Mansfield High School - Hornet / Green Years Yearbook (Mansfield, MA)

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CLASS HISTORY Dy Bas ane ; September 1939, Germany invaded Poland; two days later Great Britain and France simultaneously declared war on Germany. While Poland fought for existence, the Allies held to their policy of watchful waiting on the Western Front. Russia formed a pact with Germany and thus ended Poland’s existence from the east. The world was plunged into another great war. Meanwhile, in the United States, the people decided ‘that they had learned their lessons from the first world war and wanted nothing to do with the conflict in Europe. The American public hoped that the New World, behind the Neutrality Act, would be able to keep out of the war; yet there was always the feeling that we should be in it before long. It was during this period of uneasiness that the Class of 1942 entered Mansfield High School. Although we were conscious of this feeling of strain, we realized that it was our duty to settle down to our work and to carry on to the best of our ability. Shortly after school opened, we held our first meeting to select our leaders. Aided by our class advisers, Miss Henchel and Mr. Richardson, we chose our officers: James Ienello, president; Grant Wood, vice-president; Janet Chase, secretary; and Paul Lane, treasurer. During our first year we were not active in many fields, but we did make substantial contributions to a few activities. Sophomores who showed promising ability in football were James Ienello, Gordon Fuller, Richard Horton, and Paul Lane. We were represented in basketball by Grant Wood, Everett Crook, James Ienello, Paul Lane, Robert Maurer, and James Fowler; in baseball, by ‘Tony Flammia, Paul Lane, and James I[enello. Late in the fall, in order to promote interest in athletics and to increase school spirit, we helped to organize the Athletic Association. “The A. A., which became the largest of our clubs, sponsored several dances during the year. Much credit must go to Coach Andrews, who organized the club and acted as adviser. In November we made another important contribution to the life of our school, this time in the literary field. Gordon Fuller, Dorothy Dill, Dorothy Plausse, and Virginia Chippola joined the staff of The Tatler, our new High School publication, sponsored by Miss Hannon. Before we realized it, June had arrived ‘and our first year in high school was drawing to a close. Our career as gay, young sophomores was climaxed by the fe vie) p J graduation exercises and the senior reception. In September, after renewing our interrupted friendships, we turned our attention to the task of electing our officers. We chose the following: Grant Wood, president;

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a — GENA DIMoNTE PRISCILLA PHILLIPS Secretary Treasurer

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James Ienello, vice-president; Gena DiMonte, secretary; and Paul Lane, treasurer. Mrs. Whitmore and Mr. Robinson were our class advisers. This year the class was very active, especially in the field of sports. Under the guidance of John P. Certuse, the only alumnus to direct Mansfield High School athletics, we went through one of the most satisfactory seasons in recent history. Supported by James Ienello, Gordon Fuller, Richard Horton, Charles Rockwood, William Beatty, Joseph Teixeira, and Paul Lane, the football team became the highest-scoring unit in Bristol County. Juniors who played on a winning basketball team were Everett Crook, Americo Day, James Ienello, Grant Wood, and Paul Lane. The baseball team, the most successful of the three teams, included James lenello, Paul Lane, and Captain-elect Tony Flammia. On the newly formed tennis team our class was represented by James Fowler. The colorful Mardi Gras celebration in March was the first important social activity in which we were given a significant part. “This event, sponsored by the French and Latin clubs, was held in the gymnasium of the High School. Everyone present thoroughly enjoyed the party, the highlight of which was the entrance of the teachers’ mop-and-pail brigade. Richard Horton won the prize for the most original costume. The Tatler, now well established, drew a number of juniors to its staff; namely, Janet Chase, Richard Horton, Eleanor Murphy, Dorothy Plausse, Ruth Bolton, Miriam Milson, Gena DiMonte, and Gordon Fuller. In June our reception to the seniors proved what we could do if given an opportunity. We decorated the interior of the Town Hall in a red, white and blue motif, appropriate to the times. Even though we enjoyed the reception, we were inwardly sobered when we bade farewell to the Class of 1941, for we realized that our own graduation was but a year away. Upon returning in September, we discovered to our regret, that Mr. Hayes had left us; but Mr. Craig, our new principal, soon won our admiration. At our first meeting we showed our confidence in Grant Wood by re-electing him president. Other officers chosen were Paul Lane, vice-president; Gena DiMonte, secretary; and Priscilla Phillips, treasurer. Our advisers this year have been Miss Jones and Mr. Richardson, who was our adviser in our sophomore year, also. The football season was not very successful, but it was made memorable by a number of unusual events. Sweaters were presented to Captain Paul Lane, James Ienello, Gordon Fuller, Joseph Teixeira, William Beatty, Richard Horton, and Wilbur Chapman. After a fair season in basketball the team came away from the Brockton Tournament with the Class B championship and a trophy. Seniors who received jackets were Captain Grant Wood, Everett Crook, James Ienello, and Paul Lane. ‘This year marked the beginning of inter-school basketball for the girls. Although their schedule consisted of only three games, of which they won two and lost one, nevertheless, a good start was made in the direction of organized basketball.