In this new section of Knight Crier, we take a look back at old school North Penn High School yearbooks from ages ago, trying to spot any pictures or phrases that catch our eye. Whether it be a picture of a Homecoming parade or a caption about a new piece of technology known as an “adding machine,” we will find it and give you the full story.

This week’s throwback comes from 45 years ago when NPHS was in a different location than it is today. Back in 1970, the high school used to be where Penndale Middle School now stands. When the school was not able to accommodate its growing student population, it upgraded to the new building it is today.

The picture we picked is one of the senior superlatives. Winners of most dramatic, Sue Marchese and Dave Light, pose together: Sue holding a gun pointed towards Dave while he holds a pocket knife. At first glance, the picture looks alarming. Why would Sue be aiming a gun to her friend Dave, let alone be allowed to even pose with it? And the same goes for Dave: are you really that “dramatic” as to whip out a pocket knife on your friend?

However, after thinking about it, this picture wasn’t all that alarming back then. English teacher Mr. Kyle Berger provides some insight on this striking photo. “I think back then, we didn’t have school shootings, so posing with a gun wasn’t that big of a deal.” He makes a good point. 45 years ago, school shootings and violence in schools were not as much of a problem as they are today. According to data, there have been a total of 137 school shootings that killed 297 victims since 1980. Elementary schools suffered from the fewest shootings with 17, while high schools suffered from the most with 62.

With this thought in mind, it is easier to look at the picture and see how school officials allowed this to be put into the yearbook. Back then, it seems as though the rules in school weren’t nearly as strict as they are today. But of course, the rules put in place today were made for a reason, and they keep us safe. Senior Lexie Doran also agrees with this statement. “I think it’s weird to see that in a school yearbook, because now I would get into huge trouble for just having Advil in my bag.” A little sarcastic, yes, but she gets the point across. Schools in general take things more seriously now, and with good reason.

In a nutshell, what one can take from looking at this picture is how different times were then compared to now. School shootings were nearly nonexistent, and violence was kept to a minimum. As our nation has progressed, these problems have become more and more evident, which is why the rules regarding what you can and can’t take a picture with are enforced so much more.