East High School - Beacon Yearbook (Knoxville, TN)

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rrf '- ss 'r it aff :www 70e'!Ze'am Smut wwe During the administration of Mr. Evans, Knoxville High grew in size and importance until it was recognized as one of the outstanding high schools in the nation. There were four additions to the building and a vast extension of the curriculum from a strictly academic college preparatory school to a broad, comprehensive high school with all modern offerings on an 8-curriculum basis. Likewise did the extra-curricular work expand from a debating club and basketball team to a multiplicity of activities absorbed into the school day. Among them were the Chorus, Orchestra, Glee Club, Masquers Club, National Thespians, National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, yearbook, iournalism, all types of subiect clubs, Future Teachers of America, physical education for both boys and girls in modern gyms, and four large ROTC companies, along with a IOO-piece military band. So victorious became Knoxville High in inter-school contests that it took a courageous school indeed not to view the prospect of a meet with the gravest apprehension. No doubt Mr. Evans was reluctant to leave KHS, in the development of which he played such an eminent part, but he took it in full stride and came to East with his characteristic eagerness to excel. Here he has had a better chance to assume more personal responsibilities. lt is quite evident that here he has come to feel closer to his patrons, his teachers, and his students. He smiles more and laughs much more. He has worked hard to make East High what it is today. We are all proud of its progress in every area. With all his responsibilities, Mr. Evans has found time to enioy the great out-doors and the richest phases of community life. By rail, by automobile, and by plane he has traveled extensively throughout the United States, always seizing every opportunity to look. over the best schools on the road. For many years he and his family have sought relaxation about their lodge in the Smokies, hiking, picknicking, fishing, and driving according to the inclination. A few years ago the family moved from Magnolia Avenue to their new and spacious home on Holston Drive, where numerous oak trees add magnificence to the well-kept grounds. ln keeping with his training from his childhood, Mr. Evans has always been loyal to his church and active in its work. Here in Knoxville he has divided his time between the First Methodist and the First Presbyterian churches. Professional organizations, civic clubs, and service clubs have all come in for their share of his time and attention. He has served on the Board of Directors for the YMCA, Boy Scouts, Executives Club, and Safety Council. He is a charter member of the Kiwanis Club in which he has received many honors. He has served it as a Director, Vice President, President, and District Governor. Through his contacts as a Kiwanian he has brought to school many of the country's most eminent speakers and entertainers. Mr. Evans has not talked much about his plans for the future. lt is quite certain he will not remain idle. His experience and abilities in education should be and no doubt will be put to good use for other educators. If any man knows what advice to give it is William Ernest Evans, dean of all Knoxville principals. 5

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tes it . it S was is .sw Mgr ix sex W. E. Evans, Principal, happily extends the glad hand at welcome to Gale Gardner, Principal Elect. To serve as an Understudy to a retiring principal preparatory to assuming tull responsibility is same' thing good and Unusual in education, serving ta alleviate the shock at change in leadership. The welcome Mr, Gardner has received is a tribute not only to him but also to the Spirit ot East High. 7