Arts High School - Vignette Yearbook (Newark, NJ)

Page 11 text:

girls were in such a hurry getting their books that 1 thought I’d better be getting back to the auditorium, but I couldn’t resist the temptation to look around the comer. I took a hurried peek, and then looked again. Sure enough, the sign said guidance office. Now here was a big room! I thought, I’ll always be glad to be able to come here for help with my school problems—and I’m going to need guidance! Miss Hamilton smiles brightly as she begins her days work. saw a smaller room. Vice-PrincipaF the icord on the wall near the double doors said. I looked into the room. Seeing the desk piled high with schedules to be checked made me realize the big decisions that are made in this little room.” As I walked to the other end of the corridor thinking about this, 1 was shaken out of my thoughtful mood by the sound of feminine noises—silly giggles and high voices. You guessed it-the girls’ lockers! The There's always a traffic jam in the girls’ locker area. Mrs. Longlcy tells Tonia Harrison and Howard Shipley about the various methods of securing vocational information. The happy crowd exchange comments as they walk along the corridors between classes.

Page 10 text:

When I walked into the front entrance of Arts High . . . for the first time, I felt alone and uncomfortable. As I glanced around the lobby the beautiful marble steps seemed to be so big and towering, that 1 felt even more frightened—if that was possible. I turned around slowly, looking at the huge murals near the top of the walls. Boy, if only I could paint like that! Well, that's what I was here for. 1 gathered up my courage and began to follow some of the others into the auditorium when I saw the big display window. Greetings Freshmen! Those were the only words on the sign, but they were enough to make me feel a little more at ease. I walked into the auditorium feeling pretty good. Wow! 1 never saw such an attractive auditorium. The stage had a lot of music stands on it and I noticed the beautiful curtains. They still looked new! (After awhile, I found out that they were new.) There were so many chairs, I couldn't imagine their ever being all filled. At the moment not too many people were around so 1 decided to explore the building. As 1 walked down the corridor I spied a room with an open door. Mmm—Principal. That was Dr. Seamster. I’ll bet that’s the room where he wrote out the post card 1 received telling me that I was accepted to Arts High. I turned down the corridor wondering if 1 would ever get the opportunity to enter that office when Dr. Seamster carefully inspects one of the many papers on his desk. Our auditorium, where we gather together in the spirit of warmth and friendship, has been the scene of a variety of memorable programs.

Page 12 text:

Year of High Adventure. How did I feel that first morning? While J was at home getting dressed for my first day at Arts High, 1 thought I was a big wheel. Mom and Dad were looking at me with admiration and love. I thought I could conquer the world. When I arrived at school my heart beat faster and I felt lost in the midst of the hustle and bustle of school activities, a stranger in a new world! For a fleeting second I wished that I were back in grammar school tvith my old friends and teachers 1 had grown to respect and depend on. In ffassing a senior, while changing classes, I felt like a frisky pup that is shoved into a corner. The seniors were so grown up and dressed differently. They seemed burdened with the weight of the world. I don’t think I’ll ever get that serious. One upperclassman was quite nice and offered to sell me swimming pool tickets. After my happy bargaining with the sjniling fellow, a freshman approached me and said I was taken in, but good! He exclaimed, The closest you’ll ever get to water will be at the fountain.” How I found my homeroom is still a mystery to me, but it surely felt good to look around and see other faces that were willing to smile and be friendly. I wondered about that box with the voice coming out, and found it to be the public address system. It really made me feel grown up. When my future chums calmed down I heard, “The following report to the main office with books and pencils, Ludwig Da Vinci, Leonardo Beethoven, and Artie Adventurer.” Little had 1 realized that the little slip of paper I got for being late meant an hour after school. That was the first and last time for me! One of the Juniors showed me his A-Pin and Honor Society Pin. I thought he would be a stuffed shirt. But on the contrary, he gave me his two words of success, Be Yourself,” and he told me his sad experiences as a freshman. After listening to much advice, I decided to start paving the way to sophomore ship. I teas able to choose any subjects and join a variety of clubs. This was done carefully so that work and pleasure combined. The opening exercises for assembly were a pleasant surprise to me. Sot only was the conduct of the students good, but their attitude was truly patriotic and respectful. This was one more reason to be proud that Arts High was now my school. 8