"The new system in Student Council this year of Upper and Lower House is really working out well," states Debbie Lusk '70, secretary of Student Council. "There is a lot less confusion than was expected, and the kids on Council seem really enthusiastic."

One advantage that Debbie has already observed is "Having the members of each homeroom elect a representative for Lower House seems to have attracted the kind of students who really want to work for Council. Everyone is eager and willing to volunteer for committee work."

Debbie's job as secretary entails recording the minutes of all Student Council meetings and preparing them for homeroom reports. "If anyone on Council needs something typed, they usually give it to me. I handle the typical secretary type of duties," remarks Debbie.

Student Council is presently starting plans for the Variety Show and Homecoming. Debbie comments, "This year we are trying to have something new at Homecoming. Along with the returning alumni queens, we hope to have the alumni escorts return too."

The event that Debbie looks forward to most this year is Homecoming. "I remember when we were juniors; we looked up to the senior. Now they are gone and we are the seniors," Debbie continues. "Many of last year's seniors will be returning to Maine for Homecoming, and now we are the seniors and it is 'our school.'

Debbie declares, "Maine West will probably abolish their dress code, but not for several years yet. I feel it should be left to the student to dress the way he desires. The objections and restrictions should come from the parent, not from the school."

Among Debbie's courses this year is photography, a class offered for the first time at Maine West. "I really enjoy the class," Debbie comments. "We are being taught how to take good pictures and how to develop them ourselves. I think it is really a worthwhile class."

If anyone were asked to describe Dave Atkinson '70 in one word, they'd probably say something like this, "Impossible," (to describe in one word).

Brotherhood Society, Junior Class president, Maine West Historical Society, Des Plaines Junior city official, national merit semi‑finalist are all achievements of Dave that make him such an active and likeable guy.

"Serving on Student Council and as Junior Class president has given me valuable experience as a leader. I also attended a National Leadership workshop during the summer of my sophomore year. All this has given me insight into working with other people," he stated.

As for Maine West, Dave feels there are excellent teachers and facilities as well as a tremendous number of different courses and extracurricular activities. There's something here for everyone if he is interested enough to find it."

As president Dave's responsibilities will be to preside over lower house and executive board meetings, coordinate all activities, and keep on top of everything being done in Student Council.

When asked about school spirit, he replied, "I think school spirit is quite good despite what people think. It's just that students have different interests so they support different things."

Regarding changing Maine West, Dave remarked, "Although I realize the administration has to run the school effectively, I think they lack faith in the students and are at times over cautious and too unwilling to try some things. I would like to see a change here. Also in student attitude, when you stop to think about it, we really owe this school a lot."

Dave also commented on teachers being able to wear beards. "I think it's great. They should be able to look however they please so long as they are neat. I don't feel that a beard affects the quality of a teacher's work."

Lastly Dave offers advice to students, "Work hard but not so hard that you can't have fun too. Set goals for yourself and work to attain them. Get involved, and above all never quit."