East New York Vocational High School - Crossroads Yearbook (Brooklyn, NY)

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ID ood SSI' FO C T LONG LAST our four years of high A school have come to an end. Regret- fully we, the dressmaking graduates of l945, look back upon those four years and wonder where they have fled, for those final years of school life are what we remember most. As we began our freshman year with the black clouds of war hovering overhead, when the tragic blow was dealt on Pearl Harbor, it was only natural for us to become interested in war work. We did our utmost to sell war bonds and stamps. We knitted afghans, did Red Cross work, aided scrap drives, sent packages overseas and even had ot pin-up contest for our favorite servicemen. ln our Power Operating class we made gar- ments for neighboring hospitals and clothing for the poor and war-torn refugees. This training helped us to make professional gar- ments and also taught us to be charitable, helpful and considerate of our fellow men. A glow of pride fills each member of our class whenever we hear references to the fashion show that took place during our sixth class history I term. We worked like busy bees to make it the success it was. Another memorable event was the Christ- mas party of our last year at East New York. Who in 8TD can ever forget it? The spirit that prevailed there was one which has been with us for four years and which we expect to take with us into the business world and into our almunae group. Many of our boys and girls learned to dance and became social successes through our efforts in starting a dancing club. Our requests for this club were granted this term, thanks to the teachers who so willingly gave their time after school. But now all these things are happy recol- lections for us. As we graduate we are proud to have received the finest education pos- sible and to have had the guidance and instruction of the best teachers. We have spent four pleasant years at East New York Vocational High School and our gratitude can be shown only by our living up to the ideals and training we have acquired here, 4

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group of brave young warriors, now known as SC set out to win the battle of a high school education. The roads we trudged were long, hard and wearying. Many of those who started with us fell along the way. They lacked weapons strong enough to last them to the end. We who still remain are proud for at last we can see our victory close at hand. Throughout our course, we had plenty of experience in our chosen field. When there was secretarial work to be done, SC was usually called upon. Many of the mimeo- graphed sheets used in class as well as no- tices and bulletins were prepared by our girls. But all was not school work. Our war ac- tivities went hand in hand with our scholas- tic pursuits. We like to feel that our special efforts in bond and stamp sales may help to bring victory closer. The SC girls worked in defense offices, in hospitals, at the C.D.V.O. and also took the places of more experienced workers who were drafted into service. 'We can remember, too, helping Miss Bellin plan and carry out an interesting bazaar, the proceeds of which went to the Allied 'War HN the year nineteen hundred forty-one, a Relief. class history dm! lt was during our four years that the lnter- cultural Committee of Teachers started its work in the school. This term it planned Brotherhood W'eek and Negro Week pro- grams. We are grateful that we had the opportunity of participating in these activi- ties before we left the school. ln our class, we are fortunate in having many talented girls, Ernestine Todd is the school Poet Laureate whose poems we have always enjoyed reading. ln addition, she was vice-president of the school during sixth term and did much for the girls. Mary Timm, our songbird, won first prize in a radio singing contest and is an outstanding member of the school Choral Club. Shirley Neidoff, with the aid of Lt. Dounn, was one of the first girls to start the cheering squad that has been so effective in cheering our boys on to victory in the games. The Davis Twins are the creators of many of the artistic posters on the third floor. Now, however, our task is done. Our troubles and fears lie behind us. Our goal has been reached. Proudly We stand, the SC Army at the climax of our struggle-gradu- ation-with the reward of a four year course, a high school diploma.

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S GRADUATION NEARS and we are JAX about to go forth into a world at war, we pause to look back on our pleas- ant school days. Almost three years ago, when we first feasted our eyes upon East New York, we were awed at the sight of the various shops with their complicated ma- chines. Now, sophisticated seniors, with plenty of practical experience behind us, we are ready and eager to take our places in industry or the armed forces. lt seems such a short while ago that we were freshmen just out of junior high school walking through the halls of East New York when the bell rang for a change of periods. Little did we realize that instead of going to the third floor which was our destination, we would end up in the cafeteria. Seniors here, seniors there, seniors all aroundl lt looked as though they were trying to subjugate the poor unfortunate third term- ers, At first we tried to adapt ourselves to the idea that the seniors were lords and mas- ters. But gradually we became adjusted and able to take care of our rights. closs history A year passed quickly and we were in fifth term. Until then we had had rather vague ideas of homework but then things began to happen as though Stukas were diving all around dropping their bombs of destruction-homework in English, math, science, economicsl What had we done to deserve such a fate as this? Many of us, alas, spent part of the seventh term in Mr. Garity's office. Gee, what a won- derful man he is, so straight and tall with a dignified look. We can still feel his friendly hand on our shoulders and hear his llWhat have you done now? in a gruff but friendly tone. The eighth term which was going to be our paradise-in-the-sun now became a synonym for an obstacle course for Marines training for overseas duty. But soon graduation day will be here and the piece of paper for which we worked so hard will be in our possession representing the fulfillment of our dreams and ambitions. And East New York will be but a happy memory. 1 S DOJSSOJO Q.