the war effort by participating in organizations such as the Girl Reserves to knit mittens and socks for the soldiers. Because of war conditions, several interscholastic sports were cancelled. After the war, school life got back to normal, with music and dancing in the cafeteria during lunchtime for those who stayed. Dancing was an important part of school social life in the 1940s, with Student Council holding weekly dances in addition to the Prom and May Dance, which were held in the gymnasium. The curriculum expanded to include classes such as Shorthand, Wood Shop, Art, Physical Education, Spanish and Penmanship. Student clubs of the 1940s included the 8x Owls and Miracle Book Club. Sports grew to include Boys Golf. 1950s As Bethel moved into the 1950s, the high school began to grow. A new gymnasium with a divider enabled boys and girls gym classes to be held simultaneously. The addition of bleachers meant that students could attend sporting events and cheer for their teams from the stands. Student organizations included the Canteen Committee, Sub Deb Club, Technician's Club, Radio Club, Forensics League and the Future Teachers of America. Rifle was added as a sport. One of Bethel's great traditions was born in the 1950s—the Powder Puff Football Game, that pits senior girls against their junior counterparts for a friendly game of flag football. This event, now more than 50 years old, “kicks off” the annual Homecoming Week festivities. In the 1950s T.M. Buck, Bethel High School's Supervising Principal and the first Superintendent of the school district, wrote this in the Bethlan student handbook: “High school provides the place and opportunity, but only your desire and will to work can make these good things result in qualities of scholarship, leadership and character for the individual; and only these will result in the kind of school we want. Good citizenship is the first step, and every one of you can take it. If each teacher and pupil ‘gives’ to the school, there will be plenty for all to ‘take.’” 1960s As Bethel rocked and rolled into the 1960s, the average student changed considerably. Events such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the onset of the Vietnam War prompted students to break away from conformity. However, while fashion and attitude were changing dramatically, school spirit remained. School clubs that were formed in the 1960s included Future Nurses of America, Leathercraft