education at wheelus.

The children who lived off base were ferried to school by buses driven by young men from the base motor pool, who would collect them from various locations in Tripoli and return them at the end of day².

A lesson in Arabic was compulsory for all high school students, and trips into Tripoli to visit other schools, museums, concerts and historical architectural monuments were encouraged. Cultural exchange visits with the local Italian and Libyan schools were commonplace and thought to enhance cultural knowledge³.

The school had numerous clubs, for both junior and senior students, including Drama, Chess, Chorus, Square Dancing, Photography, Science, Debate, Politics, International Relations and a Junior Red Cross, to name but a few. There were also Student Councils, whose aim it was to improve relationships between staff and students.

For those outstanding in academics, leadership and commitment to community projects, there was the prestigious National Honors Society, whose officers were chosen by staff, after the completion of a written nomination form and the delivery of a campaign speech to their peers.

Team and individual sporting activities were highly encouraged for both boys and girls.During the 50’s the school had its own basketball and touch football teams, both known as The Uaddans, whilst tackle football had two teams, The Falcons and The Hornets. The teams were supported by their cheerleaders, who were known as The Wheelus High Steppers, they provided encouragement for the teams, and a touch of glamour to the games. In later years, there were also teams for the girls, these included The Piranhas and The Wildcats.

In 1961, the High School band was invited to play the Libyan national anthem at the opening of the Italian Opera and Ballet Company, in Sabratha.

May 1962, saw the Wheelus High Drama Club, play to an audience of nearly 3000 at the ancient Roman theatre of Sabratha. The play was Shakespeares ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream’ and was watched by both Libyan and American citizens.The production was met with rapturous applause by the audience, who had sat for nearly two hours, under the hot Libyan sun⁴.

Wheelus High School closed in 1970, having served the children of the U.S Air Force and others for twenty years. There appears to be many happy memories from both pupils and teachers, some of which we have added below.

In 1970 the final yearbook was produced and an ancient Sanskrit poem was included, it was translated as follows:

"Look at this day, for it is life. The very life of life

In its brief course, all the varieties and realities of existence, The bliss of growth, the splendour of beauty, the glory of action.

For yesterday is only a dream. And tomorrow is only a vision.

But today, well lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness And every tomorrow a vision of hope.

Look well therefore, to the sky! Such is the salutation of the dawn"