Austin High School - Maroon and White Yearbook (Chicago, IL)

Page 13 text:

OUR NEW lFlRllENlD Outstanding events in the life of Austin High this school year of 1939-1940 were the retirement of Mr. Wright from the principalship and the coming of Mr. Sommers. Hobart H. Sommers characteristically said to the Seniors at a recent assembly: When you see me in the corridors, you may think you are meeting a man, but in reality you see only a third of a man. He was referring to the fact that he is Principal of Austin High, Principal of Austin Evening High, and Dean ot the Austin Evening Junior College as well. But Seniors and all who have met him and have seen him in action since his coming in January land all have seen him buoyantly in action and have felt his influencel know that Mr. Sommers is at all times a full-statured, whole and whole-hearted man. Austin High welcomed him with enthusiasm in January, and now after five months of his inspiring leadership those who go and those who stay look forward to the future encouraged by his contagious good cheer, confidence, and high purpose. ml- '-' V

Page 12 text:

PRJINCJIPAJI HOBART H S O M M IE RE 5 1

Page 14 text:

E Q N f 1 I III , . :ix , sl . Vi 'f l -Fl HI, , mr ' 4 I 'I'his school year in December brought to a close the active career of Mr. Wilbur H. Wright, princi- pal of Austin High since 1923, a man whom Austinites of many years came to recognize as one of their best friends. A Under his able and kindly administration in trying years, years of huge growth, of moving, of depression. thousands of young people came and went, worthy graduates and better citizens due in no small measure to the wise influence of his guiding hand. For though he, himself, was not able personally to become acquainted with each student, he directed and guided those who in turn gave his teaching to us and in innumerable ways made his thoughtful spirit prevail. A capable leader, an intelligent teacher, a wise guide, and a man who understood youth in all its ex- uberance, he endeared himself to the thousands who received diplomas from his hand and well-wishes from his heart. Our grateful remembrance and heartfelt best wishes for Mr. Wright are part of the record of this year. His portrait, life-size, a reproduction of which appears on the opposite page, hangs in a place of honor in Rock- wood Hall. In his honor, too, our school library has been named Wilbur H. Wright Library.