Berlin High School - Lamp Yearbook (Berlin, CT)

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SALUTATORY Mr. Superintendent, Mr. Chairman, Members of the Board of Edu- cation, Members of the Berlin High School Faculty, Parents, Friends, and Classmates: We, as representatives of the 1941 graduating class, feel it our privilege and honor to welcome you who have assisted us in our educational endeavor throughout our high school years. Why is it that the graduating class of 1941 has had more rapid success in gaining a position in life than any other class leaving Berlin High? This is primarily due to the world crisis which has developed out of Europe, also to the National Defense program which is the outgrowth of the militaristic hysteria abroad. However, it seems that Berlin in particular has lost a great num- ber of its students to this cause — why is it that this is so? We feel that this is because of the aggressiveness coupled with ability and the training of that ability which has been so capably directed by our faculty and which has been so graciously backed by our parents and friends. We certainly will be ever grateful for the willing assistance granted us in our enterprise and studies. And we feel that without it we would not have accomplished what little we have so well. Now that we have climaxed the first period of our lives we feel both proud and happy. It is now the second and more important period toward which we look with awe and apprehension. The question that is uppermost in each of our minds is that of what the future holds for us. None of us know exactly what we shall be doing a few years hence; those mystical doors are now closed to us but will soon be opened and our opportunities revealed. Should the future be as fruitful as the past we can be compara- tively certain of a large degree of success. Again we extend our welcome — and many thanks to the Board of Education, the school officials, and our parents and friends. Donald O ' Brien Robert Edgerly

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VALEDICTORY Mr. Superintendent, Mr. Chairman, Members of the Board of Edu- cation, Members of the Berlin High Faculty, Parents, Friends, and Classmates: Edison, after months of constant work on the electric light, came to the belief that he was on the right track. After making hundreds of tests and after years of research, he finally developed the incan- descent bulb. It is said that the future is limited by oneself. Are we, as in- dividual members of the Class of ’41, able to concentrate on our future and attain our goal? For some of us, this day will be followed by the beginning of college. To others of us it is a beginning of a new life wherein we will gain our first knowledge of the business of earning a living. But regardless of whether we step forth into business, into college, or into homemaking this day marks the birth of new ideas; new interests; new associations and new experiences. Life is full of challenges. We must be able to meet each one. Throughout our school day, our life has been carefully guarded at home and at school. Now we are to be thrown upon our own re- sources for the first time. Now that we have completed our high school education, the initial step in laying the cornerstone for our future being, we shall have to strive just as Edison did when he achieved his ideal — namely, to go forth with an aim in life. Be a creator. Be a person that builds instead of one who destroys. Always be a person with character; the person who tackles every job with enthusiasm, determination, perserverance, and zeal; the person who respects the other fellow and gains by other’s experi- ences. We, the Class of ’41, pledge ourselves with all sincerity to put forth the determined effort necessary to achieve our ideals of the future. Barbara Ida Smith

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CLASS OF 1942 OFFICERS President Robert Werdelin Vice-President Dora Willett Secretary Dawn Scott Treasurer Harold Corr Class Colors SCARLET AND WHITE Faculty Adviser Mary Elizabeth Fowler JjL