Edsel Ford High School - Flight Yearbook (Dearborn, MI)

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Mr. Anthony J. Lawski is Edsel Ford High School’s chief executive. PRINCIPALS MR. ANTHONY J. LAWSKI “Edsel Ford High School attempts to give our stu- dents a comprehensive program of studies, one that first meets the universal needs of all our young people, and second, one that provides for their individual needs and interests, both vocational and advocational.” These are the words of Edsel Ford’s principal, Mr. Anthony J. Lawski. As principal, his major duties are to carry out the policies of the Board of Education and the regulations of the superintendent and his staff, and to exercise over-all supervision of the school and its organization. Additional duties of Mr. Lawski include the follow- ing: providing leadership in curriculum improvement, selecting and supervising teachers and staff members, and dealing with colleges, universities, and accredit- ing agencies. Mr. Lawski has had extensive training and experi- ence in the field of education. He received his bach- elor’s degree at Michigan State Normal College and his master’s degree at Western Reserve University. He started teaching in Farmington; and in 1936 he came to Dearborn, where he taught at Edison Junior High School and Dearborn High School. He served as as- sistant in curriculum under Mr. Mills, assistant super- intendent of schools, who was in charge of the com- munity college and the high schools. From his chair- manship of the Edsel Ford High School curriculum study group, he became the principal of Edsel Ford in 1955. Commenting on the Edsel Ford Curriculum, Mr. Lawski said, “There is no question about the pro- gram’s success, but we will never be satisfied with any program. The world does not stand still, and we must change to keep up with it.” 6

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 A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops. Henry Brooks Adams It is the duty and the challenge of the teacher to touch the minds of his stu- dents, not only with the facts of the sub- ject matter, but also with his personal values, standards, and ideals. Not all the students will let themselves be af- fected by this; but if a teacher can reach even one, his influence will extend throughout that person's life. And, if he happens to touch the mind of a very gifted person, one who will become a great statesman, philosopher, or writer, his values will be disseminated by that person throughout an entire society. This is true of any of the people who form the environment of a man who will leave his mark on the world; their influence on him will determine his effect on society. However, it is especially true of a teach- er; for his purpose is to guide the minds of young people in moral, ethical, and philosophical matters. It is the duty of teachers to make sure their values are sound, their standards just, and their ideals worthwhile. And it is the reward of teachers to realize that theirs is the power to inspire young minds to thoughts and deeds of honor and greatness.

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MR. WILLARD THORNLEY The satisfaction of my job comes from being in a position to work with faculty, students, and school maintenance and to provide conditions such that boys and girls at Edsel Ford High School have the opportunity to obtain the very best high school education,” stated Mr. Willard Thomley, one of Edsel Ford’s Assistant Principals. A major part of Mr. Thornley's duties consists of working with the counselors enrolling and scheduling students. He also arranges for teacher substitutes and procures all school equipment and sup- plies. In addition to these tasks, Mr. Thomley prepares the school calendar of activities. In general, Mr. Thornley su- pervises all building management. Mr. Thomley received his M.A. at the University of Michigan. Before coming to Edsel Ford High School as one of the original planning group, he taught at St. Clair Shores High School, Edison Junior High School, and Dearborn High School. Mr. Thomley has served Edsel Ford as Assistant Principal since 1955. Mr. Willard Thomley is in the process of locating a substitute for an absent teacher. MR. ALBERT MAY “Edsel Ford kids are friendly, interest- ing, and easy to work with.” This is the opinion of Mr. Albert May, and he ought to know. Mr. May served as Assistant Principal in Mr. William Young’s absence. As Assistant Principal, Mr. May’s main job was student disci- pline. Students with an excessive number of tardies or absences and other students who become disciplinary problems come under Mr. May’s jurisdiction. His other duties include sponsoring the Student Council and supervising all stu- dent activities and home events. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Friday mornings, in the absence of a school nurse. Mr. May takes temperatures and sends ill students home. Before becoming Assistant Principal, Mr. May was a member of the Business Education Department. Commenting on his job, Mr. May said, “This job is never dull. Once in a while, I get discouraged; but if I help even one person, it makes the whole day worth- while.” Mr. Albert May and John Bray-man discuss John's attendance record. 7