Bill Derr is one of the outstanding pupils in our high school. Upon interviewing him, I learned that all four years he went to the basketball games and yelled for the home team. During the track season he sometimes “helped” the track boys to the field.

Joseph William (Willy) Derr, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Derr, was born in St. Joseph, MO, on June 24, 1947. Before coming to the Mound City School System in the sixth grade, he attended Benton Rural School.  Willy held the office of class president his sophomore year and was vice-president of the FFA during his senior year and achieved a #1 rating at state in field crops and livestock judging. He was also FFA secretary his junior year.  Football, too, has held is interest. He has been on a team all four years.

After having served three years on the student council,
Bill was elected to the highest office in the Mound City School, that of Student Body President. All of these contributed to his getting a school letter.

He has won many academic awards. Among them are the Curators award, the outstanding agriculture and history student awards and the sophomore pilgrimage trip to Jefferson City.

Bill plans to attend the University of Missouri when he graduates.  M.U. is very lucky to be receiving such an accomplished student He has won many friends through his unique personality and willingness to work. The student council has also benefited from him because of his ability to keep a group organized and coordinated. Mound City will be losing a good leader but the world will be gaining one.—PH..