Lafayette High School - Oracle Yearbook (Buffalo, NY)

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TO THE SENIORS OF 1937 0 Time marches on, another senior class approaches the fulfillment of four years of work and play in Lafayette High School with the greatly to be desired goal hitherto seemingly far away suddenly near. To each of you this is an experience never to be exactly dupli- cated for graduation means the closing of a definite part of your life. For a comparatively brief time it has been my deep pleasure to know you more or less intimately, to feel something of your aspirations and longings, and to realize that in the great plan for our school the class of l93'Y has earned for itself a distinct place. 0 You occupy a unigue position in Lafayette's history because you were still among those so fortunate as to have been under the leadership of Captain Mellen, a privilege you will cherish dearly throughout your lives. You will recall that inspiring poem, often repeated, which made you sit just a little straighter, your jaw set with a little greater determination, and stirred something in the depths of you toward finer and higher living- Somebody said it couldn't be doneebut he did it. 0 How we teachers hope and trust that the Lafayette spirit with its motto of Loyalty, Honor and Service has taken deep root in your lives so that somehow it will prove to be your guiding light in a world that will deal with you neither gently nor hospitably on many occasions! What a priceless heritage the first principal of Lafayette has given to you in his golden text, 'lBe Strong and of a Good Courage ! Surely Lafayette can count on you to carry into life the high ideals for which it has stood from the beginning under the guidance of these two great men. 0 Leavetakings are never easyg severing the ties which have so closely knit you with your school and friends cannot fail to cause a pang of sadness. But life must go ever forward. You leave behind only the temporal things, the spiritual endowment from your Alma Mater no one can ever take from you. With high courage and boundless enthusiasm you are facing a future of opportunity which has not as yet been your privilege. High school has now become a stepping stone to a clearer, finer view of the world ahead, standing at the pinnacle of secondary achievement you are aware, not of how much you have accomplished, but how little. Thus are you spurred to advance without hesitation. 0 Lafayette has tried its best to be a true friend to you by helping over the rough spots, rejoicing in your successes, and attempting to endow you with ideals and stand- ards to meet life's challenge. Steadfastly she will continue to be watchful of your interests, proud of the places you will occupy in the world of service, and happy when you find your best self in the doing for others. Lafayette's Honor is in your hands-Carry On! Sincerely your friend, 21

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TAY HECKMAN President 3. 'S :- sy is 'Lv L S S s 1 9 3 7 1 4. BETTY IANE SMITH LOTS FRICKE Vice-President Secretary TANE GRAVES FRANK BIGGAR Marshal Treasurer SENIOR CLASS OFFICERS

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SALUTATORY ' We, the Class of 1937, are very happy that you have come to join us tonight. Class Night is a joyous occasion for us-one for which we have worked and planned for many monthsgand we are eager that you should enjoy yourselves as much in watching, as we shall in taking part in these exercises. ' ' At this juncture in our lives, there is a tendency to pause on the threshold of a new and different life, and to think of what we have done and what we are to do. Like all true thresholds in life, this one divides a world well-known, from one completely foreign. Somehow, one always feels that when he leaves high school, he will perhaps have another sensation, an actual consciousness of his own adulthood. But now, he begins to realize that never is he so wise as he honestly believes he ought to be. The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool. ' Yet, inexperienced as we are, we do not go forth unprepared. Mr. Gott and our teachers have worked with us, taught us, and guided us, through- out these four short years. lt has not been an easy task, but they have been ever willing to encourage us, and we thank them from the depths of our hearts. ' As the last class over whom Cap Mellen was principal, we continue to feel his influence keenly. Somehow, Lafayette's spirit is embodied in himp it is a living, moving spirit, and it will remain with us wherever we may go, in the years to come. ' Now when we are about to leave, we feel more than ever before that Lafayette High School belongs to us. Her traditions are our traditionsg her spirit is our spiritg her success is our success. Next year, another class will have taken our place, to receive this priceless heritage. ' A deep sense of pride fills us, that it is our heritage as well. Whether we are assimilated directly into adult life, or go first to seek more learning, this tie will bind us. Our roles in life will probably be as varied as the types we represent-for we are a cross section of American life, a group of typical young men and women-but this bond will always unite us. Although our paths may diverge into alien fields, the principles that will lend impetus to our endeavors have sprung from the same source, and will, we hope, lead us to the same goal-the successful achievement of our life's work. -IANE AUER 22