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

Page 10 text:

To Honor A Hero January 27, 1967. A day dawned only to set in tragedy. That afternoon the heart of the Apollo Space Program was pierced as an accidental fire swept the capsule of the Apollo I spacecraft and killed three promising young pioneers aiming to venture a step farther toward the moon. Lieutenant Commander Roger Chaffee, a gradu- ate of Central ' s class of ' 53, was the communications ex- pert in that ill-fated capsule. Roger was an extraordinary man in many respects; in his courage, his patriotism, and philosophy of life. As a young man in his home of Grand Rapids, he at- tended Central where he was an active participant in the school band and on the football team. As a Boy Scout, he rose to a distinguished rank. He was well liked by his classmates and strove hard to excel in his studies — especially the sciences. It was this field that he pur- sued once in college and later in the Naval Service. As a pilot he dreamed of the day when he might join the quest to conquer outerspace. His dream came true in 1964, when he was selected as one of a new group of astronauts destined for orbital flights that would one day land on the moon. That year Central invited its distinguished alumnus to speak be- fore a school-wide assembly. Three years later Central again presented a program in Roger Chaffee ' s honor — this time it took the form of a memorial tribute to a fallen hero. While people mourned the untimely deaths of three astronauts. Central paid respect to a former student. Principal Roniani, who taught him as a seventh grader and coached him on the football field, revealed the mature philosophy of this young man through an essay he wrote at the age of fourteen. It brought out the reasons Roger Chaffee became the fine individual he was. Drums rolled and saddened eyes filled with tears as Mr. Romani concluded, Aye, dear friend, Roger, you set your sights high ... as high as the moon. Yes, the goals were great and the danger ever-pres- ent; yet your courage and patriotism led the way. Be- cause your spirit stands as a pillar of human strength and dedication, the yearbook staff consecrates the 1967 HELIOS to you. Lieutenant Commander Roger Bruce Chaffee — a personage among people.

Page 9 text:

Contents Faculty 18 Seniors 44 Underclassmen .... 72 School Life 114 Organizations 144 Sports 180 ' :i3K:-» Jt ' w.. .SSBt

Page 11 text:

People.,. each forming individual images in the quest for greatness. Education provides the beginning. and the desire of a blossoming generation searches for the mysteries of Life. Unsatisfied with the knowledge at hand. People eagerly strain onward with an unquenchable desire ; the desire to know the mysteries of Mankind. People . . . diverse in personality from the inexperienced seventh grader to the sophisticated senior to the guiding faculty. Reflecting the multi-faceted face of Central. People appear as paragons of tolerance, temperance, and perception; whispering contemplators in the midst of jubilant fellowship. People . . . feeling the tensions rise as tribulations are met head on; and in the end. laughter muffles the tears and People once again rededicate themselves to a myriad of goals. People . . . an image of Central and the theme of the 1967 HELIOS.