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By Brittney Burkhead

  The Sadie Hawkins Dance is where the girls ask the guys to the dance, but that isn’t all it is about. Cartoonist Al Capp created Sadie Hawkins for his cartoon strip Lil' Abner. Sadie first appeared in the strips in November 15-20, 1937.
   The idea of Sadie Hawkins arrived at college campuses in 1939. About two years after it hit the strips, Life magazine reported that over 200 colleges in 188 cities had a Sadie Hawkins Day.
   Sadie Hawkins impacted people for many years after, and still does today. In 1952 Al Capp wrote, “It's become my responsibility [to include Sadie Hawkins

Day every year in the strip.] It doesn't happen on any set day in November; it happens on the day I say it happens. I get tens of thousands of letters from colleges, communities, and church groups, starting around July, asking me what day, so they can make plans.”
  Capp’s last strip appeared in November 1977. He retired because of poor health and died two years later.
  Quincy High School celebrated Sadie Hawkins on March 10, 2006. Leslie Froggatt had a western theme for pictures at the dance.

By Kayli E. Vallely

QHS drama class will be performing The Pink Panther Strikes Again on April 6th. Mrs. Carroll, director of the play, said that she chose the play because “it is a silly comedy.” She also thinks its comedic aspects make it perfect for springtime and that it is very well written. The play is about a “bumbling detective” who absurdly manages to get the job done. 
    The leading roles of the play are Inspector Clouseau, Olga, Dreyfus, and Jarvis. Taylor Stine will be playing the role of Inspector Clouseau, who is the clueless detective. Peggy Muir plays Olga, whose character Mrs. Carroll describes as the “beautiful Russian Agent” and “Clouseau’s love.” Muir says that the toughest part of her role as Olga is having a Russian accent and getting into character. However, Muir enjoys having such a different role. Josh Carroll plays the part of Dreyfus, Clouseau’s lunatic archenemy. Carroll says that his favorite part about his role is “being crazy.” Lastly, Kevin Logan becomes Jarvis, who is a butler with an interesting hobby.
     All of the drama students say that they feel positive about how the play is turning out. Most are very excited about doing a comedy. One student says that she is most excited about “the comedy aspect; I’m excited to see the people laugh.”

Several students play the role of pink panthers, who get to sneak around the stage in panther masks, and also change the sets. Christina Robbins, who will be a pink panther, assassin, and orderly, says, “We have to do set changes, so remembering where everything goes is most challenging.”
   Many of the drama students say that drama class is very fun, and that they recommend it to anyone who is interested in joining next year. Caitlin Bowen said, “It’s really fun, but you can’t be afraid to make a total idiot out of yourself.” Another student comments that this class can help students meet other people. Chase Redkey states, “It’s fun and unlike any other class.
   According to Mrs. Carrroll, actors should have the ability to take direction, work well with others, and be dependable and reliable. She also encourages students to “just have some fun with the parts!”
   Students, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend the play on April 6th, 7th, and 8th at 7:30 PM in the QHS theatre. Tickets are being sold at Bookshelf for six dollars apiece. Mrs. Carroll wants all audience members to come prepared for some “side-splitting laughter”. The Pink Panther Strikes Again will be a hilarious tribute to the triumph of awkward detectives everywhere!