Memoir Monday, May 9, 1962

Winding down the last month of high school. This was the day I got the word. It was a shock, a thrill and really not expected.

May 9, 1962

Today began early as they all seem to. The folks went out to do the chores early and I got up and did the home chores. I hemmed a dress up but I made it too short so I couldn’t wear it. I must get something done with my hair. It’s a fright. I worked on my paper in study hall. In English I was sitting in the library when Mr McLarney came in and told me I was selected valedictorian. I nearly fainted dead away on the spot. I had hoped so hard and now, I’m not sure I want the honor! But I got it, anyway. Judy Jaynes is salutatorian. Three weeks from tomorrow--por los santos! I’m nearly through with the “Adventures of Banana Annie." It’s rather cute if I do say so myself. In journalism we’re still working on the senior edition of the Verde Independent. Imagine me as valedictorian. Well, Moose, I beat you, didn’t I? I saddled Cinder and got the herd out of Tavasci’s and did the usual chores. The folks and I returned almost the same time. They went to see the Lizotte Place, Sasser’s again etc. and seem to have high hopes for the future. Everything is so impossible. I know I will wake up pretty soon. I’m bound to but the dream is swell. Tomorrow Sasser comes over. I start on my speech on Monday so I’ve got to hurry up on my paper. I’ve put some hours in on it tonight. Mrs Wease has given me my first graduation gift--a nice box of stationery.  I got cards from her and Shirl C.  I guess it’s real but I really can’t believe it yet. The seniors are throwing a big party at Montezuma Country Club June 1. Maybe I’ll go; it all depends.

The word? Who was going to be valedictorian of the class of 1962! I had an idea I might graduate with honors but what place I might be was not assured at all. I did not even know who my top competition was. Actually I kind of thought I was competing with Anita Schwartz. Was being the #1 a long term ambition or goal? Not really. In 1959 when I was a sophomore, I was at that graduation and my old crush and frenemy, Marvin Kallsen, by then known mostly as "Moose," was a co-salutatorian. I think Ruth Ann Chilton was the valedictorian. I made a reckless vow to myself at that time that I would beat him. I had not forgotten but it was not a huge thing to me when the actual day approached. Then suddenly it was a reality. I was thrilled until I realized, "Oh snap! I'll have to make a speech!!" I also found that Judy Jaynes, a new transfer that year or the prior one was just a point or two behind me, not Anita after all..

"Banana Annie" was a project for art class.. It was nearly a final assignment that Ms Mahoney had given us: to write and illustrate a children's book. My story concerned a brother and sister who lived in Central America and their Papa's mule named Annie who hauled a cart load of bananas to the port to ship away. It was one of the few projects I was happy with and I thought I did a good job. I still have it, actually. Heck, maybe I should try to publish it!

Mom and Dad were still caught up in the 'ranch hunting' efforts and had gone back to re-look at a couple they were interested in. Well, he was; she not so much! But whatever Dad wanted, Mom would go along with--mostly without a fuss but sometimes not as enthusiastic as he wanted.  They were talking maybe a trade with the 20 acres (unimproved but with a good well) that we had down below Bridgeport as a down payment I think. And Mr Sasser was going to come look at it.

Suddenly graduation was beginning to feel real. That final month was a roller coaster, a crazy race, a jumble of highs and lows and busy-ness that was exhilarating and also exhausting. There were days I was not sure I'd make it in one piece. But I did. And the 'chores' went on as always. Trying to keep the mules out of Tavasci's place which our leased pasture adjoined was a continual challenge and kerfuffle. It seemed like once a week I was trying to gather them up and back home. The cattle guard on the main road was almost filled in with run-off dirt and those crafty mules walked it as dainty as you please.

No photos but here are a few pages out of Banana Annie just for fun!