Kent School - Kent Yearbook (Kent, CT)

Page 19 text:

10 2 1 Cfje Class history O one noticed a little pale star flickering in the cold dark vault of the September sky, or if he did, he betrayed no interest in it. The attention of the motley gathering at the Kent station was fixed on the approaching train, not on star-gazing. Soon the engine came roaring around the curve and rattled to a halting stop. A wild shout, discordant with the sound of escaping steam from the panting locomotive, arose. Into the dusk of the fast deepening night piled boy after boy from the lighted cars. Then, with noisy bantering, they started on their way to the school. These boys were followed by a quieter group, who trudged behind the others, preceding with sidling gait, lugging heavy suitcases. The loiterers at the station turned away. Even now they did not look at the heavens. Perhaps, if they had, they wduld not have recognized that pale flickering little star, for it had brightened, become a reality along with the opening of Kent for its eleventh year. It was the natal star of the class of 21 that shone so steadily. When we got to school we looked about in awe and bewilderment. However, Mr. Schiedt, after heated argument, had kindly consented to allow Bergen, Post, Potts, Lord I and II. Palmer, Pringle. Waters, and Williams to remain in the second form as benevolent guides to show us the ropes. Mr. Catlin, with these fellows as assistants, managed to make us feel very much at home in no time at all. We had not been housed by the school for many nights when we were informed that we must elect a President. We puffed out our chests at the idea of such responsibility. At second thought, though, we were perplexed to know whom to elect. Our problem was solved, however, when it was whispered about from various sources of information that Bergen was our man. We dazedly asked how to spell his name, then elected him. Since that time he has always been our President. We have never found an occasion to hold another election, so popular and efficient has proved his administration. This year marked the beginning of the spirit of unity our form has been so famous for. Perhaps the reason for this form of solidarity comes from the fact that many of us made the surprising discovery concerning the truth of the maxim—“There’s safety in numbers.’’ 'Phis creed was instilled so deeply into our hearts that we still treasure it to-day. We thank the class of 1917 for teaching it to us. In the autumn we saw our football team beat Pawling after a touchdown had been made against us on the first kick-off. 'Phis was the first of the many practical lessons in the “Kent Spirit.” It was during this year, also, that Squires was the great terror of the dormitory. Sitting up in his bed in the alcove after lights had 11