Natick High School - Sassamon Yearbook (Natick, MA)

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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.

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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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In September it was ready for us. We had a wonder- ul time getting used to the school and the fact that ve were the wheels. For so long we had envied the eniors, and now we had a taste of fame for ourselves. vfuch to our regret and sorrow we had lost two teach- ers. Mrs. Helen H. DeMerritt, beloved language teach- er, died in the early fall. Miss Marion Pothier, our :lass advisor, had taken a leave of absence. Miss Finn vas our new adviser. Elections came forth promptly, ind we again changed our slate of officers. Don Peoples :vas elected President, Terry Smith, Vice President, Carole Woods, Secretary, and Betty Grimm, Treasurer. Dick Rokes and Terry Smith led our football team :hrough an outstandingly successful season, suffering but one loss. Our classmates now headed all the school activities. Bill Hayes was commissioner of the Safety Patrol, while Robert Ciccarelli, Terry Smith, and Dorothy San Clemente were the ofiicers of the Student Council. janet Meyers was head-cheerleader, and Ellen Linnehan wa seditor of the Sarramon. New members were elected to the National Honor Society and offi- cers were elected. Patricia Graham was chosen Presi- dent, Ellen Linnehan, Vice President, and Janice Col- lins, Secretary. For the first time in our history, we were fortunate in having a foreign exchange student become a part of our class. Claude Latune of Agen, France, has been with us since September, and has added interest and diversity to our courses. Dick Whitaker received the Good Neighbor award and Carole Woods was named DAR Good Citizen. Louis Giannetti repre- sented us on Good Government Day. When we had returned from Christmas vacation and survived our mid-years, perhaps the most profitable experience of our high school career came with the advent of Dr. Lore Ketzler, a German teacher of an international ex- change program who joined our faculty for a month. All of us were not able to meet her, but those who did received a most broadening outlook on world affairs. The Hurry was now on, and everyone seemed to be busy doing something. The third Science Fair was a great success, and many seniors received prizes. The next big thing to come along was the senior play, which 1 of ., 'if-,X ff? fail' J. ,f f ! Rh, X ' , , ., -Z I ' M9145 A ,4 46 My Xigivffifii, f f ,J-f 11744, stew, ,y V 77 ff Dfw. ffl 1 it al 1. ff i fri F395 l 615 Sfwfillin ri' Le Ziwp ill 5 p m .i,Vlyii W7'M' , 1 , f f 1 iii X il All I A 'jf' .,y!v 4.81 X x 'us' 4 ffff f ifi U is ff zfafaffceff ar ls, l i fi f ,, qv y,,,.i. M Q ,ILE Nl ,, ,. I was acclaimed as tops, and set a precedent which suc- ceeding classes will certainly have a hard time equaling. Mr. Bongarzone directed the production this year, and was assisted by Miss Buckley, formerly of the junior High School. As soon as the play was over, the excitement of graduation hit us, and we've been enveloped ever since. Now it's our week, and we're having a wonderful time. Last night we had our class party, today is our final all- school gathering, tomorrow we look forward to our reception, and next Monday is the day we have been preparing for for twelve years. I think we can all say it has been worth it. Now we're all going our various ways and it hardly seems that our class history is ended. The history that our outstanding class of 1955 will make is just beginning. 19