A blonde‑haired and blue‑eyed man of science, Mr. Vernon Wiersema, teaches Biology I and general science.

He attended Fulton High School in Fulton, Illinois. Mr. Wiersema received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Central College in Pella, Iowa, and his master's degree from the State College of Iowa. He also did graduate work at several other universities.

When Mr. Wiersema was asked for his opinion of his students, he replied, "Most of them are good, average students; but there are always some that ruin it for the others."

His spare time is filled with reading and "dabbling in the arts," oil painting, water colors, etc. Mr. Wiersema stated that he had "no comment" concerning a funny incident in his career or his most embarrassing moment.

Mr. Wiersema, however, had quite a few comments concerning his likes and dislikes about Maine West. The thing he was most impressed by was the cooperation on behalf of the students, the faculty, and the personnel. The thing he dislikes most is the lack of school spirit. "I feel that in a school the size of Maine West the school spirit could be much better than it is now." Aside from this fact, he had no further improvements to suggest.

Mr. Wiersema also has a high regard for teaching as a profession. "To me teaching is the most rewarding profession a person can be in. It has more effect on more people all over the world."

Before coming to Maine, he taught schools in Denmark, Iowa, and in Fort Madison, Iowa.

Although he is not married, Mr. Wiersema hopes to be someday, "when I'm ready." He summed up his advice to the students with these words, "Learn as much about life now, while you can."

"People who stand around and do nothing and expect to pass and get good grades" is the pet peeve of Mr. Leonard Wilson. This 6' 2", brown‑haired Printing I, II, III, and IV teacher utilizes his spare time by attending concerts, operas, basketball games, plays, and other school functions.

His hobby is raising basset hounds, which he has shown in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

He is also interested in photography and is currently the sponsor of Photography Club.

Mr. Wilson likes being able to do what he wants and to try new ideas in the department. He also enjoys the students' attitudes. "Most of the kids are basically fun to work with, but it's hard to get a few motivated to work."

"Maine could use some more space and equipment," Mr. Wilson added. He dislikes people who say hello to him only when they want a favor.

Mr. Wilson described his funniest incident as the time he threatened to throw a girl into a lagoon. The girl promptly took out her contact lenses, handed them to Mr. Wilson, and told him to go right ahead.

"Listen to your elders because sometimes they know what they are talking about," is advice to students.

Mr. Wilson attended LaSalle-Peru Township High School and Northern Illinois University. He took a course at Northern last semester, and he has just completed two other night courses.

Other jobs that he has held include being a night supervisor for a drive‑in restaurant, a life guard, an assistant manager at a bowling alley, and working for a newspaper.

Mr. Wilson viewed his profession as being "a lot of fun if you have the proper amount of equipment, space, and money; but it's rough when you first start out."