Leominster High School - Magnet Yearbook (Leominster, MA)

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6 THE MAGNET As this is the beginning of a new school year, we wish to wel- come the large enteringclass. We sincerely hope that it will make evident its quality as well as its quantity. We need its earnest support in athletics, in the Macnet, and in the other branches of our school life. May the pupils now realize their duties as mem- bers of our High School and work hard for the honor of the blue and white, in spite of the difficulties and temptations with which their path will be strewn. With you, “Class of 1913,” rests the re- sponsibility of proving that thirteen, although by many people con- sidered unlucky, is a prosperous, successful number, at least as far as i. Fi. 9. is: concerned: The following is a letter from one of our citizens who is inter- ested in the welfare of our school: LEOMINSTER, Mass., September 29, 1900. To the Editor of THE MAGNET: The enclosed editorial from. the Boston Daily Advertiser of September 29, 1909, affords food for thought for prospective graduates of our High School. I hope the time is not far distant when a determined effort will be made by the scholars themselves to reduce the expenses of graduation, so no parents will feel it a heavy burden to allow their children the pleas- ure and advantage of a full course in the Leominster High School. The attempt in Somerville to effect a simplification of public school graduation ex- ercises is a move in the right direction and will meet with approval in the minds of those who have thought seriously of the matter. Public school graduations should remain seri- ous ceremonies, and should have as much dignity about them as is to be obtained, but superfluous “ flummery ” and dress at considerable cost to the parents of the graduating pupils might wisely be eliminated. Dignity and seriousness are not enhanced by prepara- tions which cost on an average of $50 each to the pupils’ family; rather do these unneces- sary and burdensome expenses detract from the real significance of the occasion. Let public school graduations be marked by fitting solemnity and seriousness, filled with dig- nity that will be remembered by those taking part, but let them be free from an i that is often an intolerable burden. Let them be democratic. Very truly, | F. J. LoTHRop. | Certainly it seems that the time is fast approaching when the expenses of High School graduations will be lessened. The pupils themselves can do a great deal toward lowering the cost at such times, if they will only do away with the “little” personal pleasures which count up so fast in the expenses. Why spend eight or ten dollars on photographs to exchange with classmates, when a good

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THE MAGNET Vol. III. LEOMINSTER, MASS., OCTOBER, No. 1 Entered as second class matter at Post Office at Leominster, Mass, EDITORIAL STAFF. DorotTuy J. WHITTIER, ’10, Managing Editor. VERNON P. Woopbsury, ‘Io, Assistant Managing Editor. Raymond B. Ladoo, ’1o, Advertising Editor. Rachel W. Morse, '10, Editor of Verse. Kari D. Lee, ’10, Boys’ Athletics. Margaret Muusie, ‘11, Girls’ Athletics. Pauline P. Paton, ’10, Alumni Notes. George F. Nixon, ’Io, Jester’s Page. Margaret Earl, ‘11, Sketch Editor. Naomi W. Abbot, ‘Io, Subscription Nellie L. Lothrop, '11, School Notes. Bernice M. Wilbur, ‘Io, Editors. ASSISTANTS. Mary A. Prevo, ’ 12. Alberta M. pesca, ba 12 Edward A, Lynch, 12 Shirley Whitney, ‘13. C, Harry Vaughn,’ Marion P. Merrill, ‘13. Gardner Gould, ’13. Edith Harvey, ’ 6 Johanna O'Sullivan, ‘14. Maurice W. Richardson, '14. Published monthly during school year by pupils of the High School. Subscription price, 50 cents; single copies, Io cents, ————— ———— — ( Porroriacs j to excuse some of the imperfections and faults that will appear in this volume. pe teachers, and schoolmates, the Macnet asks you It realizes that there will be a great chance for improvement, especially in the first numbers; but it hopes that by the end of this school year the opportunities for your just criticisms will be considerably lessened. Its aim is to be a representative of the work of the different pupils and at the same time to be of general interest, and this year it will strive its hardest to please one and all of its sympathizers. 5

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THE MAGNET 7 group picture will answer the purpose as well and not cost one-half as much? The cost of the graduation invitations seems absurd to some. Much might be saved if the pupils would consent to econ- omize and have small announcement cards. In connection with the reception the great bunches of flowers, which often cause many sacrifices, might be dispensed with entirely, for of what especial value or significance are they! And so on, in many instances, by the giving up of a few unnecessary customs, the cost at graduations can be considerably decreased. As to the dress on such occasions, not much need be said. Simplicity for both girls and boys should be the leading character- istic. Now, Class of r1gro, as this is your last year in our High School, think seriously of this matter of reducing graduation expenses, and endeavor to make a start in the right direction. Last year the debating club among the boys of the school could not be called a great success, for there were not enough boys inter- ested in it to keep it up to a high standard. Now is the time to start it up again, and it is the duty of some boy inthe higher classes to call a meeting and get the officers elect- ed for the coming season, Then pick out some good subjects for strong debating, some that have not been pumped to death, some- thing new, something exciting and interesting. Announce your debates and get a crowd out. Hold your meetings in the Assembly Hall and put some life into them. Get the girls interested. If they cannot debate, make them patronize your debates by showing them what fine work you can do in the art of arguing. This course in debating is very valuable to the boys, and stren- uous effort should be made to keep up these meetings. Every boy and girl should feel it his or her duty to promote interest and en- thusiasm in this branch of school life. Go to work in the right spirit and you can make this season a memorable one for the “Paton Debating Club.” DorotHy WHITTIER, ‘10.