Berkeley High School - Olla Podrida Yearbook (Berkeley, CA)

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OLLA PODRIDA mate result is concerned. The only question in our minds is, will the students give their undivided support to the plan? The success of the plan depends entirely upon the support given to it. Not only is this true, but the nature of the system is such that it requires every student ' s support. Just as surely as a man becomes a supporter of the institutions and laws of the United States when he becomes of age, just so surely must every student in Berkeley High School become a supporter of the new system of student control when he enters school this spring. It has been said by some that the new system is a very cumbersome affair, and that in operation it will prove too intri- cate and complex. To many it would doubtless appear so, on only hearing the reading given at one of the student assem- blies of the latter part of last term, but upon closer study the adequacy and simplicity of the plan are its striking features. Finall} ' , let every student make the new plan of student control a success from every standpoint. Tho Olla Podrida joins with the entire school in welcoming the class of December, 1914. A full year has passed since a freshman class has entered school, and because of this fact you are all the more Avelcome. AVe have missed you, with your boyish pranks, your awk- ward ways, your green and innocent appearance, and at the same time we have missed your clean-spirited actions, your refreshing looks and your loyal support. In fact, it is a notice- able truth that since the inauguration of the new system of grading in the public schools the activities of the High School have gone steadily downward. This, to a large extent than most might believe, has been due to the absence of a freshman class. We have had less material on which to draw for the teams, we have lacked the necessary financial support, and above all, we have missed the moral support which comes from a freshman class. Fellow students of December. 1914, set a standard right 14

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OLLA PODRIDA In the last regular issue of the Olla Podrida an editorial was published in which the need of student control of school affairs was sadh ' deplored. Since that time a system of stu- dent control has been inaugurated which corresponds to a great extent in form and execution to the Federal Government of the United States. The crying need of Berkeley High School we believe has been supplied. In his remarks to the graduating class of December, 1910, the Hon. Beverly Hodghead made the statement that the only leason that the democratic spirit of our Union would never develop oligarchical tendencies, and finally end in a monarchy, was because we had founded our doctrine on the correct basis, h.nd this basis was the education of the masses. Berkeley High School is one of the institutions in which the masses are being educated, in which the genius of the .American government is supposedly being inculcated into the ' ery hearts and lives of the growing young men and women, the future citizens of the United tSates. AVithin the walls of rhe educational institutions of our land are supposed to dwell miniature democracies. The government pa3 ' s millions annu- ' lly to support institutions in which to educate its young to Lecome democratic citizens later in life. And yet too often it is the case that these institutions become the most monarchical establishments of our country. Often this condition is due to a despotic supervision of the school ' s affairs by the facult} ' . lore often it is due to the con- trol of affairs by a few students who by their popularity have placed themselves at the head of their fellows. Both of these cases have existed at times in Berkeley High, and too often has a deplorable condition of aft ' airs been reached, due to the limited voice of the students in the government of the school. A e believe now that a solution to the problem of student control in Berkeley High has been found. AA ' e believe that the system which the students have decided to put into eft ' ecr this term is the right one, as far as the working and the vdti- 13

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OLLA PODRIDA row for your high school career. Have an anil:)ition to be somebody and to do something. Have an ideal of some kind for which to strive. If your ambition is to be come an athletic hero, don ' t stop when the disappointments of the first year cast a black cloud over your ideal, but press on. strain every sinew, and do not be satisfied until your ambition is realized, until you are the crack half-miler of the State, until you are the football captain, or whatever position you covet. If, on the other hand, you covet political ambitions, strive for the best the school has to offer. A word of practical advice. Don ' t in your first year aim for the higher positions, but first prove your worth by fulfilling the duties of a minor office or by loyally supporting the activities of the school. The school is watching your actions, and if you perform the lesser duties well, your worth is surely going to be recognized, and in your later years they are going to entrust you with greater power in the government of the school. And finally, but indeed not the least, if your ambition is to gain scholastic honors, if your ambition is to occupy that much ridiculed and yet secretly coveted position of the ' ' dig, a name of honor, do not let the pleasanter, more showy side of high school life divert your attention from your ideal, but go on in spite of the trying tasks to perform, make your stan- dard a well done, perfectly finished lesson, and yours will be an inestimable reward. Ambition in itself is no sin. It is only when you have an ambition that does not look up that it becomes sinful. Set up a high standard, use every legitimate means to reach it, and you will be justified in the eyes of your faculty and fellow students. Class of 1914, we believe in you. AVe are glad to welcome vou. 15