BY JOANNE DENK AND
KIM KLECKNER

With the graduation of over 700 seniors last summer, Maine West was left with actual breathing space in the halls and room to walk down the stairs without being pushed. But no, this paradise couldn't last for long. With fall, came 700 new beings to our hallowed halls‑freshmen.

Being a freshman is one of the greatest ordeals a teenager has to go through. From the first day of school these poor creatures are followed by enterprising seniors out to sell permanent hall passes, passes to the outside eating area, and

elevator keys. Their books are dumped and their way of dress is ridiculed. A favorite torture of upperclassmen is to tell freshmen that if they step on the school seal they will have to clean it up with a toothbrush.

Most freshmen are overwhelmed by the crowded halls and having their eyes level with the shoulder blades of older students.

Most freshmen, however, are the most healthy students in the school. Freshman students still enjoy the change of pace from junior high lunches and indulge in hamburgers, French fries, shakes, pudding, and other delights.