Coopersville High School - Zenith Yearbook (Coopersville, MI)

Page 21 text:

SALUTATORY Classmates, members of the faculty, parents, and friends. We wonder if you can realize just how proud we are to bid you welcome to our graduation True, we are few in number, but small beginnings often have foreshadowed tremendously, important things to come Tonight all over our country proud parents are gathered in assemblies, similar to this, witnessing the graduation of sons and daughters. Throughout this nation high school young people bid farewell to high school days. For some, this may be a final farewell to friends, home towns, churches, and relatives In these times of strife and turmoil, high school graduations are no longer a mere stepping stone to the field of one’s choice. However, I am sure I speak for the entire class in saying that we are going forth with sincere intentions of assuming our full responsibilities as citizens of this great republic. We wish to thank you, teachers, parents and friends, for your helpful guidance and undying interest in preparing us for the accomplishment of our goal. We ask you then, dear friends, to rejoice with us on receiving our rewards As the program of the hour proceeds, we hope that you may feel that we are earnest in assuring you of our joy at having you present, and that I am sincere in telling ou, in the name of the class of “44” how truly glad we are that you are here —EDNA JEAN SCOTT.

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VALEDICTORY Friends— It is with sad hearts that we Seniors take our leave. We wish, in this final gesture, to express our deepest appreciation to all of you who have made this moment possible. We want to thank you for the fine interest and support which you have always displayed in our High School life. At this time we desire to express our gratitude to our teachers for their aid which has been pa- tiently given. We realize that we would never have been able to be here tonight without their guidance. To our parents, especially, we express our appreciation in being given a chance to gain an education at Coopersville High School. I know each of us feels a tinge of regret in taking our departure—yet we find pleasure in our accomplishment—in the realization that we have done our work conscientiously and that we are now ready to take another step. What the individual steps may be are only hazy visions in most instances because of the stress of today. The members of the class of ’44 take their place with an enthusiasm and a will. Just for the privilege of being Americans we should find this easy to do. We remember that we have liberties unknown to most other nations of the world. Other races look upon us as an ideal. We must justify their thoughts. We appreciate that we may speak frankly our opinions, and not have the fear that we may be severely punished for it. Every time we assemble to worship, we realize that even as we have chosen our own religious road, other millions of our countrymen may also make their own choice. We help to run the government, for those who have charge are our direct representatives. Unless it is our wish, laws to rule this land can not foe passed. Soon each of us will have a re- sponsibility—this will be to vote. Not merely to vote, but to vote with intelligence and for the good of the people as a whole, will be our ambition. Let us to a greater extent take advantage of the educational facilities offered us. This is a progressive age To be in step with the times we must be educated to the science and works of our day. Maybe we, the members of our class, shall have our chance at a part in this war. Whatever the future brings we are looking forward to the time when normal life returns. Classmates— We have reached our day—commencement! We have looked forward to it these past four short years Now that it is here, we realize that this is probably our last gathering as a class. For perhaps the last time we are all together—yet we are not all together for we think of those who are in the service fighting to preserve our freedom. Our sincerest hopes are that they may come safely back to us soon. We remember our school life as happy and inspiring. Our parents have been our greatest aid and encouragement. Our teachers, too, have helped us to learn and to understand life’s prob- lems. Tomorrow we shall be on our own—to meet life’s problems face to face. Our motto sums up our future We are “Launched but not anchored.” —DONNA BATSON.

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First Row: V. Albrecht. M. llawn. A. Johnson. N. Bennink. I). Rosei. L. Taylor. P. Garzelloni. J. Swanlund. M. Wclford. L. Stanton. R. Fynewcver. Second Row: Mr. Patterson. B. Parker. D. Carlson. D. Gillhespy, F. Carlson. L. Wiltenburg. D. Smith. R. Bouwer, L. Parker. E. Meyer. M. Ruppert. G. Anderson, Mrs. Scott. Third Row: V. Radford. D. Ritz, B. Lcitz. P. Ahrens. B. Clark. D. Gavin. L. Waldron. B. Jablonski. N. Hodson. G. Wolbrink. A. Krueger, D. Kelly. M. Buway. Fourth Row: B. Sessions, L. Snyder. F. Scott, D. Garthwaite. E. Miller, B. I.anglois. D. Gordon. J. Meerman. C. Carson, M. Rhodes, L. Anderson, J. Husted. Fifth Row: J. Hut liven. T. Sheridan. B. Sheridan. K. Laug. R. Timmer. A. Scherencel. B. Hendrick- son, L. Hudson, R. Scherencel, A. Frank. T. Lillie, A. Bolks. JUNIOR CLASS The Junior Class began the year in high spirits by sponsor- ing the second all-school party of the year. Our first class party was a picnic in the gym We have been well represented in all sports—football, bas- ketball and baseball. We have great hopes as Seniors next year. Under the direction of Mrs. Altenburg our play, “The Mad Hatters”, was a big success. The Junior and Senior banquet was the outstanding social event of the year. Officers were chosen as follows: President Dale Rosel Vice-President Laverne Rakosky Secretary Lois Taylor Treasurer Pat Garzeloni Lois Taylor