Columbia High School - Mirror Yearbook (Maplewood, NJ)

Page 10 text:

SENIOR HOMEROOM TEACHERS Left to right: Standing—Mr. Iosso, Mr. Fiske, Mr. Haley, Mr. Genzer, Mr. Gill, Mr. Grosso, Mr. Meddaugh, Mr. Hatton, Mr. Hickman, Mr. Gnagey, Mr. Stark, Mr. Spear. Seated—Miss Jones, Miss Goodman, Mr. DeMarco, Mrs. McCarroll, Mrs. Conover, Mrs. Paul. Missing from picture: Mr. Mendelson. 8 SENIOR CLASS COUNSELLORS AND OFFICERS Seated—Mrs. Rita Mears, Betty West, Thomas Fleming. Standing—Ron Wiss, Stuart Benjamin.

Page 12 text:

l ladd 1958- 59 If you miss period 1, 2, 3, or 4, then go to early lunch and if you miss 5, 6, or 7, then go to late lunch ...” greeted our ears that first day in September when they were trying to explain to us those phenomena of Columbia High School, the rotating period schedule and the split lunch. For several days, as sophomores uninitiated to the life of C.H.S. and the horrors of the halls, we had great difficulty finding the correct corridor and classroom, in spite of the help of many seniors—eager to send us off to the boiler room. Just when we were becoming oriented, the new addition was completed; and we were again confused. We were impressed by the American Academy of Dramatic Arts presentation of The Crucible; warmed by the visits of Pham Thi Ngoc of Vietnam and Nadia Domian of Lebanon; and fascinated by the talk given by Nobel Prize winner Pearl Buck. As our sophomore year drew to a close, we were firmly convinced that this had been not only our busiest but also our toughest year. We were sure that we would never again work so hard—little did we know! 1959- 60 This was the year of examinations, elections, and new experiences. On October 24, we gained the acquaintance of the College Entrance Examination Board via the PSAT’s, a foreboding of yet untold horrors. The School Council initiated the Senior Opportunities for Service project, which was to become an important part of our senior year’s activities. This program, in which there was heavy participation, extended to all welfare agencies in the locality. The face and smile of Pedro Ephraim, visitor from Argentina, became familiar in the halls and classrooms during his three-week stay. The weekend of March 18 and 19 was a busy one for our junior class. On March 18 we trooped off to Gainings for our junior breakfast. (I don’t think we’ve ever recovered.) After that boisterous session, a caravan of cars (for by that time drivers’ licenses were not unusual) made its way through the towns of Maplewood and South Orange. On the bill for that evening was our hit production of Carousel.” The next day there were Merits for those more bold, and also the second presentation of the class play. During March, Langston Hughes, a prominent poet, and Willy Ley, an authority on space and rockets, were featured in our assembly programs. Then in late spring, came the furor of electing school, class, and yearbook officers. All was leading to our final and most important year at C.H.S. 1960- 61 Ever feel as if you were stretched in a million directions at once? This was how our senior year began in September 1961. The college catalogs were diligently scoured, and the applications were filed—all so that THE letter of acceptance to a certain college might be received. On November 18 and 19, we presented the dynamic and moving Diary of Anne Frank.” In November, our interests were directed toward the presidential campaign, the results of which would greatly determine our future. On the heels of the election came the end of our football season, attended by a sensational 41-0 victory. We were also pleased to learn that our cross country team had captured the state cross country championship. The strains and tensions of mid-year examinations were increased by eliminating them! Forty-five minute classes were used for three hour tests. We learned with regret that not only was this our last year at Columbia but Miss Henderson’s as well. Miss Henderson had been for many years Dean of Girls and Director of Extra- Curricular Activities and in these capacities had always had for us words of guidance and understanding. This was also Mr. Gnagey’s last year at Columbia as a teacher of English. We shall always be grateful for his genuine support as Business Advisor of the Mirror and fortunate to have him continue at Columbia as Director of the Adult School. These have been three busy and wonderful years at Columbia; we are leaving its hallowed halls; but we shall always remember our teachers who strove to awaken our sensitivities to life and prepare us for its challenge. The many experiences we have shared as a class, the many friendships we have made and strengthened—these will never be forgotten. v 10