By BONNIE CASSIDY

Looking back at this year is not as bad as one may think. A lot of good has come to Maine West this year. The most important privilege gained was open lunch allowing the students to go out during their lunch period, enjoying the sun and the grass.

Smaller things have happened to put Maine in a more informal atmosphere. Ping‑pong for P.A.R. and a tiny music festival held in the Little Theater are just two of them. This barely advertised session was held during fifth period one sunny May day.

It was more like a mini‑coffee‑house than an organized function. Kids got together on their own lyrics and music. One girl did the background slides, and another did an original monologue. While attending the program, the students, the whole day, relaxed. That day a person did not have to go rushing down the halls worrying about the time or the people.

Listening to the gentle or rocking strains of the guitar brought upon everyone a different world other than that of Maine Township High School West.

Even though the new dress code is not so new this year, so many more people have taken advantage of it. No longer are we assigned certain "uniforms" that tell who we are. Freedom is starting at Maine. It is going to take time, and patience is what is needed right now.

Open campus, a very dear word for some of us, is also under thoughtful consideration. I doubt that last year this topic was even discussed seriously. Many people are working for us trying to bring the students and administration rules together.

We were even consulted on the vacation periods for next year. This puts us in the role of intelligent adults, something we have been waiting for a long time.

Another difference from last year deals with my own personal experience. I entered class where everybody was together. I changed opinions I have held for years because there are all types of people in this class: long hairs and straight guys, even middle of the roaders. The class is journalism; the kids who write the stories for this paper are in these classes.

The atmosphere is non‑hectic, relaxed, and fun. I am not trying to push journalism but instead to point out that there are classes where you can express your feelings and say what you want. When we have free time for working on stories, some of us gather around and talk about things on our minds. Maine West is not perfect, but yes, it was a very good year.