Clay is discovered bound and gagged in the school stadium snack bar; police, medics, and students rush to free him while Cynthia watches in fear and relief. Despite severe bruising and numbness, Clay walks out and is taken to the hospital, leaving questions about his attackers unanswered.

The episode follows the tense rescue, the emotional fallout among classmates and teachers, and the lingering mystery of who tied him up, ending with hope and a call to keep watching.

Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer

Produced by Ryann Robinson

Ending Music: “Keep Going” by Ra @ Uppbeat.io

https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/keep-going

License code: NHIJ7KL2FN2Q84RY

Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/bring-the-energy

License code: DZY6URYZV6Z4X7RK

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When sophomore football player Clay Seton doesn’t return home after a Sunday practice, rumors spread, police coordinate a campus-wide search, and classmates recount where they last saw him.

The episode follows the tense search—from whispers in the library and cafeteria to a rescue—ending on a shocking discovery that leaves more questions than answers.

Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer

Produced by Ryann Robinson

Aerial Photograph was taken by Mike Moore in 1970

Ending Music: "Pulsar" by Sky Cassette @ Uppbeat.io

https://uppbeat.io/t/sky-cassette/pulsar

License code: IF3RST3BPVZ5STAL

Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/bring-the-energy

License code: DZY6URYZV6Z4X7RK

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Against a background of science, Cynthia navigates the fallout from a shocking Saturday night as friendships fracture and secrets surface

Cynthia meets Señora Cardova's husband when a reporter radios for help to file a story, and the school erupts when the Brighton Police launch a search.

Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer

Produced by Ryann Robinson

Ending Music: Moonlight Hall by Kevin Macleod https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/moonlight-hall License code: JFLICPHYSXGAOBZQ

Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/bring-the-energy

License code: DZY6URYZV6Z4X7RK

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In Episode 17, Cynthia navigates a chaotic school day at Brighton High: an economics quiz exposes Cynthia and her classmates as well-meaning but clueless children of privilege; Cynthia introduces straight-arrow junior, Charlie, to Katey; Cynthia employs her best truth-bending skills to avoid punishment from Vice Principal Eagleton; Betsey explodes when Cynthia suggests perhaps she's lost too much weight; and the ever- enchanting Senora Cardova is floored by Cynthia.

Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer

Produced by Ryann Robinson

Ending Music: "Happy Feels" by All Good Folks

https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/happy-feels

License code: GRNTI8X4ANCVCNEU

Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/bring-the-energy

License code: DZY6URYZV6Z4X7RK

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Evan brings Cynthia up to date on the wicked witch of Chicago; Cynthia tries to escape the consequences for skipping a class; Katey attracts a new admirer, attacks Cynthia for being too full of herself, and says Betsey Satterfield is a liar; Mimi wishes she has a boyfriend; Clarke is upset about the dramatic role Mr. Wolfgang Zollner has chosen for him; Jocko Trapazano tries to clean up his act; Clay Seton goes missing; and Betsey Satterfield calls Katey Langston a liar.

Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer

Produced by Ryann Robinson

Ending Music: "Light and Easy" by Christian Larssen" @ Uppbeat.io

Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io

The picture of Thelma Catherine "Pat" Ryan Nixon is from a September 12, 1971 ABC television special, "A Visit with the First Lady"

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A chaotic teenage night of romance, confusion, suspicion and passion at the Norwalk Drive-In finally ends but many uneasy questions continue.

Cynthia and Katey’s new friendship is tested and dropping Katey off at her house the next day reopens another Pandora’s box.

Written & Narrated by Laura Van Wormer

Produced by Ryann Robinson

Ending Music: "Lion's Roar" by Yeti Music @ Uppbeat.io

Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.io

Partial photograph is from a fashion shoot by Anthony Barboza for American Girl, October, 1971, p. 24-26

#Classof74podcast

In Episode 15 of "The Class of '74," tensions rise as Cynthia grapples with the aftermath of a traumatic encounter and the complexities of her relationships. As she navigates the challenges of teenage life, including the harshness of bullies and the weight of family secrets, Cynthia finds herself at the Whittakers' house, where unexpected emotional exchanges take place. Meanwhile, a tennis match provides a backdrop for discussions about ambition, money, and societal expectations, leading to profound realizations about her friendships and family dynamics.

With a blend of humor and heart, this episode delves into the intricacies of growing up, the struggles of fitting in, and the importance of support from those we care about. As Cynthia's world becomes increasingly complicated, one question looms large: why do people have to be so mean?

Written and Narrated by Laura Van Wormer

Produced by Ryann Robinson

Ending Music : "A Thousand Miles" by Patrick Rundblad @ uppbeat.oi

Bumper Music: "Bring the Energy" by Soundroll @ Uppbeat.oi

To finish building the machine of the podcast (so episodes can be reliably delivered for years to come) "The Class of '74" is on a brief hiatus. New episodes resume Friday, August 15th.