Did you ever notice that the Class of '76 isn't falling for the silly tricks we did as freshmen? They seem to know all the "tricks of the trade," one might say.

After talking to a few of the freshmen, I came to the conclusion, that this class is not only smaller than most freshman classes, but they seem to be a lot smarter. They claim that they have heard about all the nasty tricks the upperclassmen will play on them when they were in junior high or from their older brothers or sisters.

Remember when you were a freshman and a big senior wrestler came up to you at lunch and told you to bring his tray back? You really moved. Or, how about the old dumping of the books in the hall so all your papers flew for miles; and finally after the halls were cleared somewhat, you recovered half torn books and papers and were late to your next class besides.

I remember one particular incident which seemed to recur for about a month until I finally wised up. Whenever I didn't know where I was going, I'd ask someone; and he would always send me to the complete opposite side of the building. I thought everyone in the school was crazy, and no one knew where they were going.

So, Class of '76, remember these five rules about the upperclassmen at Maine West; and you will have an enjoyable year.

1. Never regard anything an upperclassman says as the truth.

2. Hold on to your books for life or death.

3. Be sure and lock your locker (your books could be taken or the lock put on backwards).

4. Never eat anything an upperclassman offers you.

5  Have a good time in high school