Arts High School - Vignette Yearbook (Newark, NJ)

Page 8 text:

DS esas ayn N this, the tenth anniversary of the Arts High School, we, the classes of June ‘41, and January '42, dedi- cate this Vignette to our Principal, Mr. Harrison E. Webb. Through his excellent leadership and encourage- ment, the Arts High School has developed from an educa- tional experiment to a valued educational institution. In our memories we shall always think of Mr. Webb as a fine prin- cipal, a helpful adviser and a kind friend.

Page 10 text:

DIX ANS APRES In September, 1930, Arts High School was organized as the High School Department of the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art. Its purpose was frankly experimental. Provision was made promptly for meeting the state requirements for the High School Diploma, and the academic subjects were brought into line with the college entrance stand- ards. At the same time ample opportunity was afforded for a four year sequence in Fine and Applied Art, a four year sequence in Music, and a two year sequence in Drama. Detail of the courses of study remained to be worked out. Now a decade has elapsed, and we may look back over the interval as one of continuous, almost meticulous study of the possibilities of such a program. At once it was taken for granted that the Arts, Music, and the Drama were to be regarded as major pursuits, comparable in importance to Latin, Mathematics, and the Sciences in academic high schools. Experi- ence led the way to numerous changes in detail, but the steady growth of the school seems to have demonstrated fully the wisdom of the basic idea. The number of students pursuing the Fine Arts Curriculum has increased from about 100 at the beginning to nearly 1,000 during the past year. During most of its history the school has accommodated a number of students from other curricula. Throughout this period, students of the school have won over 300 prizes in Art competitions—local, state, and na- tional—and numerous scholarships in Art and Music in higher institutions. The school has also, we believe, made some contribution to the philosophy of education. In line with present trends, it offers wider oppor- tunity for creative effort than is possible within curricular limits generally acceptable. It appears also that the deliberate cultivation of the full appreciation of the importance of art values to the business of daily living makes for mental balance and serenity of outlook for future careers. In the present period of uncertainty and confusion in world affairs, the utmost gratification arises from the consciousness of definite con- structive achievement, even in a limited field. In high school we are train- ing for post-war situations, wherein the utmost of mental poise and clarity of vision will be invaluable. To the requirements of this situation Arts High School is dedicated. HARRISON E. WEBB, Principal