East Hartford High School - Janus Yearbook (East Hartford, CT)

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VALEDICTORY HOW BIG? In the life of every individual there come times when he pauses in his daily routine and takes inventory of himself, doubting his abilities and questioning his achievements. In such moments he wonders, in the depth of his heart, how big he really is after all and how much of a success his life has been. At these instances, when each of us answers for himself that query, he finds that in our modern times success is meas- ured by two standards. When, in the grip of twentieth century conditions we find an efficient man who by persistent effort has built up a work which will comfortably support himself and his family, we say he is a success. Likewise, the term is applied when, look- ing at the matter from a different angle, a man is discovered whose integrity is unquestioned, whose record is untarnished, and whose name is a pleasant sound to every man's ear. In the first instance, our judgment is the result of a mechanical measurement, in the second it is based upon the human stand- ards of life. We are led then to ask, How much difference is there between the two cases and how can one simultaneously enjoy the benefits of each ? What can better answer the question than the lives of those still doing their work in the world- and doing it well-compared with those whose accomplish- ments are of a different calibre? To anyone whose interest in radio exceeds the superficial enthusiasm of the average fan, the name of David Sarnoif must be familiar. Coming as a boy from Poland to America, he found himself, on the death of his father, burdened with the responsibility of supporting his mother and the other mem- bers of his family, surrounded in the meantime by the strange conditions of New York. However, the boy was undaunted and worked with all his strength, day after day, in an eiort to edu- cate his brothers and sisters and to better the conditions of his home, while in the evenings he studied in order that his own position in the world might be raised. As a result of his work, he is today one of the foremost men in the Radio Cor- poration of America. In direct contrast is a certain big business executive of Chicago-that city whose reputation is created by the merci- less pens of scandal-seeking editors. The man in question had amassed a considerable amount of money without regard for the opinions or feelings of his fellowmen. When at last he decided to enter society's circles, he found to his surprise and sorrow that the financial, the mechanical, degree of his achievements had failed to bring that attitude of friendship which grows out of mutual esteem between men. Such examples are numberless, but all of them strengthen the same pointg namely, that the acquisition of money unsup- plemented by the qualities which constitute a strong charac- ter is an attainment extremely incomplete, while on the other 20

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hand, a strong character will eventually lead- to material advancement. The present business world is not looking for young men and women with enviable financial standing. It seeks, rather, in its applicants the foresight of a Lincoln, the perseverance of a Roosevelt, the tact of a Franklin, the brain of an Edison, the judgment of a Marshall and-shall we say-the economy of a local Democrat, while last of all but greatest of all, come the qualities of honesty and sincerity. I say honesty be- cause it is the foundation of all good business, and as for sincerity -just think of those people whom you know whose friendship is prompted by the same motives which govern the behavior of a child in December. In today's vast store of industries everyone has a place. He may chose for himself the branch of work in which his future will be shaped, for the day of the trade guilds has passed over by the industrial horizon. And just as nations differ in regard to political, financial, social, and religious con- ditions, the people who compose the nations differ in intel- lectual, physical, and artistic abilities. Hence, no two indi- viduals can in all fairness be judged by exactly the same standards, since no two are in all details similar. Therefore, in proportion to the abilities of a man together with his oppor- tunities for exercising those abilities should the grandeur of his accomplishments depend. Thus, we find at the conclusion of our self-examination, that a man of few inherent talents who strives as hard as he is able is even bigger than he who has great inherent talents but who allows them to mould and rust in the vaults of time. The final analysis will uphold neither the cold standards of business nor the fickle standards of society and will vindicate only that success which is based upon earnest endeavor. Classmates, tonight we have gathered as a class for the last time in exercises which mark the termination of courses through which we are preparing for later life. Accordingly, it is a fitting occasion to contemplate the material which we have acquired and the most suitable methods for its utilization. And although we must part from the East Hartford High School, time can neither erase nor lessen the memories of our associations here. We are standing on the thresholds of lives filled with opportunities never before surpassed. Let us, as we leave this building and go our several ways, make the most of every task that falls to our lot so that when life's embers fade we can look back upon a work well done. To that end I bid you-Farewell ! CLIFFORD R. WALKER. 21