Erasmus Hall High School - Arch Yearbook (Brooklyn, NY)

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jacob B. Rush ' 4 1 V1 Birdie C. Grumet Dorothy King

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To the members of the Class of '54: Another year-the 167th since Erasmus Hall first opened her doors-and another class being graduated. We of the faculty join your parents and friends in congratulating you and in wishing you the fullest success and happiness in the years ahead. Early in the life of the school, the Trustees stated that the object of Erasmus Hall was to educate youth on a liberal plan and to frame their manners upon the principles of virtue and politenessf, More than a century later, at the formal transfer of the old school to the city, Dr. Gunnison accepted the gift in these words: Erasmus Hall shall stand for sound scholarship, for general culture, and for that character that shall be self-reliant and manly. The traditions of the past shall be cherished and shall ever be an inspiration for the future. Your years in Erasmus Hall have resulted, we hope, in the kind of growth in personality, mind, spirit, and character implied in both these statements. Your education should give you a working command of spoken and written English, discriminating taste in reading, some knowledge of the world around us and of the scientific principles that govern that world, a rich appreciation of our country's heritage, and such knowledge of the history of other countries as will enable you to understand world problems today. We hope, also, that you have grown in the power to distinguish right from wrong and in the moral character to stand up for the right and to do the right thing, no matter how' great the temptation to take the easy way out or to go along with the crowd. Today there is an urgent need for young people of intelligence, idealism, ability, and character. We feel confident that you will help meet that need and that you will vindicate the confidence we have in you. For all of you we pray that the years ahead will bc many and full of peace, accomplishment, and hap- piness. Again, heartiest congratulations and best wishes. Sincerely yours, f0fl1'l F- McNeill Principal

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To the class of Ianuary 1954: As you leave the sheltered world your parents and teachers created for you, and enter upon the greater responsibilities of maturity, we wish you well. We know that you will continue to bring credit upon the school and its teachers, as did the students preceding you. All of us build together the tradition that is Erasmus, and we all share in the pride of its good name. Farewell to you as Class of January 1954, welcome as graduates and alumni of Erasmus Hall High School. Sincerely, Jacob B. Rush Dear graduates of Erasmus: Success not only in your work but in your social life is what all your teachers have been helping you to achieve. Your grade adviser, particularly, is painfully aware how full the world is of half-planned careers and partially successful people. Those who remain in school the longest and get the most out of education are the most successful. Every moment spent in real education will repay you in years of enjoyment in later life. The hours spent with you, talking, planning together, getting to know you, have been deeply gratifying. I wish you the best in life. Sincerely, Birdie C. Grumet To the class of June 1954: For the larger world about you now, where there is so much discussion about what it means to be an American-may I suggest the following credo. It was written by Dean Alfange, and appeared in the Herald Tribune a few years ago: I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon-if I can. I seek opportunity-not security. I want to take the calculated risk, to fail or succeed. I will not trade freedom for beneficence, nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat. It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid, to think and act for myself, to enjoy the benefit of my creations and face the world boldly and say, this I have done. Sincerely, Dorothy King l