East High School - Wa Wa Ta Yearbook (Superior, WI)

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Fellow Students: There is a story related to the name WA WA TA. About 1911, when East High was in the Nelson Dewey building, the school was achieving a name for itself in athletics and speech work. Realizing that other schools here at the head of the lakes had a newspaper and an annual, a new teacher, Mr. Benjamin Polzin, pro- moted'the idea of a school annual to the students and faculty of the Nelson Dewey High School. Miss Helen Pesark became the first literary editor, Mr. Jarvis McMann served as general editor and busi- ness manager. The students met enthusiasm, encouragement and aid frOm the business men of the city. A prize of two dollars was offered for the best title. A box was placed in the hall of the school building in which the students could place their choices. The title WA WA TA was chosen unanimous1y by the committee in charge. James Gordon, who entered the name WA WA TA, was the grandson of the head of the Chippewa tribe of this area. This tribe owned great tracts of land around the town of Gordon, which is nam- ed after the Gordon family. James Gordon submitted this name because in the Chippewa language WA WA TA means iiaurora borealis or northern lights. Because this high school was one of the northern most schools pub- lishing an annual, he thought that this title was most fitting. This year the W AWA TA Staff has tried to give you the annual as we think you would like it. We have tried to live up to the high standards set by previous WA WA TA Staffs. We hope this book has succeeded 'in recording the events which will bring you many pleasant memories in years to come. Sincerely yours, The WA W ATA Staff, Barbara Jean LaFore, Editor Madelyn Petron, Business Manager Esther Milock, Division Page Artist Barbara Jean LaFore, Editor Madelyn Petron, Business Manager