East Side High School - Torch Yearbook (Newark, NJ)

Page 19 text:

THE TORCH —JAN U ARY 1935 REMINISCING AS we impatiently wait for commencement night to draw near, we find our- selves sentimentally reminiscing. The past four years have been eventful years, filled with attempts, failures, and successes. They have come and gone, but in their stead they have left something precious and priceless, something we will hold dear forever-memories—memories—. What a picture we must have made on our first day in East Side, huddled m awesome groups near the auditorium. We felt with a thrill the excitement and commotion in the halls, and eagerly watched the on-rushing stream of students. Suddenly a pang of jealousy pierced our consciousness -jealousy because we were still outsiders—we didn't belong. But this feeling soon disappeared as we joined the spirit of the jolly stu- dents. We were assigned to the best (irony) home room in the school— Room 15. As you probably suspect, its location proved to be a source of continuous embarrassment to us. and it was nearly a month before its location was firmly imprinted on our minds. The quiet (?) routine of school life was suddenly shatte-ed in the latter part of our first year by the announcement of a Freshman Frolic. We went to the auditorium at the appointed time, anticipating a joyful celebration. The joyful celebration, however, was spent in agony, wriggling uncomfortably in the creaking seats, while trying to interpret dull speeches containing gigantic words which our grammar school education couldn't fathom. And, to make our disappointment complete, we saw neither hide nor hair of the famous lollypops we had heard so much about. Thus, with the frolic still fresh in our minds, we ended our freshman year. Our second year, though not so eventful as our first, was perhaps more amusing. We were now educated freshies and lived up to the title glamorously. We acted superior to the freshies, looked up to the juniors, and imitated the seniors. Upon addressing the freshies, we used ridiculously big words and snickered in amusement at their bewilderment. We rushed hither and yon, and if we stepped on anyone's foot, we yelled Pardon me (as we had learned by experience was the custom) and kept rushing on. School was a wonderful adventure—the melting pot of education and the tempera- ture was just right. The 2A grade once more found us the proud possessors of Room 15. Only this time we were not the ones to be emcarrassed, for we were 51 girls (the one boy had received a transfer as quickly as possible) against one teacher, Mr. McCracken. But he certainly knew his women, for where others couldn't control us willful females, he ruled us with an iron hand. P. S.—45 minutes after school. Fall was coming, and with it King Football. Ignoring ihe rumors of a weak (?) team, we donned our furs, paid our quarters, and cheered our team to the first championship in twenty years. On Monday mornings, conse- quently, our lessons were unprepared, but our excuses (we all had the same) were the weakest of whispers and the victory of our team. Pdfte El nr n

Page 18 text:

THE TORCH —J ANU AR Y 1935 CLASS POEM A Word Wait yet a while before you go, My full heart bids me speak; One moment, and for all we know. We'll find the words we seek. Within these walls and honored halls Our quest for knowledge starts; We gaily travel to and fro With light and carefree hearts. Then dignity and reverence Our youthful spirits fill; V e turn, more thoughtful, to our tasks And do them with a will. Then, all too soon, those joys are o'er. Glad days come to a close; With solemn hearts we realize The worth of joys like those. But straight ahead where leads the path, Life beckons, Everyone, Come! dawn begins another day. There's much work to be done. E. ALMA WILLIAMS. Pege Ten

Page 20 text:

THE TORCH —JANUARY 1935 The third year brought with it our first exams, and after a terrific struggle, we finally conquered them. But the results of that experience have never left us—we have never been the same. Had you passed Room 220 in the early part of 1934, a strange sight would have met your eyes. Papers strewn over the floor, students shouting excitedly, everyone rushing around in a mad frenzy. Suddenly a hush came over the crowd, followed by a wild cheer as someone wrote on the board: Results of the 4B Election President ....... Vice-President .... Secretary ....... Treasurer ....... Sergeant-at-arms ..IGNATIUS ULAK ...ANN KRANICK ..MARY RAVAGLIA ARTHUR FARNOW ......JOE MILKO The excitement of the election, however, was soon lost in preparations tor the Senior Rec. But we were due for another bitter disappointment. In- stead of receiving the customary knocks and souvenirs, accompanied by music and laughter, we enjoyed (more irony) a few speeches, followed by dancing and refreshments ( 2 cup of punch, questionable, and one cookie) in the gym. To heal our wounded spirits, we thrust all thoughts of the wreck out of our minds, and turned our energies to plans for our senior year. It was our duty, as the freshmen of 1931 and the seniors of 1935, to set an example for others—to lead so they could follow. This we proceeded to do by announcing our presence every morning in 123 with hilarious out- bursts of song. After the 4A election, which resulted in President ..............................HOWARD HAINES Vice-President ..................................ANN KRANICK Secretary ..............................MARY RAVAGLIA Treasurer .....................................JAMES TROIANO Sergeant-at-arms ................................JOE MILKO and was celebrated by loud cheers from the inmates of 123, v e were con- fronted by the numerous duties each senior class has to cope with. These, and the exams, we accomplished successfully, and the only thing lacking in our make-up now, is the security furnished by diplomas. As the time for commencement approaches, we find our feelings mingled with relief and regret. We are relieved that our studies have been completed successfully, yet we regret that we shall have to leave, all too soon, these halls of learning that have sheltered and protected us for four years. But what is to be, will be. and though we shall soon depart from our beloved Alma Mater physically, still, by the bond of happy hours, we shall be bound to her forever. P Kf Tufhr