The 1978‑79 school year Open House will take place on Thursday, Oct. 19, and Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m. Parents of students whose last names are in the first half of the alphabet should attempt to come the first night and those whose names are in the last half should plan to come to the second meeting. If, however, a parent cannot attend one, he is welcome to attend the other. Open House is a time for parents to meet teachers and for teachers to give verbal progress reports about their students.


13 Seniors Awarded

Thirteen seniors have been names as commended students in the National Merit Scholarship program. Each of these seniors placed in the top five per cent of all high school seniors in the country who took the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test last October.

Of the one million students who took the PSAT test, these students were placed among the top 35,000 scorers but had slightly lower scores than the National Merit Semifinalists. As a result of their top scores, the National Merit Corporation has sent recognition of these students' academic ability to the educational institutions that these students have applied. Often as a result of these recommendations, students receive scholarships and financial aid which otherwise they could not have obtained.

Students selected as commended students are Susan Berner, John Berns, James Bethards, John Cudahy, Joanne Denk, Melinda Einfalt, Kathleen Jacobsen, Paul Kalapathy, Bernadette Murphy, Linda Olsen, James Swanson, Patrick Wall, and Mark Wojnowiak.

A spokesman from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation stated, "The high standing of Merit Program Commended Students is an attainment that deserves their public recognition, because the nation as well as these students will be benefited by continued educational and personal development of their talents."


Social Science Forum

Maine West has just concluded a Social Science Forum which allowed government students and any others who had third period free to compare the Congressional candidates who are running for Congress this fall. Both speakers dealt with political issues which were relevant to the students, and both urged eligible voters to support their side in the upcoming election. Mr. Abner Mikva, a Democrat who is the incumbent spoke here yesterday; and his challenger, Mr. John Porter spoke on Sept. 27.


Voice of Democracy Contest

The Voice of Democracy Speaking Contest is being held at Maine West again this year. The theme on which participants are requested to speak is "Why I Care About America." Students who are interested in participating should contact Mr. Eric Edstrom, the head of the Social Science Department.