This week in history, local students in the Luverne area are highlighted through summer programs and talent shows on the pages of the May 8, 1963 issue of The Luverne Journal. Alongside the names of talent show winners was coverage of a ladies Bible study held in the heart of Luverne.

Local talent show draws large crowd

The Luverne Talent Show held Friday night in 1963 displayed talent in three different divisions. Judged by three out-of-state judges, participants performed solos, dances and piano performances. 

Ticket sales from the event, totaling $348.50, went toward improving the school.

Elementary Division winners were:

* First Place: Janie Lee Jackson, Jeannie Norman, Linda McSwean and Cheryl Moore – performing a dance to “A Favorite Medley;”

* Second Place: Sandra Rasberry performing an “A, You’re Adorable” solo; and

* Third Place: Charlotte Bell – a reading of “Betty at the Baseball Game.”

Junior Division winners were: 

* First Place: Mary Morgan performing a “Summertime” solo;

* Second Place: Kay Granger and Carolyn King performing a dance routine “The Bossa Nova;” and

* Third Place: Cathy and Dale Summerlin – performing a piano duo, “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” 

Senior Division winners were: 

* First Place: Mike Miller performing “Blue Moon” and “September Song” solos;

* Second Place: Annette Schofield – performing “Love is a Many Splendored Thing;” and

* Third Place: Marsha Martin, Go-Go Watson, Kenneth Odum, Linda Vines, Bill Golden and Pat Walker performing a combo medley of “All Shook Up” and “When the Saints Go Marching In.” 

Local student to participate in science program

Local student Margaret Till was selected as one of 25 participants of the National Science Foundation Summer Program for summer 1963.

This program, in the plant and animal sciences at Livingston State College, had over 250 applicants in many states across the United States. Expenses are paid by the National Science Foundation. 

Margaret was a member of the National Honor Society, Creative Writing Club, 4-H Club and FHA. 

Church women to study special needs

In this week in history, the Woman’s Society of Christian Service of the Luverne Methodist Church organized a study that examines church-sponsored services for people of special needs and examines the role of the church in social services. 

The program, “The Church’s Mission and Persons of Special Needs” is based on the book “Who Cares?,” a novel that provides a how-to for service to persons with different handicaps.