It's not everyone who has their boss punch in for them on their first day on a job. But Judy Parks, this year's president of Maine's Distributive Education Program, managed it because "I couldn't find out where the time clock was!"

Judy, a senior, presently works at O'Hare Airport at the Airline Canteen Service, a gift shop. Her hours are from 12:30 until 5 p.m., so she leaves school after her fourth period class. "It is an exciting job. I get to meet so many people. Celebreties sometimes stop in, and it's fun because I always have a different routine," commented Judy.

Drama, government, gym, and a distributive education class keep Judy busy until she leaves for her job. When asked if she felt that she was missing anything by being on the program, Judy replied, "No, I don't think so, unless we get out of school early or something. My routine is somewhat different from everyone else's, but I enjoy it. This way, I have regular morning classes and then, during the afternoon, I can earn money for college. And if there is something special after school, I sometimes can get off and come back in time for it."

As president of the Distributive Education Program, Judy runs the club's hi‑weekly meetings, which are held in the mornings because of the members' jobs, and organizes any projects they plan. Their recent candy sale was a good example of the club's projects.

Recently, Judy planned a field trip for the club to the J. W. Thompson Advertising Com­pany which was followed by dinner and a play, Plaza Suite, at the Blackstone. Judy managed somehow to fight her way backstage and meet Forrest Tucker. She described him as "not quite as funny off stage as he is on stage, but a very nice person." The only bad thing that happened because of their meeting was that Judy almost missed the bus back to school.

Besides being president of the D.E. Program, Judy has also participated in Class Council, Ski Club, Girls' Business Club, G.A.A., Safety Council, and Pep Club.

"It's almost indescribable the knowledge I've gained," replied Scott Mattingly '69, when asked what he has gained from being in the Distributive Education Program.

Scott, a 5'9" senior, works at' Johnson's Sporting Goods Store in downtown Des Plaines. When asked what he did at Johnson's, Scott answered, "It's hard to describe. I do just about everything."

One of Scott's special interests is repairing air rifles. Earlier this year Scott went to Fairport, New York, for special training in repairing and assembling these rifles.

This year Scott is taking government, woodshop, and the Distributive Education course related to his job.

When Scott isn't busy repairing rifles, working at Johnson's, or at school, he is a very active member of the Boy Scouts. Scott is a member of Post 64.

"I think Distributive Education has its place in the school, and it does a fine job of teaching. You learn what marketing is all about," said Scott when he spoke of the Distributive Education Program. "It has helped me a great deal."

Scott said that he first heard about the Distributive Education Program during a morning assembly his sophomore year. Re looked into the course and decided he liked the idea behind it, so he signed up.

Scott's future plans are not definite right now. He said he may go on to college, continue working at Johnson's, or go into the service after he graduates.

Many students this year are combining school and work through Maine West's work program. Bob Borchardt '69 is one of them.

Bob is presently participating in the Distributive Education program which is offered at Maine West. He explains, "This program offers any type of job that involves retailing or selling, which is nice for me since I am interested in salesmanship."

In his junior year, Bob first began the work program. The school arranges his schedule so that he is able to take the courses that are required in four or five periods a day.

"Going to school," says Bob, "and working every day takes a lot of time and energy. Even so, I think it is well worth it."

"This year," Bob continues, "I work for Alpine Camera as a salesman. I only have four periods a day in school, so it's not so bad."

After Bob graduates from high school this year, he plans to go to Harper College. He is going to major in business management. "The Distributive Education program has already enabled me to gain experience and to learn a lot about selling," Bob said.

Contrary to the many criticisms which some students have about Maine West, Bob thinks it's a great school. "It has a good faculty, a wide variety of activities, and it's even becoming more lenient with the dress code!"

In his spare time, Bob enjoys going out and just having fun. He also likes to "shoot" interesting pictures.

Bob follows the philosophy of "If you start something, finish it; it is very important and eventually will get you somewhere," remarked Bob.