D'Espritians Summer 1966 Abitbol -Barsch Home Whyte -Zweig

Education had its beginning around an open fire. Here at its warmth gathered the family group to think, to meditate, and to convert into wisdom the knowledge possessed by each member.

As if they too were gathering around an open fire, the members of the D'Espritian Class Summer 1966, entered Fairfax. It was here that they were to find their center of life for the following three years. Here they would come to learn, to make friends, and to develop in character. Each semester became a building block in this development. And now as they look back it is possible to see all that was contained in those sacred moments.

Each class must have leadership, and the future D'Espritian class was not lacking in this important quality. Jeff Ort was chosen to lead the class through its crucial B-1O semester. Jeff developed a strong, united spirit in the class during his term in office.

In an organized election Louise Weinberg emerged as the A-1O president. She was the first president to represent the class on Colonial Council, and her enthusiasm and spirit were truly representative of the class.

Larry Gotlieb led the class through the B-11 semester. He was responsible for planning many exciting and successful activities. Beginning with the Junior Prom, “Polynesian Paradise,” and including a snowtrip, “Snowed Under,” and sportsnite. The semester allowed the class to become widely known for its spirit and determination.

The leadership of the A-11 Class fell into the hands of Suzi Wong. With her leadership the class chose its name, D'Espritians, and its colors, orange and white. The name and colors were announced at a noon dance which proved to be a most successful activity. Through the spirited efforts of Suzi, the D'Espritians became the first Junior Class in the history of Fairfax to have its own newspaper. The semester also included plans for Hoe-down Junior which demonstrated the class's imaginative trend of thought.

The final year had become a reality and the reins of the D'Espritian Class passed into the hands of Dave Horowitz. Dave, with assistance from Vice-president Annette Wong, Secretary Barbara Silvern, Historian Michele Seigel, and Treasurer Roger Goodman, planned the B-12 Class Breakfast “Super Senior Snack.” The breakfast was highlighted by a skit, “Some of My Best Friends Are Spies” and performances by many class members. During this semester the class paper was continued, a sports night was sponsored, dues cards were sold, and the first successful snow trip in three years, “Quick Before It Melts!” was held. Dave and his cabinet also worked out details for Grad-nite and the Senior Prom.

Time passed quickly, and the D'Espritian Class entered its Senior Aye semester. During the previous years the thought in the minds of all class members had been “I will study and get ready, and perhaps my chance will come.” Now that chance had arrived. Terry Winnick was given the honor of guiding the class through this final term. He, along with capable assistance from Vice-president Bruce Cohen, Secretary Lynn Benkell, Historian Shirley Ehrlich, and Treasurer Roger Goodman, planned many successful and rewarding activities. The semester began with the distribution of the D'Espritian Buttons at a noon dance. “Button, Who's got a Button?” Following shortly after the dance was a series of lunch picnics on the front lawn, highlighted by free ice cream to dues card holders. A Pep Week tricycle race victory, and a first in the Clean Campus Campaign allowed the D'Espritians to demonstrate their high spirit and school loyalty. A Joint Senior Aye-Senior Bee activity, “Holy Pizza,” was held during the early part of the semester. The evening was highlighted by dancing, Pizza, and a skit, “The Case of the Pilfered Pizza.” The A-12 Class Breakfast, “The Yokes on You,” was held on April Fools Day, and a Disneyland trip on May Day also added to the semester's activities. Other events including a Panorama picture—Camera Day, an A-12 Sports-nite, sale of Bumper stickers, continuation of the newspaper, and graduation exercises completed the year. The Grad-night-Prom, “It Was A Very Good Year,” held at the Ambassador Hotel, put the finishing touches on a perfect three years.

Special thanks go to our principal, Mr. Tunney, and Vice-principals Mrs. Martha Wetzel and Mr. Bob Alm, whose assistance was invaluable during the years. Words cannot express appreciation to our two sponsors, Mrs. Stephenson and Dr. Hummel, without whom success would have been questionable. Thanks also to the faculty and counselors for their patience and aid during our stay at Fairfax.

And now as the last class to graduate from the traditional, colorful, halls of Fairfax, may we carry forth the strength and symbolism contained therein. And may we reach the high level of achievement attained by so many of our predecessors. We are sure that although modern in structure, the new Fairfax will carry on the traditions of the old.