Natick High School - Sassamon Yearbook (Natick, MA)

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FAREWELL ADDRESS By PATRICIA MARTIN A true and lasting peace will never be achieved in this world unless every man assumes the role of a re- sponsible citizen, living under God's law. In our edu- cation a firm foundation is laid for us to take on this charge in an intelligent manner. In our science and mathematics courses we have developed logical think- ing and a respect for the almighty power that controls the universe. From the teachings of our history and .English courses we have discovered that war never solves a problem, it only creates new ones. We have been taught that prejudice has no place in our lives. We should take a man for what he is, not his race, color, creed or economic status. The current issues in the news have taken on a new meaning for us as our knowledge has broadened. One fact alone has been impressed upon us . . . the need for an enduring peace. just how is this peace to be attained? we must all play our part. True, not all of us will become statesmen, politicians, or presidents. We will not all have a large amount of influence on the peoples of this world. But each of us will have his part to play. If we bring about a freedom from dis- turbance in our own little sphere of influence, then we are contributing to world-wide tranquility. The first thing man must have in order to have peace even within himself is a firm moral law to com- mand his life and all his actions, whether personal or social. When one is just and charitable within him- self then he becomes kind and liberal with his neigh- bors. But this, though good in itself, is not enough to make a responsible citizenry and establish a true peace. Man must also become aware of the current news in order to understand the basic issues that torment the world today. One must then be willing to work long and hard to attain one's goal. Here we can take a les- son from the scientists who played a role in the dis- covery of atomic energy. They gave of themselves to achieve their end. Peace will never be won by the lazy or unconcerned. People who shirk their duty, who scoff at the need for hard work, are not our allies. If mankind continues to live in a selfish way without concern for his neighbors, at home and across the sea, then the penalty will be our spiritual deterioration and probable atomic war. If this war comes, then the blame will not lie on a few, it must be shouldered by all of us. Therefore, all of us must acquire a sense of personal re- sponsibility toward the spiritual and moral recovery of our nation and world. To quote a member of the Atom- ic Energy Commission, Thomas E. Murray, in a speech last November, . . . No man stands aloof from today's crisis . . . No man stands outside of it . . We must all play our part in establishing world tranquility. The secrets of the atomic age were unfolded only at the cost of much hard work and cooperative efforts. Like- wise, only hard work and an awareness of our responsi- bility, under God, to our fellow man will this world ever be free from fear, ignorance, and oppression. This, then, is the message we leave behind. We will take upon us the role of citizens of our great country well aware of our responsibility toward man and our dependence on God. There is much for us to accom- plish. Probably, there will be many disappointments, but we will not give up. We will always keep before us our rules of charity and justice, and someday,.surely, there will be peace in the world. PATRICIA :MARTIN

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There is a great deal of controversy today about juvenile delinquency and the problems facing our youth. lf we stop to analyze some of the problems we find that there is a lack of communication between the youth and the adult. Neither seems to have found the relationship that will make clear what each can expect from the other. The place of the ado- lescent in our complex, cosmopolitan civilization of this twentieth century is isolation in a No-Man's-Land . Society considers young people to be immature and irre- sponsible and feels they must be segregated from the real world the adult knows. Adults apparently hope the youth will be spared the shock of making mistakes, thus learning the contradictions in their culture. Young people are constantly being pressured by various factions, each competing for their time and loyalty. These factions tend to operate independently of one another with conflicting purposes and their attention becomes focused on furthering their own interests rather than in aiding in the development of the boy or girl. There is a trend today known as highapressure advertising. Business men will tell you it is an absolute necessity to the function of modern business. Youth, too, needs its advertis- CLASS ESSAY By PATRICIA GRAHAM ing, but certainly not the kind that is prevalent today. It the attitude of the adults that has a decided bearing on tl barrier that exists between the older and the younger gener. tions. lt is this barrier that causes the adult to wonder abou the behavior of the youth .... There is a gap, due to the lac of communication, that could be narrowed by the two grout developing a mutual relationship. The young people do not want society to ignore complet' ly the formidable and frightening facts about juvenile di linquency, but the world is told too often what is wrong wit teen-agers. Why not ask ourselves what is right with them There are thousands of good, substantial young people wit honorable goals. The teen-ager feels he has a certain degree of indepenc ence. However, there are still certain qualities he looks fc in the adult which he uses for guidance in assuming hi responsibilities. Youth wishes patience and understandin from his elders. He would also Hnd security in the adult s that he, too, may face life with a sense of security. Tw thousand years ago there lived a Man who possessed supreni qualities that have never been equalled. It was He who saii Suffer little children to come unto me. His patience an understanding cannot be approached by the adult, but yout would ask his elders to use His example as their guide. It i little to ask, yet it is important to the young person tryin to find his way out of this No-Man's-Land . To aid him i finding the gateway to adulthood he wants from his elder an orientation to adulthood, rather than protection fror adult society. Youth expects a certain amount of suppoi from adults. In return, what can society expect from youth No-Man's-Land is the place where the maturing perso must make extremely important choices. He is often opt. mistic and idealistic about his future. By constantly seekin knowledge and experience he will learn and grow. In hi search it is possible that he will make mistakes. Experienc is still the best teacher. The dependency on the family gradu ally lessens. The young person must now prove his capabilit to raise his own family. For a number of young people mar riage is not too distant from high school graduation. In mal: ing a selection of his life's work, be he Christian or Jew, hi must choose a vocation that is good according to the standard of his religion and background, a good vocation being what ever work he feels God wishes him to do in the world. Youtl must face reality as well as be idealistic in finding his owr way of lifeu. These are some of the things society can expect This is an ever-changing world. A wealth of opportunity is open to all. N o movement or reform is proposed that Wil not be carried out by a future generation. Youth is ever the source of unlimited possibilities. Society can expect the ulti mate efforts of the citizens of tomorrow to help fulfill it. hopes. In the words of the poet: When duty whispers low, 'Thou must' The youth replies, I can'. -PATRICIA GRAI-IAM.

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The 1955 class history oihcially began in September, 1952, when the recent graduates of Coolidge Junior High School joined by St. Patrick's alumni proceeded to make their subtle but permanent impression on the history of Natick High School. After the first few tumultuous days were survived, we were oflicially in- stalled as Natick High students at the Welcome Sopho- more Assembly presented by the administration. Short- ly thereafter, the Welcome Sophomore Dance was held by the Student Council, and just as we were be- ginning to feel pretty much at home, elections were upon us. A hectic campaign was followed by the elec- tion of Bill Hayes as President, June Bennett, Vice President, Janet Meyers, Secretary, and Beverly Ross, Treasurer. The Executive Board was organized and our class was given representation on the Student Council. It was decided that class dues would be four dollars, 18 CLASS HISTORY By ELLEN LINNEHAN which really broke us, and these funds were supple- mented by the sale of Christmas-candy baskets. Before we knew it Christmas vacation was on us, which was a pretty clever way to prepare us for our first experi- ence with mid-years. In late February we amazed the senior critics with our tremendous package of talent, aptly entitled the Sophomore Assembly. Our first at- tempt at crashing the higher social circles came in the guise of a May-day dance, a smashing success which put our class ahead financially. just as spring fever began getting a powerful hold upon us, we were pre- sented with finals which really got us in condition for the summer-long vacation. When we returned in the fall we were among the upperclassmen, and were properly proud of the fact. In our junior elections all the ofiices exchanged hands but that of Secretary for which we re-elected janet Meyers. We chose as President Louie Giannetti, for Vice Presi- dent, Beverly Ross, and Dotty SanClemente for Treas- urer. The year really got rolling in the early fall, and plans were underway for the junior Prom which we wanted to make the best ever. We were most pleased to hear that there would be no mid-years, and by way of celebrating, most of us entered projects in the sec- ond annual science fair and some of us won awards. Now it was decided that our funds could stand a little boosting, so we started our relentless beanie cam- paign and didn't give up until just about every soul in NHS had a red and blue head covering. Now the Prom was in full swing. We decided to present an underwater scene and the decoration committee slaved over squids and divers. In early March, three of our members, Patricia Graham, Ellen Linnehan, and Fran- cis Pierce were elected to the National Honor Society, the smallest junior group ever to have been chosen. Shortly afterwards, representatives were elected to Boys' and Girls' State. Terry Smith and june Bennett would attend conferences in Amherst, Massachusetts, in June. After the Prom was declared a complete suc- cess, the year was over. We left for our summer vaca- tion with promises of a new multi-million dollar struc- ture ringing in our ears.