Natick High School - Sassamon Yearbook (Natick, MA)

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THI1 SA SS A M UN Farewell Address The world into which we, the class of I0-18, ar going is chaotic and racked with disagreements and misunderstandings. It will be the work of todays youth, tomorrow's men and women, to solve the problems and sooth the wounds of this troubled world. The Sea of Life is always turbulent even at its best, but with the unrest so prevalent in our world today the waves at times seem insurmountable. However, in the end, through perseverance and untir- ing efforts, we will be able to overcome all obstacles. In few countries of the world do the youth receive as excellent an educa- tion as we here in America. Many do not appreciate the advantages of this education while they ai'e in school. However, they are soon brought to a realization that there are innumerable opportunities open because of their high school training. We have received a fine foundation on which to construct our future. We could not possibly fully realize or appreciate the sacriflces and efforts of the men and women whose untiring and ceaseless work has so well prepared us. We could never put into words our gratitude for this preparation, but by striv- ing to live our lives so as to be a credit to our school we may thus form a living tribute to the men and women who mold the back bone of America. Let us pause for a few moments to contemplate the role that education should play in the world of tomorrow. To secure a lasting peace it is neces- sary that the people of the world be united by a bond of brotherhood and cooperation. This can be accomplished only when all people have a knowl- edge of the customs and problems of their neighbors. We must no longer think in terms of just our own country or even our hemisphere. The task of educating the world in this concept of brotherly love can best be accomplished through the schools. It has long been realized that the public school is an important medium through which a whole nation may be influ- enced. Hitler realized this and made use of the schools in propagating the terrible doctrine of Naziism. This is an example of how an entire country may be influenced through the schools. If the schools are such influential institutions, would it not be possible to propagate the desirable doctrine of world brotherhood? One program already points the way to an effective means of studying our neighbors. This is the exchange student plan which encour- ages the exchange of students from America with those of France for example. The students study in a foreign land for a summer or even a year or more. Thus they receive a more graphic conception of the lives of their neighbors than they would receive from a text book. Education serves yet another purpose, that of raising the standard of liv- ing. This is effected through technical training and knowledge of modern methods and processes in both industry and agriculture. A brotherly world with a high standard of living should surely be the aim of this generation, setting an example for the youth throughout the world. A living monument far surpasses any granite tribute in value, therefore let us

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THE SASSAMUN Vifestern European countries who will cooperate to recover their pre-war econ- omies. The plan will not be able to reach its goal if the cooperation and assistance of all involved in it are not obtained. The Marshall Plan, or a similar plan, is essential to the whole world, including the United States. Unless international trade is again restored, our own economy will suffer greatly. On the Marshall Plan and on many other proposals, America is at odds with Soviet Russia, the great power of the East. The failure of the United Nations is due largely to the constant bickering between the East and the West. Communism, the form of government of Soviet Russia, relegates individuals to the unknown masses, to the state. lt insists on conformity and Party regu- larity. Because of the disagreement of the United States and Russia, some cynics believe that the world is not big enough for both, and that war is inevitable. But is war inevitable? War is not inevitable if human knowledge and advance preparation can possibly avert it. By preparation, armament is not necessarily implied. What is needed is education, knowledge of the world and its people, and of the times in which we live. The United States and Russia both know little about each other, and such information as each possesses is often distort- ed by mutual prejudice and fear. The problem of the East versus the Wfest is the most highly inflammable one of all. If our ideas are not strong enough to withstand contact with those of the Russians, then it is high time that we should overhaul our ideas and make them stronger. just a few of the major problems of todays world have been touched upon. What part do we play? What can we do? Getting down to the indi- vidual responsibility of each member of this class, there are several things we should do. First of all, help keep America strong by being good citizens and keeping as well informed as possible on current events. Youth today needs a little more of that old pioneer spirit. Nowadays, we are inclined to want everything handed to us on a silver platter, and when anything unusual hap- pens, we feel very insecure indeed. Today there is a great turning to govern- ment for security, and that feeling of insecurity has given the radicals and the communists, the theorists and the planners, great opportunity to upset all of the wise lessons in democracy and right living. The chief danger to America is right within ourselves. We need to be more self-reliant and yet, we should turn also to one another, toward cooperation. XX'e need to consult together, to think together to fortify our self-conhdence. The world, although tattered and broken, is not yet a complete loss. Now is the time for America to set her house in order, to show the rest of the world the true strength of democracy. Youth will play a major part in ironing out our many problems. Out of the ranks of youth will come the leaders of tomor- row. God grant them the power and the foresight to salvage the world from destruction and make it a ht place in which to live, so that someday every man, woman, and child will obtain his true heritage of the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. jaivm' CORBET1'

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THE SASSAMUN ' dedicate a brotherly world to our teachers who serve so well with so little thanks. Needless to say we are each teachers in our ow'n right, in the words of john Oxenham: H Preachers and teachers all are we: Sowers of seeds unconsciously. Our hearers are beyond our kin Yet all we give may come again Witli lljllfy of joy or pain. We never know To what one little word may grow. See to it then that all your seeds Be such as bring forth noble deeds. liucshtsin Roan Class Poem lt says in the Bible, that when we' We must put away childish thingsg But we never realized, 'till now, Wliat grief this departure brings, YC glAUVVI1'- XVe were so busy-P-living and learning, NXfe scarcely noticed the passing days, But now, we have to say Farewellnee And go our separate ways. We've worked hard-played hard, Made friendships, firm and true, And all through life, dear Alma Mater- We'll do our best, for you. 'l'oinorrow. we face the challenge-we Of a tired, troubled world, Today we pledge our hearts to keeping- P The banner of Peace, unfurled. jfxtsui R. Aivioitoso