice space for both boys and girls.
Shortly after basketball, gymnastics and track became established, volleyball was added. And then, after running on the boys’ team for a few years, in 1978, the girls’ cross-country team was officially added. As interest in girls’ sports expanded, so did the number of sports available for girls to compete.
With boys’ sports there were four levels: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior Varsity and Varsity. However, the girls’ programs only had 2 levels, Junior Varsity and Varsity. This was true throughout the West Suburban Conference. It was several years later that the programs changed to F/S, JV and Varsity. The athletic directors, in an effort to develop strong, healthy programs made sure each sport could support two levels before adding a F/S level. The men and women who made up the conference athletic directors ensured that programs thrived.
One of the biggest obstacles to hurdle was finding qualified coaches who were willing to put in the time to make a program successful. There weren’t many women who had experience in competitive athletics, as there had been no opportunities for women to compete, until now. There were different schools of thought when it came to male coaches. Some men saw working with the girls’ programs, as an opportunity while others wanted no part of developing these programs. It took a good 10-15 years before young female athletes became coaches. Today, former athletes are coaching at all levels across the state, some at their alma mater, some in the same conference, some even at the college level!
A second major hurdle was educating the parents of the young girls who were participating in sports about the time and commitment necessary to become successful athletes. Today, girls are committed to their sport, attending practices daily, working off-season and managing their lives to become the best that they can be. It took time for the girls and their parents to move from and intramural philosophy to one of doing all that is necessary to become a competitive athlete.
And the last obstacle was helping the men who had been coaching in the WSC for many years to learn to share practice facilities, competition gyms, fields and weight rooms.
There was a lot of support for the girls’ programs at West. The basketball team was very successful under the guidance of Emily Mollett and Jim Corso. Volleyball flourished with Steve Burkhart leading them to state championships twice and cross country, coached by Sue Pariseau, brought home a 3rd place and 2nd place trophy in state cross country meets. Today, all the girls’ athletic programs are strong, healthy programs. Some athletes have even come back to be head coaches at their Alma Mater, Kristi Faulkner, Basketball and Christy Giunta, Volleyball.
Female athletes of today are far more physically fit and mentally stronger than when the girls’ program started in the 70’s. Today, female athletes are highly competitive, and some are rewarded for their efforts with college scholarships. It’s wonderful to see how the programs have developed to be able to produce the athletes of today.
This generation of student athletes, boys and girls, have grown up with competitive sports as part of their daily life. Many don’t realize there was a time when girls weren’t able to compete! Thanks to Title IX, some wonderful administrators and the men and women who volunteered to coach, sports for girls are alive and well at Glenbard West High School.
Female athletes of today are far more physically fit and mentally stronger than when the girls’ program started in the 1970’s. Today, female athletes are highly competitive, and some are rewarded for their efforts with college scholarships. It’s wonderful to see how the programs have developed to be able to produce the athletes of today Interscholastic sports for girls became a reality at Glenbard West after the passing of Title IX in 1972.
Title IX required any athletic program to offer girls the same opportunity as boys to compete in sports.
At Glenbard West, if you were teaching physical education, you were “recruited” to coach one of the sports that were being offered. Our athletic department was careful not to offer too many sports, initially. The thought behind that was to be sure that there was an interest in a particular sport and that the programs added would succeed. Surveys were handed out in gym classes to determine what sports would be added
Girl’s tennis had already been an established program and the interest for other sports seemed to be in Basketball, coached by Mary Lou Steiner, Gymnastics coached by Jane Leggett and Track and Field coached by Eleanor Arlen. The following year, Lynn Larsen became the Gymnastics coach and Sue Pariseau became the Track coach.
There were plenty of growing pains, as practice space became an issue. GAA, an intramural sports program for girls, had gym space before any athletic team could use the “Girl’s Gym” which was located where Elliot Library is currently. There was no Field House, just Biester Gym with one main gymnasium and a 110-yard track downstairs. In the middle of the track was the wrestling area and in the SE corner a very, very small weight room.
The facilities were overflowing and needless to say, there was more than one “discussion” about who gets the practice facility first. The Athletic Department did an adequate job when it came to scheduling the facilities. Of course, no one was 100% happy, but it was fair for all. Eventually, maybe 3 years later, the GAA program dissolved due to lack of participation and that opened up more practice space for both boys and girls.
Shortly after basketball, gymnastics and track became established, volleyball was added. And then, after running on the boys’ team for a few years, in 1978, the girls’ cross-country team was officially added. As interest in girls’ sports expanded, so did the number of sports available for girls to compete.
With boys’ sports there were four levels: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior Varsity and Varsity. However, the girls’ programs only had 2 levels, Junior Varsity and Varsity. This was true throughout the West Suburban Conference. It was several years later that the programs changed to F/S, JV and Varsity. The athletic directors, in an effort to develop strong, healthy programs made sure each sport could support two levels before adding a F/S level. The men and women who made up the conference athletic directors ensured that programs thrived.
One of the biggest obstacles to hurdle was finding qualified coaches who were willing to put in the time to make a program successful. There weren’t many women who had experience in competitive athletics, as there had been no opportunities for women to compete, until now. There were different schools of thought when it came to male coaches. Some men saw working with the girls’ programs, as an opportunity while others wanted no part of developing these programs. It took a good 10-15 years before young female athletes became coaches. Today, former athletes are coaching at all levels across the state, some at their alma mater, some in the same conference, some even at the college level!
A second major hurdle was educating the parents of the young girls who were participating in sports about the time and commitment necessary to become successful athletes. Today, girls are committed to their sport, attending practices daily, working off-season and managing their lives to become the best that they can be. It took time for the girls and their parents to move from and intramural philosophy to one of doing all that is necessary to become a competitive athlete.
And the last obstacle was helping the men who had been coaching in the WSC for many years to learn to share practice facilities, competition gyms, fields and weight rooms.
There was a lot of support for the girls’ programs at West. The basketball team was very successful under the guidance of Emily Mollett and Jim Corso. Volleyball flourished with Steve Burkhart leading them to state championships twice and cross country, coached by Sue Pariseau, brought home a 3rd place and 2nd place trophy in state cross country meets. Today, all the girls’ athletic programs are strong, healthy programs. Some athletes have even come back to be head coaches at their Alma Mater, Kristi Faulkner, Basketball and Christy Giunta, Volleyball.
Female athletes of today are far more physically fit and mentally stronger than when the girls’ program started in the 70’s. Today, female athletes are highly competitive, and some are rewarded for their efforts with college scholarships. It’s wonderful to see how the programs have developed to be able to produce the athletes of today.
This generation of student athletes, boys and girls, have grown up with competitive sports as part of their daily life. Many don’t realize there was a time when girls weren’t able to compete! Thanks to Title IX, some wonderful administrators and the men and women who volunteered to coach, sports for girls are alive and well at Glenbard West High School.
GWHS Cheerleaders in shampoo commerical
In the 1973-74 school year, ten of Glenbard’s cheerleaders became “overnight stars” when they made a television commercial for Rejoice Shampoo through the Leo Burnett Advertising Agency. Varsity cheerleaders Karen Houdek, Peggy McKay, Kathy Reinert, and Paula Shanks, and sophomores Judy Biocca, Gail Healy, Shan Logan, Mary Jo Neville, Sophia Page, and Pam Sokol were chosen to go to Palatine where they each had one side of their hair washed with a leading shampoo and the other side washed with Rejoice. Six of the ten girls on the ad that was aired once in Milwaukee, said that the Rejoice side was softer.
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GWHS collects more titles
The girls’ teams won titles in track (5), basketball (6), volleyball (3), cross country, and softball. The volleyball team finished third in the state in 1981, came in second the following year, and were State Champions in 1983. The Cross-Country team finished third in the state in 1980 and second in 1981. During the 1981-82 school year, the girls competed in seven sports and won four titles.
Glenbard West has had several individual state champions. Todd Kuoni on the still rings and Steve Roskam in the all-around won gymnastics titles in 1982. Bill Fritz von the mile in 1973 and in 1974. Tom Stacey was the pole vault champion in 1981, Jim Cramton won the 400 meter in 1985, and Greg Blanchard the low hurdles in 1982.
Glenbard West has had several individual state champions. Todd Kuoni on the still rings and Steve Roskam in the all-around won gymnastics titles in 1982. Bill Fritz von the mile in 1973 and in 1974. Tom Stacey was the pole vault champion in 1981, Jim Cramton won the 400 meter in 1985, and Greg Blanchard the low hurdles in 1982.
Swimming team's most unusual feat
The most unusual state champion, however, was Bridget Bowman who won six medals in swimming--a sport that Glenbard West did not have. As a Freshman in 1985, Bridget won the 500-yard freestyle in record time and placed third in the individual medley. The next year she again won the 500-yard freestyle and set a record in winning the individual medley. In 1987, she broke her record in winning the 500-yard freestyle, won the individual medley, and was named Girl Swimmer of the Year in Illinois. The faculty also earned recognition in swimming when the school nurse, Jane Hill, set a national record for her age group in the 500 freestyle, and won the 50-yard freestyle.
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GWHS joins the West Suburban conference, holds its own
When the Suburban League was disbanded in 1974, Proviso East and Oak Park-River Forest High Schools joined the West Suburban Conference. Initial concern over Glenbard West’s ability to compete with such large schools was soon dispelled, but the loss of the traditional game with Wheaton Central High School was a disappointment. The membership of the conference was altered again in 1984 when it merged with the Des Plaines Valley League to form a Gold and a Silver Division. The Old West Suburban Conference became the Silver Division.
Forensics and Theater add to GWHS success
Success in inter scholastic competition was not limited to athletics. The Forensics team won the Regional Title in 1986 and Joel Jeske (right) became Glenbard West’s first state Champion in Winning Original Comedy. The next year Kristen Yarema won the title in Extemporaneous Speaking and repeated her success a year later when the team finished third in the state. Win Anderson made it four in a row when he won the Original Comedy event in 1989. Opportunities for- titles are less common in Music and Drama but Glenbard West continued to excel in both areas. The band won several citations and the choir entertained thousands at performances in the community and at its two major concerts. The dramatics program consistently staged productions of high educational and entertainment value |
Glen Bard, Pinnacle, and fine arts magazines
Pictured above, members of the Glen Bard staff from the 1966 yearbook.
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Glenbard West’s publications, too, were a source of pride--even when their content made some uncomfortable. The Glen Bard won 20 Gallup Awards (17 in 18 years); the highest and most prestigious scholastic award for publications, many Quill and Scroll awards, and dozens of citations from the Suburban Press. Its writers and editors have been recognized frequently for their excellence. The paper has carried, often articles of depth and substance on issues outside the life of the high school. The hostage crisis, draft and amnesty, drug use, abortion, suicide, and environmental concerns were typical of their range of interest.
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The Pinnacle has portrayed with accuracy and feeling the events of a school year, capturing in picture and print the human story of life in the "Castle". It is a publication which becomes more valuable with each year.
Byzantium, the student literary magazine began in 1981, grew into a vehicle to feature the best writing of a talented student body. It was later replaced by Archive when its format changed to an online, internet publication.
Byzantium, the student literary magazine began in 1981, grew into a vehicle to feature the best writing of a talented student body. It was later replaced by Archive when its format changed to an online, internet publication.
Timeline of Clubs
Clubs and Student Organizations
The descriptions come directly from various Pinnacle editions.
The descriptions come directly from various Pinnacle editions.
1940
Girls’ Athletic Association: The GAA was the largest club in the school. The program was not limited to sports. There was also interest in sports, good health, and good sportsmanship.
Hi-Y: Similar to the Girl Reserves, Hi-Y is the high school branch of the YMCA. Any boy who agrees to live up to the platform of clean living, clean athletics, clean speech, and clean scholarship may join.
Art Club: Organized to promote interest in art. As a side line, the club earns money with candy, popcorn-ball, and taffy apple sales to improve the art room. In 1940, the Art Club raised nearly $75. Funds were used to buy scissors, new vases, artificial flowers, and tools for carving wood and linoleum blocks.
Kits and Skits: The goal was to promote an interest in drama and the theater. They believed that this goal could not be achieved by the Thespians, as the new members each year are chosen in connection with the class plays, and they club couldn’t be started before spring.
Thespians: An honorary society for high school dramatists. It is officially known as Troupe Number 233 of the National Thespians.
French Club: Promoted more interest in the French people and the events taking place in France, and to furnish opportunities for use of the language outside of class
Spanish Club: Since the local branches of the student Pan American League are organized to promote interest in the countries of Latin America and friendliness between North and South America, the Spanish club is part of a wide-spread organization. During the year, several discussions are held on the subject of Pan American unity and how to promote it.
Latin Club: When an aspiring Latin student takes it upon himself to enroll in the third year of the language, he finds himself automatically a member of the Latin Club. One day early in October, he comes to school attired in Roman garb; and after escorted through the Underworld, he becomes a full-fledged member of the club.
Science Club: Way off in the corner of the building, far enough from the office, the auditorium, and the cooking class to be safe, meets the small but patient science club. Some of the outstanding meeting this year were a talk on radio, with a discussion of frequency, modulation and various police radio systems, and talks on welding, machinery and growing plants with chemicals.
Library Staff: Behind the scenes, or rather behind the desk in the library, is a group of juniors and seniors who aid the librarian in carding and shelving books.
Glen Bard Staff: This group of students were responsible for publishing the school newspaper. The staff was chosen from a large group who wrote several stories in the tryouts. The first printed high school paper was Glen-Hi. It was published in February 1919.
Pinnacle Staff: Responsible for the planning, copy writing, and setting up of plates for the school yearbook.
“G” Club: An honorary society of Glenbard athletes, holds the distinction of being the most exclusive club in school. In order to become a member, a boy must have been awarded one heavyweight or lightweight letters, have the unanimous approval of the faculty advisers, and receive a vote of at least seventy-five per cent of the club. The purpose is to encourage high team morale, high ideals, clean athletics and good sportsmanship.
Athletic Association: Its major purpose is to stimulate student interest in sports and promote the financial success of athletic events. It is empowered to call pep meeting any time the president feels the student interest to be lagging.
Hi-Y: Similar to the Girl Reserves, Hi-Y is the high school branch of the YMCA. Any boy who agrees to live up to the platform of clean living, clean athletics, clean speech, and clean scholarship may join.
Art Club: Organized to promote interest in art. As a side line, the club earns money with candy, popcorn-ball, and taffy apple sales to improve the art room. In 1940, the Art Club raised nearly $75. Funds were used to buy scissors, new vases, artificial flowers, and tools for carving wood and linoleum blocks.
Kits and Skits: The goal was to promote an interest in drama and the theater. They believed that this goal could not be achieved by the Thespians, as the new members each year are chosen in connection with the class plays, and they club couldn’t be started before spring.
Thespians: An honorary society for high school dramatists. It is officially known as Troupe Number 233 of the National Thespians.
French Club: Promoted more interest in the French people and the events taking place in France, and to furnish opportunities for use of the language outside of class
Spanish Club: Since the local branches of the student Pan American League are organized to promote interest in the countries of Latin America and friendliness between North and South America, the Spanish club is part of a wide-spread organization. During the year, several discussions are held on the subject of Pan American unity and how to promote it.
Latin Club: When an aspiring Latin student takes it upon himself to enroll in the third year of the language, he finds himself automatically a member of the Latin Club. One day early in October, he comes to school attired in Roman garb; and after escorted through the Underworld, he becomes a full-fledged member of the club.
Science Club: Way off in the corner of the building, far enough from the office, the auditorium, and the cooking class to be safe, meets the small but patient science club. Some of the outstanding meeting this year were a talk on radio, with a discussion of frequency, modulation and various police radio systems, and talks on welding, machinery and growing plants with chemicals.
Library Staff: Behind the scenes, or rather behind the desk in the library, is a group of juniors and seniors who aid the librarian in carding and shelving books.
Glen Bard Staff: This group of students were responsible for publishing the school newspaper. The staff was chosen from a large group who wrote several stories in the tryouts. The first printed high school paper was Glen-Hi. It was published in February 1919.
Pinnacle Staff: Responsible for the planning, copy writing, and setting up of plates for the school yearbook.
“G” Club: An honorary society of Glenbard athletes, holds the distinction of being the most exclusive club in school. In order to become a member, a boy must have been awarded one heavyweight or lightweight letters, have the unanimous approval of the faculty advisers, and receive a vote of at least seventy-five per cent of the club. The purpose is to encourage high team morale, high ideals, clean athletics and good sportsmanship.
Athletic Association: Its major purpose is to stimulate student interest in sports and promote the financial success of athletic events. It is empowered to call pep meeting any time the president feels the student interest to be lagging.
1941
Aeronauts: A group of model airplane builders. At the bi-weekly meetings the members discuss their own problems and matier in “Air Trails” magazine.
Ipso Facto: One of the most exclusive clubs at Glenbard, it is composed of the presidents (sixteen in all) of every school -sponsored club at Glenbard. Money is furnished by numerous candy and hot dog sales throughout the school year. (Many is the time when those wieners and buns tasted good.)
Town Meeting Group: A forum based upon the Town Meeting radio program. The only requirement for membership is a vital interest in current affairs and the desire to actively discuss them. Meetings were held at 8pm on Thursdays.
Masque and Gavel: A national honorary speech organization for the recognition and encouragement of those showing superior ability in oral speech in the classroom, convocation, or city.
Junior Izaac Waltons: A club affiliated with and supported by the DuPage Chapter of Senior Izaac Walton League of America. Their purpose is conservation of American woods, waters, and wildlife. They are later referred to as “Junior Ikes.”
Ipso Facto: One of the most exclusive clubs at Glenbard, it is composed of the presidents (sixteen in all) of every school -sponsored club at Glenbard. Money is furnished by numerous candy and hot dog sales throughout the school year. (Many is the time when those wieners and buns tasted good.)
Town Meeting Group: A forum based upon the Town Meeting radio program. The only requirement for membership is a vital interest in current affairs and the desire to actively discuss them. Meetings were held at 8pm on Thursdays.
Masque and Gavel: A national honorary speech organization for the recognition and encouragement of those showing superior ability in oral speech in the classroom, convocation, or city.
Junior Izaac Waltons: A club affiliated with and supported by the DuPage Chapter of Senior Izaac Walton League of America. Their purpose is conservation of American woods, waters, and wildlife. They are later referred to as “Junior Ikes.”
1942
Student Cabinet: Consisted of the presidents of the Hi-Y, G.R., G.A.A. and Athletic Association as well as those of the four classes. Helped with school affairs as well as aiding the defense program by selling defense stamps during the noon hour.
Chess Club: This club was open to any member desiring to play chess. It began in 1941, but it did not appear in Pinnacle until 1942.
Chess Club: This club was open to any member desiring to play chess. It began in 1941, but it did not appear in Pinnacle until 1942.
1943: No new clubs
1944
Quill and Scroll: Open to juniors and seniors, the Quill and Scroll is the international honorary society for high school journalists. Membership is a sign of outstanding journalistic endeavor.
Radio Club: Entrusted with the care and operation of the school’s sound equipment, the club conducts a class in radio theory to provide capable operators and maintenance men.
Radio Club: Entrusted with the care and operation of the school’s sound equipment, the club conducts a class in radio theory to provide capable operators and maintenance men.
1945: No new clubs
1946
Electronics Club: Radio and electronics are the main interests of these boys who meet once a month for study and practical experience. The project for 1946 was a five-tube shortwave set build by the boys themselves. (Note: this club had to wait until the end of WWII when the air waves were once again opened to amateurs.)
1947
Student Council: This group gathered in Room 316 second period every day. They are commonly known as the Student Council. Besides taking care of small but very important jobs in and out of the building, that year’s council gave the school a flag, a bulletin board for extra-curricular activities, and a suggestion box.
Y-Teens: The purpose is to promote a spirit of fellowship and service among the girls at Glenbard. To further these ideals the big and little sister plan was continued, and on Thanksgiving, toys and games were sent to needy children.
Camera Club: The club had meetings once a month for which the program committee secured speakers who presented various fundamental on photographing and developing.
Archery Club: The group meet once a month to discuss the various phases of archery, hunting, roving and target shooting. The club hoped to use the shop in the winter to make and repair its own archery equipment.
Y-Teens: The purpose is to promote a spirit of fellowship and service among the girls at Glenbard. To further these ideals the big and little sister plan was continued, and on Thanksgiving, toys and games were sent to needy children.
Camera Club: The club had meetings once a month for which the program committee secured speakers who presented various fundamental on photographing and developing.
Archery Club: The group meet once a month to discuss the various phases of archery, hunting, roving and target shooting. The club hoped to use the shop in the winter to make and repair its own archery equipment.
1948 and 1949: No new clubs
1950
Red Cross Council: Although Glenbard has had no explosions, floods, train wrecks, fires, or epidemics, the Junior Red Cross carried out many projects. They initiated a welcoming committee for bewildered Bards enrolling during the school year, made Thanksgiving window transparencies for children’s wards, made nut cups and cribbage boards for veterans, and to top it off, send over 1,000 Christmas cards from the student body to veterans’ hospitals.
History Club: The club was formed so that history students, who desired to, might learn more about all phases of this field.
Pep Club: The purpose of Pep Club was to promote better sportsmanship and to encourage better school spirit among the students. To be eligible for membership one must be a girl—and be enthusiastic. The members of the club made green and white pompoms and wore green and white mittens to urge their teams on to victory.
Science Club: This club studied and discussed all field of modern science. Science Clubbers learned about chemistry, glass blowing, liquid air, geology and hidden radio transmitter hunts. The February meeting was spent watching the biology students dissect frogs.
History Club: The club was formed so that history students, who desired to, might learn more about all phases of this field.
Pep Club: The purpose of Pep Club was to promote better sportsmanship and to encourage better school spirit among the students. To be eligible for membership one must be a girl—and be enthusiastic. The members of the club made green and white pompoms and wore green and white mittens to urge their teams on to victory.
Science Club: This club studied and discussed all field of modern science. Science Clubbers learned about chemistry, glass blowing, liquid air, geology and hidden radio transmitter hunts. The February meeting was spent watching the biology students dissect frogs.
1951
Pan American League: Formerly known as the Spanish Club. It is known as P.A.L.
1952
Girls’ Pep Club: Known as “Lusty Lunged Ladies.” Cheering the teams on to victory and togged in green and white, members of the three-year old Girls’ Pep Club were eligible for awards if they attended three-fourths of the conference games. Attendance was taken by the class heads. (This club first appeared in the 1952 Pinnacle.
Boys’ Pep Club: Known as “Lusty Lunged Lads.” This group promoted better spirit and sportsmanship at Glenbard. The club’s biggest project was to collect the wood for the Homecoming bonfire.
Sound, Projection, Stage Crew Club: Known as S.P.S.C. This was an organization made up of skilled technicians who worked behind the scenes in Glenbard’s convos. In 1952, they acquired a new tape-recording machine.
Dance Club: Students met to learn social dancing and square dancing. The group met at Forest Glen School.
1953
Monitors: Glenbard’s Monitors, organized in the spring of 1952, were instituted to help maintain order in the school’s halls. Their duties included removing unlocked locks and emptying unlocked lockers, directing visitors around the school, and checking student passes.
Student Office Help. This club first year it appeared in Pinnacle in 1953, but it was the 1957 Pinnacle that described the club as a service organization consisting of 23 girls who aided regular office staff. Group members collect, sort, and deliver attendance cards, extra slips, pink passes, and notes we well as running errands for teachers. They are in charge of the ticket booth during the lunch periods. These girls learned about the operation of business offices.
1954
Current Events Club: Formed in 1954 for all of Glenbard’s future politicians. It was the first opportunity that Glenbardians have ever had for debate and was open to anyone who wished to discuss the current problems of the day.
1955
790 Club: Besides aiding Glenbard’s bookworms, we had the duties of stamping and mending books, straightening shelves, and keeping the library in good working order. (Perhaps this was the new name of the Library Club.) As the 1958 Pinnacle describes, the name of the club comes from the types of books in the Dewey Decimal System’s 790’s section—games and pure fun.
Electronics Club: At the meetings, the Electronics Club demonstrated various types of electronic equipment and explained their uses. The club’s purpose was to share knowledge with each other and relieve S.P.S.C. of some of their many responsibilities.
Future Teachers of America: Also known as F.T.A. This club provided interested students with information about teaching and the colleges which could best prepare them for a teaching career. Since each branch of the national organization is named for an outstanding member of its respective community, FTA decided to name its branch the Fred L. Biester Future Teachers of America.
1956
Smoking Council: Elimination of smoking from Glenbard’s campus is the purpose of Smoking Council. Advised by Mr. Miller (the principal at the time), the Council issued and enforced smoking regulations and punished violators.
Inter-Club Council: This club was formed to co-ordinate the activities of Glenbard’s largest girls’ clubs.
Youth Center: This club promoted and sponsored intra-and inter-school socials and mixers, held dances, and provided a place and activities for student “get togethers.”
L’Alliance Francaise: The new name of French Club.
Projection Crew: They operated all movie projection equipment.
Mathematics Club: Discussion and solving of problems in different phases of mathematics, including calculus, which are not covered in the classroom was the purpose of Math Club. Interest in math was stimulated and members were encouraged o enter math contests.
Ferroequinologitsts: This is the fancy name for Railroad Club. Meetings featured trips to railroad installations, railroad yards, and other railroad clubs as well as movies and speakers.
Astronomy: Star-gazing and building a new telescope were the activities of Astronomy Club.
Square Dance Club: Promotion and participation in square dancing. It also included folk dancing.
Civil Air Patrol: Also known as C.A.P., this club was an auxiliary of the United States Air Force set up to teach the social, political, economic, international, and vocational facets of aviation. Activities included flying a Pinnacle photographer over the school to take an aerial picture.
1957
Magic Club: Organized on November 6, 1956, the “Prestidigitators” were organized to give Glenbard students, who have a sincere interest in magic, an opportunity to learn more about magic. Their meetings were planned to give every member a chance to show and improve his repertoire of deceptive tricks.
Glenbard Technical Service Crew: Took care of staging, lights, projection, and sound. It is also known as G.T.S.C.
1958
Helladians: This was an honor society for student who had made outstanding contributions to Glenbard in the fields of architecture, design, display, and fine arts.
Hi-C: The purpose of Hi-C is to present to teenagers the real Christian way of life.
Young Life: The purposes were to enjoy living as much as possible and to find out what makes life click. This was done by bringing the principles of Christianity to bear on the lives of the high school people. There requirements for coming to Young Life Club were two-fold. Members were required to be young—and alive.
1959
Boating Club: The Boat Club strove to fulfill their purpose—to promote interest and enjoyment in boating knowledge of safety, and to develop navigational skills for better and safer boating, throughout the school year. Members were required to know how to swim. They also had to own a boat or become a partner in ownership with a present member.
Student Court: This was an off-shoot of Campus Council. Student Court composed of the officers and monitor heads. There were able to judge violations and give penalties for offences.
Debate Club: Launched officially at 3:29pm on November 11, 1958, Debate Club began.
Glenbard Senior Girl Scouts: In September 1958, the Senior Girl Scouts at Glenbard joined together to form a club known as Glenbard Senior Girl Scouts. It was formed as a service organization to aid Glenbard in any way possible.
G-Club: This club is composed of all boys who earned the official varsity letter. The object of the club was to provide an honorary organization for Glenbard athletes and to encourage a high type of team morale. Some duties of the G-Club are to keep order at the pep convos, to hold ropes and maintain order at home basketball games, and to sponsor the G-Club Faculty basketball game.
Nurse’s Aids: No information is given, but they do appear in the 1959 Pinnacle.
1960: No new clubs.
1961
Phi Beta Chi. The new name of the Science Club
1962
Der Deutsche Verein. Also known as German Club: This club provided opportunities for interested German students to extend their knowledge of Germany—its people and customs—by forming study groups in music, literature, and the arts, and by celebrating three German holidays.
Pep Rally Committee: An off-shoot of the Pep Club
Round Table: Formerly known as the Current Events Club
Yacht Club: Formerly known as the Boat Club
1963: No new clubs.
1964
Knights of the Plume: Glenbard West’s writing society. Stimulates literary creativity through informal group appraisal of the writings of its members. The literary magazine was The Id. Of special note: one of the officers was Larry Shue. He later went on to write the plays The Nerd and The Foreigner. (Read more about Larry Shue in the Notable Alumni section of this book.)
1965
Ski Club: Enjoying the heavy snows of the winter, the members of Ski Club took advantage of the white slopes to improve upon their skiing. Such techniques as the schuss, skiing straight downhill without slowing or turning, and the Christie, a method of turning and stopping were evidenced in the more experienced skiers.
Mu Alpha Theta: A national honorary mathematics society. Members explore the areas of mathematics that are not ordinarily covered in the classrooms.
G-Teens: A girls’ club devoted to serving peoples of the world. Members fulfilled this purpose by taking in various service projects such as: the filling of Christmas stockings, visiting convalescent homes, and supplying food for needy families. G-Teens also sponsored the Candlelight Service, the Big and Little Sister Tea, The Mother-Daughter Banquet, and annual boy-ask-girl formal, the Heart Hop.
Cinema Club: If you are looking for an entertaining afternoon, the Cinema Club is the right place. Cinema Club has the most outstanding movies in movie history. Covering almost all of the different aspects of movies, Cinema Club never complains of boredom.
Rifle Club: No description was given until 1967. The 1967 Pinnacle description reads as follows: “Rifle Club tries to instill its members with proper respect and usage of weapons for recreational use.”
IIR: The brainstorm of senior Jean Williams and advisor Con C. Patsavas, is the only club in Glenbard without a single member. The people in the picture have merely participated in one or more of the IIR sponsored events. While IIR has no set membership, there are always some eager Toppers who have an interest in various lecture seminars on underdeveloped nations or current world affairs. (It was not clear from descriptions in Pinnacle what “IIR” stood for or meant. )
Castle Players: Throughout the year (1964-65), Castle Players, sponsored a dance, built a Homecoming float, presented a convo play, sponsored a trip to see the “Madwoman of Chaillot,” and conducted an oral interpretations contest.
Literary Society: The new name for Knights of the Plum started in 1964. In 1965, the literary magazine was revived from its moribund condition in some hidden dusty archive known only to the ivy-covered walls. Every Tuesday afternoon, the members of the society met to discuss the merits of the various rhetorical and poetical masterpieces which ordinarily would be filed in the most common of round archives. The publication date was set for May 1965 for the indirect descendent of The Bard of the 1930’s.
Senior Boys Cheering Section: At first glance they may just look like a heterogeneous group of campus wheels, but a second glance will tell the full story, for these young men will be chanting one of their favorite cheers such as the ever popular “Down in Front.” One of the groups largely responsible for the upsurge in school spirit here at Glenbard has been the Senior Boys’ Cheering Section. Without any recognized leadership, the boys have managed to inspire not only the crowds, but the football and basketball teams with their impromptu chants and animated cheers.
Future Nurses Club: This club was organized to incite interest in the various fields of nursing by informing students of the opportunities, qualifications, and paths to modern nursing.
1966
Key Club: A service club, Key Club was sponsored by Kiwanis, not the school. Activities included washing police cars, helping with Kiwanis’s Peanut Day, and a soap drive for Dixon.
Topperettes: This began as a club in 1965—a precursor of the Dance Squad. The 1965 Pinnacle description reads as follows: “This year’s new half-time entertainers, The Topperettes, find it necessary to practice twice a week regularly, and as often as possible the week before a performance, to perfect their chorus line uniformity. Having survived the try-outs and making their own uniforms, the Topperettes are continually practicing new and different acts.
Visual Arts Club: Also known as V.A.C. This group merged two other clubs: Camera Club and the Art Club.
Topper’s Stompers: The new name of the Square-Dancing Club.
1967
Bridge Club: The popularity of Bridge invaded the high school ranks in 1967. Not only the students, but also many faculty members were among the many Glenbardians who enjoyed Bridge—which is not based solely on luck. In 1968, the Pinnacle reported that Bridge Club had a tournament with Willowbrook.
Chem Club: Students who acquired a liking for chemistry, either in school or on their own, had an opportunity to expand their knowledge of chemistry. These students were easily recognized by their burgundy sweatshirts, which are available only to those students who are eligible to, and have joined, this club of future chemists.
Forerunners Ushering Club: This club was organized in 1965. It began as a small group from the home economics classes. The members usher at all school events, including plays, concerts parents’ night, and college night. Of special note, Nancy Derk, president of Forerunners Club, became CEO of Fox Searchlight Pictures. Read more about her in the Notable Alumni section of this book.
‘Lectron League: The new name of the Electronics Club
Orchesis: This club is for girls who like dancing. The club consists of two groups: the novices (for beginners) and the concert group, which performs for various clubs and organizations throughout the year. No lessons are necessary, it’s all for fun.
1968
All Nighters Club: Meeting on various nights to engage in twelve-hour poker parties, the All-Nighters had many memorable moments. Among some of the occurrences that may be mentioned here are the now infamous Jack of Spades-seven of Diamonds incident, and the Mystery of the Calcium Deposits of the Thirteen Ball. The highlight of every evening was the presentation of the “Howie of the Week” Award, given to the person who best demonstrated the personal qualities of those of John Houk. Needless to say, John won this award nearly always.
Russian Club: This club was organized with the purpose of gaining a deeper understanding of the Soviet Union by learning its customs, economy, history, and most of all, its language. Only Russian students were allowed to join.
1969
Auto Club. The following is the description of Auto Club in the 1969 Pinnacle: The driver nervously tugs at his gloves. The navigator, to the right of the driver, makes the last unnecessary yet impulsive check of his maps. The sound of the engine fills his ears, and he thinks of the road ahead. The Glenbard West Auto Club Road Rally is underway for these two. It will end only several hours later after a long, aggravating series of wrong turns and exhaustion. And most aggravating of all is the long flat stretch of pavement after the wrong turn at Hooterville. They lost as least 20 minutes on that unfortunate adventure. They had to get back to the main route and they had to do it fast.
1970
VICA: Vocational Industrial Club of America.
Distributive Education: Students competed in events such as sales presentation, public speaking, advertising, and Human Relations Case Problems.
Radio Glenbard: See more about WGHS in this book.
AFS: No description given.
Anglers: No description given. Fishing Club, most likely.
1971
Philosophy Club: The group studied and discussed the five main world religions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
1972: Of special note, the Literary Society publishes Early Wine.
1973 and 1974: No new clubs.
1975
Amazon Women Club: From the 1975 Pinnacle, Mr. Dick Nordmeyer had great faith in the so-called weaker sex when he agreed to sponsor a new club—the Amazon Women, whose theme was “Fight Fat with Fun.” Specializing in the “fun” part of their theme, the Amazons invaded school with several new activities. First, they organized a party at Halloween, with girls trooping through school in costumes. That evening the Amazons when trick-or-treating in Glen Ellyn, collecting over 60 pounds of candy, which they gave to charity. Their first annual Amazon Bowl pitted the seniors against the juniors in a rugged game of touch football. The Amazons also held a legs contest.
1976
French Club (L’Alliance Fraincaise): Changes its name to French Fun and Food Club
1977
Health Occupations Club: Service to others was the aim of the Health Occupations Club. One of their projects was a party at Christmastime for the residents of the Manchester Nursing Home. They also raised $300 for the fight against muscular dystrophy.
1978 and 1979: No new clubs.
1980
S.U.P.E.R.: Students United to Promote Equal Rights encouraged an awareness for the need for equality.
Byzantium: The new, literary magazine is published. It featured the poems, art work, fiction, satire, and photos contributed by sixteen students. The title of the magazine was taken from the poem “Sailing to Byzantium,” by William Butler Yeats. The city of Byzantium was thought to be the spiritual center of art. The event, Page to Stage, grew out of the submissions to Byzantium.
The Middle Earth Society: Stirred interest in the books of J.R.R. Tolkien. Part of a national organization, the 22-member organization met monthly to interpret the works of Tolkien. The group also sponsored several volleyball games.
1981 and 1982: No new clubs.
1983
Model U.N. is formed and participated in the 20th Annual North American Invitational Mode United Nations Convention in Washington D.C. Glenbard West’s Model U.N. was the only delegation from Illinois.
1984, 1985, and 1986: No new clubs.
1987
Students for Students: In 1987, SfS holds a massive anti-substance abuse campaign. They begin Live Life Well Week.
1988
Youth and Governance Group: Sponsored by the Social Studies Department. This group learned about government first hand in after-school sessions by dedicating themselves to “grueling parliamentary procedure and bill-writing techniques.”
1989
Target Success: As freshmen enter the halls of Glenbard West in the fall, they are not alone. The goal of two organizations, Target Success and Peer Groups, is to get the freshmen class involved in their new community, as well as learn something about themselves. Target Success is a support group which follows a “big brother/sister – little brother/sister” approach. The big brothers/sisters are comprised of juniors and seniors who assist freshmen in the transition from junior high school. Peer Group help occurs when freshmen talk to student counselors who are juniors and seniors. They discuss a wide variety of subjects. The goal is to have the freshman obtain knowledge and also learn something about themselves.
1990: No new clubs
1991
ECO Club: The Environmental Concerns Organization (ECO). No description was given in the 1991 Pinnacle, but the 1992 edition states that ECO was originally created to celebrate Earth Day. In 1992, it began recycling cans and papers.
Students Against Homelessness: SAH became a prominent way in getting students to help the community. The club ran drives to collect food, toiletries, Christmas toys, and candy for Halloween. Members also donated the fund they raised to the “Apartment Project.”
International Club: This club lets bilingual students, exchange students, and American students to get to know each other and share cultures. The members ate foods from cultures from all over the world, which brought the students closer and promoted well being.
Improv Club: This was the new drama club at school. People could meet and work on their acting skills.
1992
Students for Students: This is an organization developed to promote the personal and social growth of its members and others. SFS sponsored Live Life Well Week and Exit with Pride. Members also organized an anti-substance abuse program geared to kindergarten through third grade students entitled “Don’t Clown Around with Drugs.” Clowns against Drugs are first formally mentioned in the 2002 Pinnacle. Target Success and Peer Group are part of SFS.
Amnesty International: This club was part of a world-wide organization that works to free political prisoners and preserve human rights. Members write letters and sign petitions to free unjustly accused prisoners. The club sold handmade bead necklaces as their fundraiser.
Intramural Hockey: This club offered students a chance to form their own teams.
Badminton Club: This club was created due to the popularity of the sport in gym classes.
Connect-four Club: A club for those who enjoy board games.
1993
International Club: The purpose was to share cultures and interests with others—to promote cultural awareness and understanding.
Association of Concerned Teens: Known as A.C.T., this group formed an umbrella for three other groups: Students Against Homelessness, Amnesty International, and Direct Action. All three of these groups strove to expose students to all types of humanitarian action.
1994
The Flag Squad: The group had been active for many years prior, but in 1994 it was formally considered a club. While it still performed with the band, members no longer were required to be a member of the band itself.
The Foreign Language Club: In 1994, the three language classes (French, Spanish, German) all came together as one club. The club learned about each other’s cultures and languages.
International Dance Troop: The group gathered on Wednesday evenings to learn and practice dances from around the world.
1995 and 1996: No new clubs.
1997
Scholastic Bowl: Schools compete against each other in a Jeopardy-like game. Just as in the TV game show, Jeopardy, the moderator asks questions, and the team who buzzes in first gets to answer the question.
1998
Investment Club: Students invest their own money to purchase stock and hopefully make a profit. At the end of 1998 school year, the club had over $8,000 in assets and more than 60 members.
1999
Science Olympiad: This science club competes in different events related to all areas of Science. A great description would be “a track meet of science events.” Students might compete in general areas like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or in specific areas such as astronomy or even bugs.
2000
Toadies: Although this group has been around for many years prior, it was in 2000 that they were recognized in Pinnacle. This group of technicians ran the lights and sound for all convos and school functions held in the auditorium. Years before this, the group had intended to be called The Roadies, but a typo put the letter “T” in the place of the “R”—since those two letters are next to each other on the keyboard. The result: The Toadies. The group of students liked Toadies more than Roadies, and the name stuck.
PRISM: This was a group started by students who want tolerance for all with a focus on gender issues and homophobia.
Saddle Club: This club started because of the group’s affection for horses and their joy for riding.
Asian Club: This club gave students of any Asian background the opportunity to share their heritage and traditions.
Med Club: This club began because a group of advanced health students had an interest in medicine and careers related to medicine.
2001
Young Democrats: This group meets to inform and educate others about politics and democratic views and issues.
Tech Squad: This group of students was formed to pool the tech and computer knowledge of students to help teachers, classes, and students with their technical needs.
Latinos Unidos: The new name of the Spanish Club—also known as P.A.L.—The Pan American League. Latino Unidos celebrated the cultures of all Latin communities.
Steppers: No information given in 2001 Pinnacle. Only the group portrait was shown.
2002
Breakdance Club: Students met after school to learn and practice breakdancing moves. The club also performed at the December 7, 2001 Pep Rally.
Simpsons Club: No information given in 2002 Pinnacle. Only a picture of the group was shown.
Club Ed: Similar to the Future Teachers of America, this club was new in 2002. FTA had stopped meeting years before Club Ed.
Glenbard Republicans: The goal of Glenbard Republicans is to educate members by discussing issues of the past and present, and to ensure a conservative viewpoint in school issues.
Societe Honoraire de Francais: French Honors Society. Students needed to have an A average in French for three semesters and a 4.50 GPA.
Pan American League: Formerly known as the Spanish Club. It is known as P.A.L.
1952
Girls’ Pep Club: Known as “Lusty Lunged Ladies.” Cheering the teams on to victory and togged in green and white, members of the three-year old Girls’ Pep Club were eligible for awards if they attended three-fourths of the conference games. Attendance was taken by the class heads. (This club first appeared in the 1952 Pinnacle.
Boys’ Pep Club: Known as “Lusty Lunged Lads.” This group promoted better spirit and sportsmanship at Glenbard. The club’s biggest project was to collect the wood for the Homecoming bonfire.
Sound, Projection, Stage Crew Club: Known as S.P.S.C. This was an organization made up of skilled technicians who worked behind the scenes in Glenbard’s convos. In 1952, they acquired a new tape-recording machine.
Dance Club: Students met to learn social dancing and square dancing. The group met at Forest Glen School.
1953
Monitors: Glenbard’s Monitors, organized in the spring of 1952, were instituted to help maintain order in the school’s halls. Their duties included removing unlocked locks and emptying unlocked lockers, directing visitors around the school, and checking student passes.
Student Office Help. This club first year it appeared in Pinnacle in 1953, but it was the 1957 Pinnacle that described the club as a service organization consisting of 23 girls who aided regular office staff. Group members collect, sort, and deliver attendance cards, extra slips, pink passes, and notes we well as running errands for teachers. They are in charge of the ticket booth during the lunch periods. These girls learned about the operation of business offices.
1954
Current Events Club: Formed in 1954 for all of Glenbard’s future politicians. It was the first opportunity that Glenbardians have ever had for debate and was open to anyone who wished to discuss the current problems of the day.
1955
790 Club: Besides aiding Glenbard’s bookworms, we had the duties of stamping and mending books, straightening shelves, and keeping the library in good working order. (Perhaps this was the new name of the Library Club.) As the 1958 Pinnacle describes, the name of the club comes from the types of books in the Dewey Decimal System’s 790’s section—games and pure fun.
Electronics Club: At the meetings, the Electronics Club demonstrated various types of electronic equipment and explained their uses. The club’s purpose was to share knowledge with each other and relieve S.P.S.C. of some of their many responsibilities.
Future Teachers of America: Also known as F.T.A. This club provided interested students with information about teaching and the colleges which could best prepare them for a teaching career. Since each branch of the national organization is named for an outstanding member of its respective community, FTA decided to name its branch the Fred L. Biester Future Teachers of America.
1956
Smoking Council: Elimination of smoking from Glenbard’s campus is the purpose of Smoking Council. Advised by Mr. Miller (the principal at the time), the Council issued and enforced smoking regulations and punished violators.
Inter-Club Council: This club was formed to co-ordinate the activities of Glenbard’s largest girls’ clubs.
Youth Center: This club promoted and sponsored intra-and inter-school socials and mixers, held dances, and provided a place and activities for student “get togethers.”
L’Alliance Francaise: The new name of French Club.
Projection Crew: They operated all movie projection equipment.
Mathematics Club: Discussion and solving of problems in different phases of mathematics, including calculus, which are not covered in the classroom was the purpose of Math Club. Interest in math was stimulated and members were encouraged o enter math contests.
Ferroequinologitsts: This is the fancy name for Railroad Club. Meetings featured trips to railroad installations, railroad yards, and other railroad clubs as well as movies and speakers.
Astronomy: Star-gazing and building a new telescope were the activities of Astronomy Club.
Square Dance Club: Promotion and participation in square dancing. It also included folk dancing.
Civil Air Patrol: Also known as C.A.P., this club was an auxiliary of the United States Air Force set up to teach the social, political, economic, international, and vocational facets of aviation. Activities included flying a Pinnacle photographer over the school to take an aerial picture.
1957
Magic Club: Organized on November 6, 1956, the “Prestidigitators” were organized to give Glenbard students, who have a sincere interest in magic, an opportunity to learn more about magic. Their meetings were planned to give every member a chance to show and improve his repertoire of deceptive tricks.
Glenbard Technical Service Crew: Took care of staging, lights, projection, and sound. It is also known as G.T.S.C.
1958
Helladians: This was an honor society for student who had made outstanding contributions to Glenbard in the fields of architecture, design, display, and fine arts.
Hi-C: The purpose of Hi-C is to present to teenagers the real Christian way of life.
Young Life: The purposes were to enjoy living as much as possible and to find out what makes life click. This was done by bringing the principles of Christianity to bear on the lives of the high school people. There requirements for coming to Young Life Club were two-fold. Members were required to be young—and alive.
1959
Boating Club: The Boat Club strove to fulfill their purpose—to promote interest and enjoyment in boating knowledge of safety, and to develop navigational skills for better and safer boating, throughout the school year. Members were required to know how to swim. They also had to own a boat or become a partner in ownership with a present member.
Student Court: This was an off-shoot of Campus Council. Student Court composed of the officers and monitor heads. There were able to judge violations and give penalties for offences.
Debate Club: Launched officially at 3:29pm on November 11, 1958, Debate Club began.
Glenbard Senior Girl Scouts: In September 1958, the Senior Girl Scouts at Glenbard joined together to form a club known as Glenbard Senior Girl Scouts. It was formed as a service organization to aid Glenbard in any way possible.
G-Club: This club is composed of all boys who earned the official varsity letter. The object of the club was to provide an honorary organization for Glenbard athletes and to encourage a high type of team morale. Some duties of the G-Club are to keep order at the pep convos, to hold ropes and maintain order at home basketball games, and to sponsor the G-Club Faculty basketball game.
Nurse’s Aids: No information is given, but they do appear in the 1959 Pinnacle.
1960: No new clubs.
1961
Phi Beta Chi. The new name of the Science Club
1962
Der Deutsche Verein. Also known as German Club: This club provided opportunities for interested German students to extend their knowledge of Germany—its people and customs—by forming study groups in music, literature, and the arts, and by celebrating three German holidays.
Pep Rally Committee: An off-shoot of the Pep Club
Round Table: Formerly known as the Current Events Club
Yacht Club: Formerly known as the Boat Club
1963: No new clubs.
1964
Knights of the Plume: Glenbard West’s writing society. Stimulates literary creativity through informal group appraisal of the writings of its members. The literary magazine was The Id. Of special note: one of the officers was Larry Shue. He later went on to write the plays The Nerd and The Foreigner. (Read more about Larry Shue in the Notable Alumni section of this book.)
1965
Ski Club: Enjoying the heavy snows of the winter, the members of Ski Club took advantage of the white slopes to improve upon their skiing. Such techniques as the schuss, skiing straight downhill without slowing or turning, and the Christie, a method of turning and stopping were evidenced in the more experienced skiers.
Mu Alpha Theta: A national honorary mathematics society. Members explore the areas of mathematics that are not ordinarily covered in the classrooms.
G-Teens: A girls’ club devoted to serving peoples of the world. Members fulfilled this purpose by taking in various service projects such as: the filling of Christmas stockings, visiting convalescent homes, and supplying food for needy families. G-Teens also sponsored the Candlelight Service, the Big and Little Sister Tea, The Mother-Daughter Banquet, and annual boy-ask-girl formal, the Heart Hop.
Cinema Club: If you are looking for an entertaining afternoon, the Cinema Club is the right place. Cinema Club has the most outstanding movies in movie history. Covering almost all of the different aspects of movies, Cinema Club never complains of boredom.
Rifle Club: No description was given until 1967. The 1967 Pinnacle description reads as follows: “Rifle Club tries to instill its members with proper respect and usage of weapons for recreational use.”
IIR: The brainstorm of senior Jean Williams and advisor Con C. Patsavas, is the only club in Glenbard without a single member. The people in the picture have merely participated in one or more of the IIR sponsored events. While IIR has no set membership, there are always some eager Toppers who have an interest in various lecture seminars on underdeveloped nations or current world affairs. (It was not clear from descriptions in Pinnacle what “IIR” stood for or meant. )
Castle Players: Throughout the year (1964-65), Castle Players, sponsored a dance, built a Homecoming float, presented a convo play, sponsored a trip to see the “Madwoman of Chaillot,” and conducted an oral interpretations contest.
Literary Society: The new name for Knights of the Plum started in 1964. In 1965, the literary magazine was revived from its moribund condition in some hidden dusty archive known only to the ivy-covered walls. Every Tuesday afternoon, the members of the society met to discuss the merits of the various rhetorical and poetical masterpieces which ordinarily would be filed in the most common of round archives. The publication date was set for May 1965 for the indirect descendent of The Bard of the 1930’s.
Senior Boys Cheering Section: At first glance they may just look like a heterogeneous group of campus wheels, but a second glance will tell the full story, for these young men will be chanting one of their favorite cheers such as the ever popular “Down in Front.” One of the groups largely responsible for the upsurge in school spirit here at Glenbard has been the Senior Boys’ Cheering Section. Without any recognized leadership, the boys have managed to inspire not only the crowds, but the football and basketball teams with their impromptu chants and animated cheers.
Future Nurses Club: This club was organized to incite interest in the various fields of nursing by informing students of the opportunities, qualifications, and paths to modern nursing.
1966
Key Club: A service club, Key Club was sponsored by Kiwanis, not the school. Activities included washing police cars, helping with Kiwanis’s Peanut Day, and a soap drive for Dixon.
Topperettes: This began as a club in 1965—a precursor of the Dance Squad. The 1965 Pinnacle description reads as follows: “This year’s new half-time entertainers, The Topperettes, find it necessary to practice twice a week regularly, and as often as possible the week before a performance, to perfect their chorus line uniformity. Having survived the try-outs and making their own uniforms, the Topperettes are continually practicing new and different acts.
Visual Arts Club: Also known as V.A.C. This group merged two other clubs: Camera Club and the Art Club.
Topper’s Stompers: The new name of the Square-Dancing Club.
1967
Bridge Club: The popularity of Bridge invaded the high school ranks in 1967. Not only the students, but also many faculty members were among the many Glenbardians who enjoyed Bridge—which is not based solely on luck. In 1968, the Pinnacle reported that Bridge Club had a tournament with Willowbrook.
Chem Club: Students who acquired a liking for chemistry, either in school or on their own, had an opportunity to expand their knowledge of chemistry. These students were easily recognized by their burgundy sweatshirts, which are available only to those students who are eligible to, and have joined, this club of future chemists.
Forerunners Ushering Club: This club was organized in 1965. It began as a small group from the home economics classes. The members usher at all school events, including plays, concerts parents’ night, and college night. Of special note, Nancy Derk, president of Forerunners Club, became CEO of Fox Searchlight Pictures. Read more about her in the Notable Alumni section of this book.
‘Lectron League: The new name of the Electronics Club
Orchesis: This club is for girls who like dancing. The club consists of two groups: the novices (for beginners) and the concert group, which performs for various clubs and organizations throughout the year. No lessons are necessary, it’s all for fun.
1968
All Nighters Club: Meeting on various nights to engage in twelve-hour poker parties, the All-Nighters had many memorable moments. Among some of the occurrences that may be mentioned here are the now infamous Jack of Spades-seven of Diamonds incident, and the Mystery of the Calcium Deposits of the Thirteen Ball. The highlight of every evening was the presentation of the “Howie of the Week” Award, given to the person who best demonstrated the personal qualities of those of John Houk. Needless to say, John won this award nearly always.
Russian Club: This club was organized with the purpose of gaining a deeper understanding of the Soviet Union by learning its customs, economy, history, and most of all, its language. Only Russian students were allowed to join.
1969
Auto Club. The following is the description of Auto Club in the 1969 Pinnacle: The driver nervously tugs at his gloves. The navigator, to the right of the driver, makes the last unnecessary yet impulsive check of his maps. The sound of the engine fills his ears, and he thinks of the road ahead. The Glenbard West Auto Club Road Rally is underway for these two. It will end only several hours later after a long, aggravating series of wrong turns and exhaustion. And most aggravating of all is the long flat stretch of pavement after the wrong turn at Hooterville. They lost as least 20 minutes on that unfortunate adventure. They had to get back to the main route and they had to do it fast.
1970
VICA: Vocational Industrial Club of America.
Distributive Education: Students competed in events such as sales presentation, public speaking, advertising, and Human Relations Case Problems.
Radio Glenbard: See more about WGHS in this book.
AFS: No description given.
Anglers: No description given. Fishing Club, most likely.
1971
Philosophy Club: The group studied and discussed the five main world religions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
1972: Of special note, the Literary Society publishes Early Wine.
1973 and 1974: No new clubs.
1975
Amazon Women Club: From the 1975 Pinnacle, Mr. Dick Nordmeyer had great faith in the so-called weaker sex when he agreed to sponsor a new club—the Amazon Women, whose theme was “Fight Fat with Fun.” Specializing in the “fun” part of their theme, the Amazons invaded school with several new activities. First, they organized a party at Halloween, with girls trooping through school in costumes. That evening the Amazons when trick-or-treating in Glen Ellyn, collecting over 60 pounds of candy, which they gave to charity. Their first annual Amazon Bowl pitted the seniors against the juniors in a rugged game of touch football. The Amazons also held a legs contest.
1976
French Club (L’Alliance Fraincaise): Changes its name to French Fun and Food Club
1977
Health Occupations Club: Service to others was the aim of the Health Occupations Club. One of their projects was a party at Christmastime for the residents of the Manchester Nursing Home. They also raised $300 for the fight against muscular dystrophy.
1978 and 1979: No new clubs.
1980
S.U.P.E.R.: Students United to Promote Equal Rights encouraged an awareness for the need for equality.
Byzantium: The new, literary magazine is published. It featured the poems, art work, fiction, satire, and photos contributed by sixteen students. The title of the magazine was taken from the poem “Sailing to Byzantium,” by William Butler Yeats. The city of Byzantium was thought to be the spiritual center of art. The event, Page to Stage, grew out of the submissions to Byzantium.
The Middle Earth Society: Stirred interest in the books of J.R.R. Tolkien. Part of a national organization, the 22-member organization met monthly to interpret the works of Tolkien. The group also sponsored several volleyball games.
1981 and 1982: No new clubs.
1983
Model U.N. is formed and participated in the 20th Annual North American Invitational Mode United Nations Convention in Washington D.C. Glenbard West’s Model U.N. was the only delegation from Illinois.
1984, 1985, and 1986: No new clubs.
1987
Students for Students: In 1987, SfS holds a massive anti-substance abuse campaign. They begin Live Life Well Week.
1988
Youth and Governance Group: Sponsored by the Social Studies Department. This group learned about government first hand in after-school sessions by dedicating themselves to “grueling parliamentary procedure and bill-writing techniques.”
1989
Target Success: As freshmen enter the halls of Glenbard West in the fall, they are not alone. The goal of two organizations, Target Success and Peer Groups, is to get the freshmen class involved in their new community, as well as learn something about themselves. Target Success is a support group which follows a “big brother/sister – little brother/sister” approach. The big brothers/sisters are comprised of juniors and seniors who assist freshmen in the transition from junior high school. Peer Group help occurs when freshmen talk to student counselors who are juniors and seniors. They discuss a wide variety of subjects. The goal is to have the freshman obtain knowledge and also learn something about themselves.
1990: No new clubs
1991
ECO Club: The Environmental Concerns Organization (ECO). No description was given in the 1991 Pinnacle, but the 1992 edition states that ECO was originally created to celebrate Earth Day. In 1992, it began recycling cans and papers.
Students Against Homelessness: SAH became a prominent way in getting students to help the community. The club ran drives to collect food, toiletries, Christmas toys, and candy for Halloween. Members also donated the fund they raised to the “Apartment Project.”
International Club: This club lets bilingual students, exchange students, and American students to get to know each other and share cultures. The members ate foods from cultures from all over the world, which brought the students closer and promoted well being.
Improv Club: This was the new drama club at school. People could meet and work on their acting skills.
1992
Students for Students: This is an organization developed to promote the personal and social growth of its members and others. SFS sponsored Live Life Well Week and Exit with Pride. Members also organized an anti-substance abuse program geared to kindergarten through third grade students entitled “Don’t Clown Around with Drugs.” Clowns against Drugs are first formally mentioned in the 2002 Pinnacle. Target Success and Peer Group are part of SFS.
Amnesty International: This club was part of a world-wide organization that works to free political prisoners and preserve human rights. Members write letters and sign petitions to free unjustly accused prisoners. The club sold handmade bead necklaces as their fundraiser.
Intramural Hockey: This club offered students a chance to form their own teams.
Badminton Club: This club was created due to the popularity of the sport in gym classes.
Connect-four Club: A club for those who enjoy board games.
1993
International Club: The purpose was to share cultures and interests with others—to promote cultural awareness and understanding.
Association of Concerned Teens: Known as A.C.T., this group formed an umbrella for three other groups: Students Against Homelessness, Amnesty International, and Direct Action. All three of these groups strove to expose students to all types of humanitarian action.
1994
The Flag Squad: The group had been active for many years prior, but in 1994 it was formally considered a club. While it still performed with the band, members no longer were required to be a member of the band itself.
The Foreign Language Club: In 1994, the three language classes (French, Spanish, German) all came together as one club. The club learned about each other’s cultures and languages.
International Dance Troop: The group gathered on Wednesday evenings to learn and practice dances from around the world.
1995 and 1996: No new clubs.
1997
Scholastic Bowl: Schools compete against each other in a Jeopardy-like game. Just as in the TV game show, Jeopardy, the moderator asks questions, and the team who buzzes in first gets to answer the question.
1998
Investment Club: Students invest their own money to purchase stock and hopefully make a profit. At the end of 1998 school year, the club had over $8,000 in assets and more than 60 members.
1999
Science Olympiad: This science club competes in different events related to all areas of Science. A great description would be “a track meet of science events.” Students might compete in general areas like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or in specific areas such as astronomy or even bugs.
2000
Toadies: Although this group has been around for many years prior, it was in 2000 that they were recognized in Pinnacle. This group of technicians ran the lights and sound for all convos and school functions held in the auditorium. Years before this, the group had intended to be called The Roadies, but a typo put the letter “T” in the place of the “R”—since those two letters are next to each other on the keyboard. The result: The Toadies. The group of students liked Toadies more than Roadies, and the name stuck.
PRISM: This was a group started by students who want tolerance for all with a focus on gender issues and homophobia.
Saddle Club: This club started because of the group’s affection for horses and their joy for riding.
Asian Club: This club gave students of any Asian background the opportunity to share their heritage and traditions.
Med Club: This club began because a group of advanced health students had an interest in medicine and careers related to medicine.
2001
Young Democrats: This group meets to inform and educate others about politics and democratic views and issues.
Tech Squad: This group of students was formed to pool the tech and computer knowledge of students to help teachers, classes, and students with their technical needs.
Latinos Unidos: The new name of the Spanish Club—also known as P.A.L.—The Pan American League. Latino Unidos celebrated the cultures of all Latin communities.
Steppers: No information given in 2001 Pinnacle. Only the group portrait was shown.
2002
Breakdance Club: Students met after school to learn and practice breakdancing moves. The club also performed at the December 7, 2001 Pep Rally.
Simpsons Club: No information given in 2002 Pinnacle. Only a picture of the group was shown.
Club Ed: Similar to the Future Teachers of America, this club was new in 2002. FTA had stopped meeting years before Club Ed.
Glenbard Republicans: The goal of Glenbard Republicans is to educate members by discussing issues of the past and present, and to ensure a conservative viewpoint in school issues.
Societe Honoraire de Francais: French Honors Society. Students needed to have an A average in French for three semesters and a 4.50 GPA.