My High School Sweetheart

Chapter 1

The day started out with a clear blue sky and sixty degree temperatures.  It was a normal Chicago fall day, in September 1957.

What made this day different for Danny Ross and his friends ... they were starting high school.  It seemed that this time would never come, but the transition from Grade School to High School had finally happened.  The change was more than just changing buildings; it meant a new kind of school life.  Now the social events would be different, with football games, track races, parties and dances.

The High School was located within a few blocks from Danny’s house in Hamilton Park, Illinois.  He, or his friends, did not need to take public transportation to the school.

Danny opened the door and stepped out of his house.  He turned around and gave a quick good-by to his Mother inside the house.

Ron Hattie and Bill Payer lived just a few doors down the street from where Danny lived.

Danny would stop to meet his friends on his route to school  Even when the boys went to Grade School Danny always took this route and the three boys walked to school together.

After Danny stopped to get Ron, the two boys left immediately and headed towards Bill’s house.  As soon as they came up to Bill’s side walk their friend came darting out his door.

Hi!  Bill smiled as he approached his two friends.

Hi!  Ron responded with a smile.

This is the day!  Danny added.  It is a beautiful day for school.

I hope we know where to go in the school, Bill remarked.

Within a few moments, they could see the school up ahead of them.  There were kids standing all over the grounds.  Many of these students would be new friends to each other, as the High School took in more than one grade school district around the area.

A few weeks prior to the starting date there were mailings sent out to all new students showing a brief program of what to expect the first day.  It gave instructions to report to the school auditorium.

The three boys walked up to the entrance and went inside the school.  They were concerned about finding their way around in the building, but found that signs were mounted on the walls with instructions for any newcomers.

That sign points us to the Auditorium, Bill smiled, pointing to the sign.

The three boys had a laugh about the sign.  They knew that they were supposed to report to the Auditorium.  The arrows guided their way

When they got close to the auditorium, they could hear a lot of talking.  Upon entering the room, they saw many students and a large stage area up in front.  They found a seat and

sat down.  Within a few moments, a school representative stepped out onto the stage.

Good Morning, He responded into a microphone.  My name is Wayne Stall, the Principal of Layden High School.

Within minutes, everybody quietened down.

We will call your names and you can come up to get your class schedules, Mr. Stall added.  We will, also, give you your looker number and combination lock.  This lock is for your own security and should not be shared with anybody.

They started to call the names.  Within about thirty minutes, everybody had his or her schedules.

Danny sat down when he got his schedule.  He noted that he has Mathematics tomorrow morning at 9am.

Well, Ron added, as he looked at his schedule.  It looks like I have Science tomorrow morning at 9am.

Bill glanced at his schedule.  I guess I got English tomorrow morning ... the same time.

The three boys compared their schedules.  They got up and proceeded to find their lockers.  After they found their lockers, they got familiar with their combination locks.  Then they started to head for home.

Chapter 2

Danny had a paper route for the last few years.  It has helped him supply his Amateur Radio Hobby with equipment that he had for over a year.

It was about 6am when he finished his paper delivery.  He knew that he needed to be at school in time for his 9am class.  However, he had enough time to get ready.

It was now 8am and he got ready to leave for school.  Since he lived so close to the school he knew he had time to go to his locker and then to the class.

After visiting his locker, he went to his class.  When he entered the classroom, most of the students were seated waiting for the instructor to come in.  He looked around to see if he recognized anybody in the room.

Within a few moments, an instructor entered the room.  The class started and the students spent the entire hour introducing themselves to their classmates. The instructor assigned the students to specific desks in the room.

At 11am Danny went to the cafeteria for lunch.  He did not see Ron or Bill.  However, he sat down and ate his lunch. 

As he was eating, he found a copy of the school newspaper lying on the table.  Thumbing through the paper, he found an ad for an Amateur Radio Club.  This interested him very much and took a copy with him when he left the cafeteria.

After his last class, Danny headed to the Electronic Room where the Amateur Radio Club was located.  Entering the room, he found an instructor sitting at his desk.

Howdy, the instructor smiled at Danny.

Hi, Danny responded.  I am looking for the Amateur Radio Club.

You found it, the instructor smiled back.  My name is Jim Spring.

Danny reached over and shook his hand.

My call is K90AG, Danny added.

We have about four members, Mr. Spring smiled.  Tonight you are the only one here.  But you will meet them all if you come back.

I will come back, Danny, remarked.  Can we come every day?

Yes, Mr. Spring answered.  We meet every evening ... Monday through Friday.

Good, Danny responded.

By the way, my call is W9OPH. Mr. Spring added.

I am glad to meet you, Danny smiled.  Tonight I cannot stay long, but will be back.

Glad to meet you, too, Mr. Spring smiled.

They shook hands and Danny left for home.

Chapter 3

Danny is a member of a youth group that is run by the kids of the United Church of Christ in Hamilton Park.  They call the group the Youth Fellowship and have seven active members.

The group members are always open for new members.  For the last couple of months they have had an ad in the Church Bulletin advertising the group.

Reverend Seafert, the pastor, administers the group meetings, which are held the second and forth Saturday of each month.  He leaves the members control their activities and prayer services they hold.  However, he acts as a spiritual director for the group.  All the kids have a deep respect for him as a clergy and close friend whom they can confide in.

It was the fourth Saturday of September.  The Youth Fellowship meeting was scheduled to meet..

Danny went to get Ron as he walked to the church.  When they passed Bill’s house he joined them.  When they got to the church, they entered the building.

Hi, guys, Nancy Gewog smiled at the group as they entered the room.

Connie Hyson waved at the boys

Frank and Virginia waved at the three boys.  Frank Eaton and Virginia Eaton are twins and you can tell that they are related.

Frank came over and shook hands with Ron, Bill and Danny.

Everybody sat down.  They have a circle of chairs that they use for the meetings.  There is a chair in the middle of the circle reserved for Reverend Seafert.

When everybody got settled, the Reverend came into the room from the Church Sanctuary.

Howdy, guys, the Reverend smiled.  What new business do we have today?

Just as the Reverend spoke, a visitor came into the church from the outside.  Nancy got up and greeted her.

Hi, my name is JeanieWolanski, the new comer greeted Nancy.  I saw your ad in the Church Bulletin covering the Youth Fellowship.  I thought I would come over to see what it is.

Welcome to our group, Nancy smiled.  She shook Jeanie’s hand.

Nancy walked Jeanie over to the group and introduced her to everybody.  Reverend Seafert shook her hand.

Danny immediately recognized Jeanie from his Math class.

Jeanie sat down and the meeting started.  The group discussed high school and how the

week went in the new school.

They discussed how the ad in the Bulletin brought Jeanie to the group.  The group decided that the ad was working.

Reverend Seafert stood up.  Raising his hands into the air, he prayed.  Dear Lord please bless our kids and thank you for bringing Jeanie into our group. Amen.

Everybody responded Amen.

The group stood up and proceeded to leave the church.  Danny made sure he was next to Jeanie. as they exited the building.

I remember you, Danny smiled at Jeanie.  You are in my 9am Math Class."

Yes, Jeanie agreed.  I recognized you when I walked into the church.

When Danny and Jeanie got outside, they turned and looked at each other.  Ron and Bill were next to them.

Where is your house?  Danny asked Jeanie.

Just down the block, she answered ... pointing down the street.

Danny looked at Bill and Ron.  Would you mind if I walk Jeanie home?

Jeanie and Danny started to walk to her house.  Ron and Bill turned and walked towards their own homes.

It is nice that we share Math together, Danny remarked.  He was trying to create a conversation.

Yes, it is, Jeanie smiled.  Now, we can do homework together.

We will see, Danny responded.  You may not like my help.

They both laughed.

They arrived at Jeanie’s house.  When they arrived, they stopped and looked at each other.

Thank you for walking me home, she smiled.

You are most welcome, Danny smiled back.  I will see you tomorrow.

Chapter 4

Danny finished his Monday newspaper delivery.  He started to get ready for school.

8am came quickly.  He came downstairs from his bedroom to find his sister, Carol Ross, in the kitchen.  She was two years younger than Danny.

Hi, Danny, she greeted Danny.

Hi, Carol, Danny returned the greeting.

In the last couple weeks I have been going to a beautiful church, she smiled.

That is fine, Danny replied.

Would you want to come with me next Sunday?  She asked.

In the past, Danny had tried to get her to come to the Youth Fellowship at the United Church of Christ.  However, she did not want to get involved.  Now, she is asking him to go to another church.

No, not right now, Danny answered abruptly.  I am completely happy where I am.  All my friends belong to the United Church of Christ.

I know, she agreed.  However, I thought you would want to see what I am talking about.

Right now I need to go to school, he added.  My class begins at 9am.

Ok, Carol responded.  We can talk about it later.

Danny went over to the sink and grabbed a pastry.  He wrapped it up and proceeded to go towards the door.  When outside he headed directly to the high school.

Usually he would go to get Ron and Bill, but this morning he did not have time.  Previously, the three boy’s set-up an agreement that they would go directly to school if they were late.  This was one of those mornings.

He headed for his locker, to put his coat and books in it.  He, then, went to his first class.

He entered the room to see Jeanie waiting for the Class to begin.

Hi, Jeanie, Danny smiled.

Hi, Danny, she smiled back.  Thank you for walking me home from the church.

Jeanie, you’re most welcome, Danny responded.  He took a seat right behind her.

You may need to move, Jeanie smiled.  That is not your assigned desk.

I know, he remarked.  I will move when class begins.

The two young people talked briefly, until the time arrived for the class to begin.  Danny moved over to his assigned seat a couple rows over.

It did not take long and the class ended.  Danny quickly went over to Jeanie as she stood up to leave.

What class do you go to next?  Danny asked her.

English, she answered.  Room 101.

I know where that classroom is, Danny smiled.  I will walk with you.  My next class is just down the hall from yours.

They both departed from the Math Class.  It did not take long and they arrived at Jeanie’s classroom.

Thank you for the escort service, Jeanie smiled.  She opened the door and went into the room.

Danny went on to his class.

At 3pm, the last class of the day let out.  Danny decided to go to the Electronic Room where the Amateur Radio Club is located.

When he arrived at the classroom, he found Mr. Spring at his desk with two students.

Hi, Danny, Mr. Spring smiled as Danny entered the room.

Hi, Mr. Spring, Danny returned the greeting.

I want you to meet Tim Dater and Jack Ember, Mr. Spring added.

Danny went over and shook hands with the two students.

My name is Danny Ross, Danny smiled.  My call is K9OAG.

My call is K9OFY, Tim smiled.  This is my first year at Layden High School.

My call is K9OZW, Jack added.  This is, also, my first year.

We have some more club members from last year, Mr. Spring added.  You guys will meet them within time.  We are all licensed Hams.

Danny was happy to find Amateur Radio Operators that were in his freshman class.

Over last year we participated in activities geared into Amateur Radio, Mr. Spring smiled.  We went to a few Ham Fests and participated in a Field Day.

Ham Fests are considered a giant Flea Market for Amateur Radio.  Every year there are a few Field Days ... where Amateur Radio operators display their radios and equipment.

It was getting late.  Danny put his coat on and headed for the door to go home.

We will see you, Danny smiled at the group.

Don’t forget to come back, Mr. Spring smiled.

Danny headed for the classroom door and exited the room.

Going down the corridor towards the outside door, Danny noticed a sign on the wall advertising a dance.  Looking at the notice, he thought of Jeanie.  However, he did not have her phone number to discuss the activity.  He did not even know if she would be interested to go with him.

He exited the school and headed for home.  When he entered the house, he found Carol sitting in the front room.

Did you think about the church I told you about?  She asked him.

At first, he just stood and looked at her.

No, I do not want to go to another church, He answered her.  The United Church of Christ is the only church I ever went to.  All my friends are at this church.

I know what you mean, she responded.  I never had anything all my life.  Religion has never been the thing for me, but I went to this church and it changed me.

Danny did not know how to handle this.  He did know that he was close to the church he went to and never thought of going somewhere else.

Carol, I will think about what you said, he added.  But, I do not think I will ever change.

He turned around and went downstairs where he had his Ham Radio setup.

Chapter 5

Danny finished his Tuesday paper delivery.

He was thinking of the dance advertisement he saw at the school.  The minute he saw the ad he thought of Jeanie.  Somehow, she made an impression on him.  Even though they have not known each other to long, he feels that he would like to attempt to be friends with her.  The dance may be a starting point.

It was 8am ... Danny was ready to leave for school.  He went out the door and went directly to Ron’s house.

Hi, Danny, Ron smiled, as Danny walked up his sidewalk leading to his porch area.

Good morning, Danny smiled back.

As the two boys passed Bill’s house he came running out his door.

Hi, guys, Bill smiled, as he met his friends.

The three boys headed for the school.  When entering the facility they separated going to their own lockers.

Danny got his books from his locker and headed to his Math class.  When entering the room he saw Jeanie.

Hi, Jeanie, Danny smiled.  You are always early.

That is part of my personality, she laughed.

Before I forget, Danny responded.  Can I have your phone number?

I thought you would never ask me, she smiled.  She pulled out a piece of paper with her phone number written on it.

Thank you, Danny remarked.  He reached over and took the paper from her.

They talked for a few moments.  Then Danny sat down in his assigned seat.

It did not take long and the class ended.  All the students got up and exited the room.

Danny walked out of the room with Jeanie and they went to her next class.

As they went down the corridor leading to Jeanie’s class, they passed the sign advertising the coming dance.

Would you like to go to that dance?  Danny asked pointing to the sign.

Now, Danny Ross, she smiled.  Are you asking me for a date?

Yes, Danny answered her question.  I guess I am.

Of course I will go, Jeanie responded with a smile.  She leaned over and touched her shoulder to his as a love touch.

They arrived at Jeanie’s classroom.  She looked at him with a smile and entered her room.  Danny turned and went to his next class.

Danny felt good.  He has Jeanie’s phone number and she accepted his date request for the dance.

Danny headed for the Electronic Room after his last class.  As he entered the room, he saw Mr. Spring sitting at his desk with a student in front of him.

Hi, Danny, Mr. Spring greeted him.

Hi, Mr. Spring, Danny returned the greeting.

I would like to introduce you to Bruce Dinny, Mr. Spring smiled.

He went over to Danny and shook his hand.

Hi, Danny, Bruce smiled.  My call is K9OSE.

My call is K90AG, Danny smiled back.  Nice meeting you.

This is my second year with the Club, Bruce added.  I am a sophomore.

I am a freshman, Danny responded.  I am glad that I found the Amateur Radio Club.

We do some interesting things, Bruce added.  Last year we went to a few Ham Fests and went on a Field Day.

They conversed for a while.  Bruce showed Danny the Club’s radio set-up they had in the room.

Danny noticed that it was getting late.  He went over and put his coat on.

Well, Danny smiled.  I will see you soon.  Nice meeting you, Bruce.  He exited the room.

Don’t forget to come back, Mr. Spring smiled.

Bruce and Mr. Spring waved to him as he went out the door.

Danny quickly left the school building and headed home.  Now he had Jeanie’s phone number and he was thinking of calling her.  When he got home, he picked up the telephone and dialed her number.

The phone on her