Hartford Public High School - Classbook Yearbook (Hartford, CT)

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THE CHRONICLE 257 which, while interesting to all, to many of us bring up pleasant per- sonal recollections. First, let memory carry us back to that long, long ago time, our Freshman year. For many of us, the only event in that period worth remembering is when we acquired fame-if it could be so called-by receiving one demeritg for others, it is the happy day we vaunted before our admiring parents our first report card- which held forth such alluring prospects that-unsophisticated children as we were- we dreamed of some day becoming noted, even of being Valedictorian perhaps. After the first year, however, such affairs as demerits and marks, while most painfully interesting to many of us, are rivaled by' events outside the school curriculum, it is true, but nevertheless an important part of our life here. One of the best examples of these trivial affairs which cling so closely to our memories is the display of school spirit. Probably all of us have attended a mass meeting held just before some big game. VVe recall how everyone gathered in this hall and listened more or less cynically as different athletes mounted the platform to try to raise enthusiasm by eloquent speeches. All of them made confi- dent remarks about the prowess of the team, all of them attempted to prove that the prospects of winning were never brighter, and all brought their address to a close with the bold assertion that the other side didn't stand a ghost of a chance. But still we remained cold and unmoved. Then some young man, famed for his wonderful range of voice, would lustily start the class cheers. How could anyone help but be impressed upon hearing those wild and mighty yells? But the enthusiasm always reached the highest pitch when the strains of our inspiring school song resounded through the hall, everybody joined in with all his might regardless of whether he had a singing voice or not. Here one could see the reserved and icy young lady who in the classroom could never be induced by prayers or entreaties to raise her voice, vieing with the champion class rooter in making herself heardg and lo and behold, there was the solemn-looking youth who to all appearances would never deign to open his mouth excepting to utter some learned remark, singing vigorously, with uplifted eyes and inspired look on his face as if calling upon all the powers that be for help in the approaching game. And then, the song over, the meet- ing disbanded, everyone fully convinced that our -team would win. VVhether it did or not, however, has nothing to do with this essay.