Chalkboards? Typewriters? Mimeographs?

Just as students at Morton West in 1980 and 1981 might marvel at the cellphones, Promethean boards, and AI of today, current students are shocked at the way life was for students of the MTV generation. In Morton Flashback, The Sterling gives you a snapshot from the 1980-1981 archives of The Falcon, the former news publication of Morton West.

In this issue from October 27-31, 1980…

Model United Nations Represents Countries
By Jan Boatman

Ever wonder what it’s like to step into the shoes of a world leader? In 1980, Morton students were already doing just that through Model United Nations (MUN).

The Model United Nations (MUN) club at Morton gave students a chance to experience what it’s like to represent a country in world debates. Members researched different nations, role-played as delegates, and attended an annual conference in Lake Geneva, where Morton competed with other schools.

Advisors Mr. R. Skoda and Ms. J. Grevice said the club met weekly in Room B-204, with preparations increasing after Christmas. Students paid $3 in dues and sold candy to help cover the $50 trip cost.

Last year, Morton’s MUN team won an award at Lake Geneva, and members hoped to do even better this time. “It helps you understand a lot about other nations’ governments,” said Eileen McCormack (’83).

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‘Ordinary People’ Extraordinary
By Ray Neapolitan

Student reviewer Ray Neapolitan wrote about Robert Redford’s new film, Ordinary People, calling it one of the best movies about the changing American family.

The story follows the Jarrett family, whose oldest son dies in a boating accident. The surviving son, Conrad, struggles with guilt and depression, while his parents face their own emotional distance.

Neapolitan praised Redford’s directing debut and strong performances by Mary Tyler Moore, Donald Sutherland, and Timothy Hutton, noting that the film was “intelligent yet touching.”