Elk County Catholic High School - Memories Yearbook (St Marys, PA)

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7fze Memo - 1945 SCABLET AND GOLD CARLET and gold are colors which are sacred to every American. Red signifies blood, patriotism, courage and love. One need not reflect long to realize that great por- tions of the earth are at present bathed in blood and, as the martyrs of the early Church triumphantly shed their blood for their faith so also brave young men and women of all nations are today courageously shedding their blood for their countries, that men may learn to love each other and promote trust and peace everywhere. Fittingly has our class chosen red and gold as its colors for many of us will before long be called to enter the great conflict. Courage will not be wanting to us for we have been tried by daily difficulties in school life to overcome obstacles and courageously face the future. Men clear the way for a man of courage, they revere him, and step aside to let him lead them to brave deeds. Have they not already stood aside to let our American boys lead them? We shall bravely join them and bear our share of the burden of a free life. There is a treasury of gold in life for each of us. As the beautiful scarlet sunrise or sunset is mingled with gold so also in our lives we find gold not only in the beautiful flowers of the field or in the autumn leaves or the shining vessels of the altar, but we shall ever try to be as good as gold, as true as gold, and as pure as gold. We find the costly robes of a Cardinal at religious ceremonies and the rich scarlet vestments worn at mass on Pentecost and on the feastdays of martyrs are symbols of love. The Holy Ghost descended upon the twelve apostles in the form of tongues of fireg this, too, has its beauties and were it removed would be missed only too soon because it sym- bolizes warmth, love, and charity, without which our world would, indeed, be cold. We hope that the time will speedily arrive when the scarlet representing the blood of heroes will have changed to a perfect gold and the fire of love and charity will accompany each one of us in life. Corrinne Decker. 1,1 OUR MOTTO Today We Launch. Where Shall We Anchor? T is with reluctance that we, the class of l945, launch forth to burst the chords which have anchored us to our school for the past twelve years. As a small sailing vessel sets out on the broad ocean, with sails afloat, and, urged on by wind and storm, some- times arriving at safe port, reaches its haven only after overcoming great obstacles, so, we depart from our anchorage. For twelve years we have been safely stowed away beneath the care of parents, priests and teachers, but today we set out with wings of hope for future success, with confidence in God, well-formed principles of Catholic education, activities of power, responsibility to duty and love of fellow-man. Having dispossessed ourselves of all chattels of unrest, lack of courage and irresponsibility, we move ahead with light hearts, with the fuel of faith, hope and charity. Those of us who have profited most by the advice of our elders, built up a bulwark of strength by study, and have formed good habits, are well prepared to launch out into the deep and in spite of obstacles will reach our goal. We cannot go forth as an armada but must each set out to row his own boat. We will be our own captains. Most of the boys and many of the girls will before long have gone into the service of their country. They can no longer depend upon any ot their class- mates tor suggestions or helpful hints. A small sailing vessel, quite unknowingly launches out presumably unconscious of any danger, sometimes reaching the harbor in safety, but frequently sailing about, being buffeted about for a time or again disappearing temporalily beneath the waves, after a short time appearing again to make a stronger attempt. Rarely does it disappear corn- pletely from view. While sailing on the sea of life, we will undergo hardships of all kinds which we must do our best to overcome. Anchoring at the ports of Faith, Hope and Charity, we will refuel and these supplies should make us seaworthy until the end of our long voyage. Teresa Schaut. 42

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'7fze Memo-1945 EDITORIAL E are indeed fortunate that we are living in St. Marys with all its opportunities for work and recreation. Seldom is there any scarcity of employment with pay suffi- cient to take care of a family. Some have acquired wealth, others have been enabled to build themselves comfortable homes, none need go hungry. Considering these facts would it not be wise to think of some projects by which our town could show progress in providing up-to-date community centers, larger parks and recreation grounds and other improvements? One need not look very far to see what could be done, and really should be done, and that soon. Before long we hope to see our soldier boys return by the hun- dreds and what will we have to offer them for all they have endured for us? A large town hall or community building where everybody is welcome would surely be an asset. This could house recreation rooms, refreshment stands, a small library with choice reading mat- ter, and above all a spacious hall that would give accommodation to large numbers for public gatherings. Elk Creek, we are told, was once the joy of the town. Its clear, limpid waters were enjoyed by ally even the fish took to them and were happy. Perhaps it is too much to think of restoring this. Yet something-should and could be done here. Street markers, too, should come into the picture, more and better lights on all streets radiating from the center of town. All of us should have a deep interest in our home town. We owe it to those returning from overseas, to the future generations, as well as to ourselves. Besides, while we are adding to its beauty, unfinished projects would give employment to those coming home after the war until the crisis of readjustrnent is over. Earl C. Hauber. CHARITY F you give a cup of cold water in my name it shall not go unrewarded, is a lesson and a promise given by Christ Himself while here upon earth. This shows how greatly God loves charity. No matter how great your Faith in the Almighty, if you lack charity it will profit you nothing. We may feel, when asked to give in charity, More money to kiss good- bye, and it costs more than a slight effort to reach into your pocket and toss two bits for some charitable project, especially if it's the last you have until comes next payday. By that time, however, you will have forgotten all about ity or if, perchance, you do think of it, the thought makes you feel good inside. Soon you'll ask yourself how you would feel had you refused to give, or how, had you given double? Charity pays! Charles Fleming. , A CALL TO THE COLORS ITTLE did we who are about to graduate think while attending grade school, or even when entering high school that ere long we would be called upon to fight for our country. One by one, as class after class graduated, we saw our schoolmates depart for foreign lands. In some instances those leaving were our own brothers or near relatives. VVe dreaded to see them go because of the uncertainty of their return. Yet withal, we braced ourselves for the day not far off when we too would follow their lead. Some of our class have already enlisted, others are about to do so and still others will soon be called. One has gone, his graduation postponed indefinitely. Two will be in the Air Corps ere long, others are seeking the Navy. You may think that it would be more patriotic to let Uncle Sam choose where he wishes to have us. We do not think so. Anyone can realize that if employed in work to your liking, work is better done, whereas, forced to do what does not appeal partakes of slave labor and precludes your best endeavor. A few of our class are preparing to take the Eddy Aptitude Test and hope to qualify for radio training, We think it is but right that all wish our boys success in the field of their choice, whatever it may be. May God grant that ere long they can return, seeing the world at peacel Regis Hacherl. 43