Central High School - Helios Yearbook (Grand Rapids, MI)

Page 14 text:

CENTRAL IN WARTIME Central High School in 1945 is carrying on the traditions oi a hundred years of loyalty. Our school has Weathered four Wars. The first class was graduated during the War between the States. The members oi the eighty-third class will receive their diplomas in Iune, 1945, at which time, these United States will have been at war for three and a half years in the most devastating struggle since the dawn of civilization. The men and women ot Central have never taltered. Thousands of them have gone out to defend the principles that Americans hold dearg many have not returned. In spite oi personal Worries, heartaches, and heartbreaks, we must never forget this love and loyalty. We must carry on with the same spirit that has made Central great. Principal.

Page 13 text:

J frkooacfrio This year Central has faced a War-torn World. We have carried on with our seemingly small tasks. While our brothers, fathers, friends, and even our classmates have served in the armed forces, We have upheld the things for which they are fighting. Some of our courses of study were accelerated so that graduation would be possible before the draft. Some of us had part-time Work outside of school. Several teachers enrolled in Uncle Sams forces, and as a result many teachers have carried an overload. This year at Central has not been tranquil. We have felt the loss of our classmates and teachers very greatly. Yet traditions have not been for- gotten, and we have overcome many difficulties. We have served.

Page 15 text:

FAQQLTX? 4 They also serve surely can be said of the teachers of Central High School in these busy and trying war days. We did not all stand and waitf' for some of us enlisted in the armed services. Most of us saw Lieutenant Irwin and Lieutenant Waters when they visited us in February, and admired the uniforms that they honor and that, through their service. honor Central. A number of our teachers-both men and women -had war defense jobs last summer. i A number of Central's faculty are doing volunteer war work of various kinds. out- side of school hours. Two teachers go with a Red Cross group once a week to Percy Iones Hospital in Battle Creek to instruct convalescent soldiers in hand craft. Another serves as volunteer clerk several hours a week at the YMCA, where help also is needed. Many more have been active in Red Cross work-making surgical dress- ings and knitting. We are busy people. We are fewer in number. and so our work is heavier. Classes are larger: there are more extra-class tasks lor all-tasks that are extra in more ways than one: study halls -those joyous study halls are larger - much larger. Oh, indeed we are busy people! We are glad to do our extra share - unglamorous and ordinary and unexciting as it is -for Central's life and Central's girls and boys are our life and our responsibility. . Yes, the teachers of Central High also serve. i W Adminiltratxon Page ll