Kensington High School - Compass Yearbook (Buffalo, NY)

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Gfass Mary Determined, yet hesitating, bold, yet timid, like those early Phoenician 'YN sailors venturing beyond the sight of land 5 a bevy of young grammar school alumni approached the vast portals which gave access to the mysterious interiors of several of the Queen City's secondary schools. Impressive seniors, new teachers, and strange faces confronted them, but they advanced undaunted and unafraid. Through perseverance and endless labors, their names have become an integral part of the histories of these institutions of higher learning. Among these we recognize Esther Smith and joan Motz shyly advancing down the aisle of Bennett's auditorium, hair adorned with green ribbons, the symbol of the bewildered fresh- men. However, soon adapting themselves to high school life at Hutchinson, Arline Liedy, Beatrice Urso, and Dolores Mazzanti participated in deck tennis, while Islay Turner captained the volleyball team. Frequently heard among the test tubes in Bennett Annex 80's laboratory were Mr. Albing's sagacious words addressed to Leo Dentinger, You are cut out for science, young man. While Charlotte Simmons amazed aloof upper classmen by capturing the coveted second place on East's honor roll, Vera Filler and june Becker achieved scholastic success as honor roll leaders at School 80, as did Allan Will at Hutchinson's Annex No. 16. However, not so industrious were Jeanne Jankowska, Edith Ries, and Arline Wendlinger who indulged so much in conversation that they were frequently the guests of the teachers after school at East's Annex. In fact, observing the earlier history of the Class of '40, we can understand why freshmen are isolated in annexes far from the dignified halls of the main building! Among those who leisurely meandered back to the annex after occasional carnival excursions to East High School's audi- torium, were Harold Dukarm, Richard Hart, Luther Stresing and company. A memorable assembly at School 80 was one in which Edward Textor was honored for his special talents in the manual arts. The versatile Ruth Howard also distinguished herself by earning several athletic awards at the annex. Thus, having successfully ventured beyond the sight of land, unafraid despite many disastrous failures on rocky coasts and treacherous shoals, the early adventurers firmly established and recorded their discoveries and again set out into uncharted seas with conhdence given by stronger ships, more experienced sailors, and a greater knowledge of the ways of the sea. Similarly, the young student again set forth on stormy seas with his added confidence and experience to carry him through many a blow. His was now a new school, for we find all our previously scattered freshmen assembled as sophomores in the newly-opened Kensington High School. Like a new ship, the new Alma Mater had to be proven seaworthy. Perceiving this fact, he immediately gave himself wholeheartedly to the task, thus carving a name for himself in the log of the voyage of education. Capable, intellectual leadership was found in the person of I I 1 Arline Wendlinger, who was awarded the Sophomore Scholastic Medal, although .5- Elfrieda Olender, Eugene Saltarelli, and Allan Will furnished vigorous competi- tion. Exhibiting the importance of safety in everyday life, Marcella Grimm Ill' 'entered the Safety Poster Contest and as a result of her skill, received honorable .A mention. Meanwhile, with the assistance of Mr. Warren, Mr. Bergstrom, and , I Miss Otte, intramural sports were organized and several of the neighboring high schools were invited to compete in exhibition games, thus preparing our athletes for entrance into official competition the following year. In this manner, several outstanding athletes were discovered including jack Umfreville, Frank s Y, Sturm, Alvin Rittman, Robert Martin, and Frederick Heck. Not to be outdone in S in athletics were Betty james, Dorothy Heil, Betty Holzworth, Bernice Oaks, Carol Mirti, Audrey Besant and Theresa Ernst. Inspired by Mr. Pinkow, the first band and orchestra of Kensington made remarkable progress. Instrumental in this progress were Ruth Schneider, Donald Miller, Alphonso Rewers, and Robert Lajoie. That year, as we watched the impressive dedication and lirst graduation ceremony in our new school, we thought proudly of the successful year just completed. VW! . e..iiui' rr t fi if c KHS M

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KVM e Lcfory Tonight, as we stand upon the threshold of life, we must bid adieu to the sheltering walls of Kensington High School and step forth into a turbulent, ever-changing world. Facing an uncertain future, we are bewildered, yet unafraid, for the past four years have instilled in us lofty ideals, and have taught us to be constantly aware of our motto, Aegis Fortissima Virtusf' Tonight, we have arrived at the cross roads and it is with deepest regret, yet tenderest regard, that we say farewell to the companions with whom we have traversed the highways of our high school life. To you, Mr. McDonnell, who have inspired each one of us with the will to succeed and who has enriched our lives with your ideals, we can only say sincerely and affectionately, Thank you. In years to come, when we are no longer guided by your influence, your kindness and consideration will be cherished as our fondest memories. We also wish to express our appreciation to Mr. Chassin for his kindly assistance. To every member of the faculty, whose capability and efficiency have enabled us to be listed among the members of the 1940 Graduating Class, we bid a farewell mingled with gratitude and deep affection. Without their voluntary assistance, untiring patience, and their sincere regard for our welfare, we would never have succeeded. At this moment, our hearts are filled with an ardent desire to prolong our four years of high school, to relive the past and perhaps make reparation for the little use we have made of the splendid opportunities offered us here, yet we must go on. The hour has come when we must cease our high school education and prepare for the education of life, when.we must sever the ties that link us to the past, and take our places in a society lost in a tide of conflicting emotions, selfishness, and overwhelming ambitions. Here, in this Graduating Class, we have a composite picture of the America of the future. Whether we become members of the professional or industrial world, it is upon our shoulders that the task of maintaining American integrity and ideals will be placed. The generation now dying out looks to the youth of America to safeguard our democratic principles and to preserve forever our government of the people, for the people, and by the peoplef' At this task, we shall not falter. Now, as we recall the joyous four years with their pleasant acquaintances and well- loved friends, we reluctantly take leave of our beloved Alma Mater, sincerely hoping that our small achievements will be an inspiration to the classes yet to come. Armed with our faith in God, the fervor of youth, and the courage of our convictions, we need have nothing to fear, let us only remember: The past is but a story told, The future may be writ in gold. -EILEEN DANITZ 17

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Assisted by the invention of the compass and the sextant, the skill of the shipbuilder and the development of steam power, the sailor was now prepared ' . to conquer the sea and make it his servant, not his master. Thus, the haughty 1 junior, now an upperclassman, approached his third year in high school. Con- 3 xt, fident, experienced, and prepared to assist in the administrative leadership of the X -, school, he attacked his activities with a vengeance. The first victim of this new . ' :fl vigor was interscholastic football. Hugh Lipsius and Frederick Heck distinguished - -'L -Milf. - themselves on the football team, as did jack Field, the city champion in the high T TE school hurdles, in track, Clayton Rung and Donald Borrman in tennis, Ronald ,, g Dannecker and William Seelbach in swimming, Robert Reis, Raymond Loughran, 2 and Rocco Moreno in cross country. Enhancing the prestige of the art department, Irene Brauza and joan Motz received second prize and honorable mention respec- tively in the Safety Poster Contest. Pioneering in the field of elocution, Marian Horton, who represented Ken- sington in the Girls' Declamation Contest brought glory to herself and her school by placing third in the finals. In keeping with the high scholastic standards set previously, Eileen Danitz, through perseverance and tenacious application to her studies, won the junior Scholastic Medal. The outstanding musical event of the season was the magnificent Christmas Pageant which was the result of industry and endless practice on the part of genial Mr. Pinkow and the cast which included Donald Miller, jack Fulton, and Robert Floss. As the year drew to a close, the difficult task of selecting their representatives confronted the members of the junior Class. Almost unani- mously was john Umfreville elected president, Marian Horton, vice-presidentg Raymond Castine, treasurer, and Marie Merkel, secretary. Soon after, the officers chose Vera Filler and Charles Fiden as marshals. Finally, the seven seas were explored and charted, and the navigators, bent on improvement and perfection, developed the modern streamlined colossus of the ocean. Similarly, the senior prepared to specialize as well as broaden his knowledge, in order to acquire a polish and finesse with which to face the future. Sighting the port of success, the competent senior intensified his study, determined to assure completion of his final voyage. So deter- mined was Ruth Schneider that early in the year, her scholastic attainments were the envy of the entire Senior Class. Indeed, reflective of this spirit were the amazing accomplishments of Norman Vester, Lorne Smith, Robert Knechtel, Rocco Moreno, and Robert Reis, stars of the championship cross country team which brought Ken- sington its first cup. No less amazing was the second place attained by the swimming team, led by captains Robert Martin and Donald Holmwood, who is city champion in the 100-yard free style. Although unable to record such signal victories, the debate teams, including Marian Horton, Eugene Sal- V6, tarelli, and Leo Dentinger, established the school as an able contender for future Q ftp Q Q debating honors. Assembling the abundant musical talent available, Mr. Pinkow . undertook the task of presenting Kensington's first operetta, Miss Cherry 5? 2,-'f Blossom. Prominent seniors in the cast were Lillian Wieser, jack Hagelberger, ,SDM Z' 2 George Franke, and Harold Hanover. Extending our prestige, the capable chess Q xv U -1 2 team scored several si nal victories under the efficient leadershi of Thomas , X A - L 8 . P X I . Willadsen. Climaxing the year, was the organization of the class. The Seniors f :g F dul elected their officers: Leo Dentin er, resident, Marian Horton, vice- F it Y 8 P - president, Eugene Saltarelli, treasurer, Ruth Howard, secretary, Arline Liedy ,L X -,'-iii and Raymond Castine, marshals. With an enviable record behind them, the Class of 1940 enthusiastically sets forth on its next and most important journey. We go forth into the world, armed with our traditions of courage, loyalty, and perseverance, unafraid of an uncertain future. EILEEN DANITZ C. WILLIAM SEELBACH an xt T V. ,, ..... .. ' ' E I. ,mmgqlm ,,...... 1 i in 1 p QM K ' KHS