Norwalk High School - Reminiscentiae Yearbook (Norwalk, CT)

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ing up our ranks. They have enjoyed this year as we have, and have never regretted their decision to complete their lligh School course at N. II. S. School life proceeded rather quietly until our return after the Christmas holiday. It was at this time that we learned that our principal, Mr. Blake, was soon to leave us. lt is but I think that I may amazement. We could occupied by a stranger. Monday morning, when appreciation of our loss, the other classes, for wh impossible to describe the effect of this news upon usg say that our f1rst feeling was one of surprise,-intense scarcely grasp the idea that our office was soon to be To many of us, complete realization did not come until we found the office unoccupied. XVith realization came came sorrow, which, perhaps, we felt more deeply than at was soon to come upon us. Despite the efforts of Mr. Blake, and of all of us, to keep cheerful, the High School was a rather gloomy place during the weeks following the vacation. In connection with this matter, I think we will always remember the last class meeting at which our principal was present. At that time, he told us that a change of principals was nothing but a little matter of re-adjustment, and asked us to extend to our new principal our co-operation. As for the request, we tried to carry it out, but as far as his statement went, I don't think that we agreed with it. The statement in itself might have been correct, but our basis for disagreement was this: that we did not consider Mr. Blake merely as a principal, we considered him as a friend. The two terms are not necessarily synonymous. The days immediately following are better passed over. Let it be sufficient to say that on Monday, February 2, we found ourselves not only without a prin- cipal, but also without a secretary. Hardly less than we missed Mr. Blake, did we miss Miss Leatherland, who was beloved by all. XVe always think of her as one whose face reflected sunshine even on rainy days. Our misfortunes did not end here, however, for, at the same time, many of our teachers were obliged, through sickness, to absent themselves from school. Stormy and unfavorable weather diminished our attendance and made it almost impossible to secure sub- stitutes for the absent teachers. Those were dark days which we do not like to remember. Yet, it was one of those experiences which have drawn us all more closely together, for it was something which touched everyone, both the pupils and the faculty. The darkness was, however, the darkness that precedes the dawn. Soon,-although then it seemed longgour teachers returned, the ofhce was filled and our new principal and secretary arrived. This was a time of general rejoicingg these positions had been left vacant long enough for us to appreciate the huge responsibility that rested upon the occupants of them. Eighty-one ff.

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l 8 i l l l V 4 an U neglect of studies. However the Senior play was soon oxer and we again settled down to the steady and serious work which lasted up to the summer vacation. After the graduation of the Senior Class,-an event which made us Juniors,-- and the closing days of school, we separated for the summer vacation, some with the satisfaction of a year well spent, others, perhaps, without such a satis- faction. but all with a resolve to make the next year a better one. A hun qi' A Wliblvkelvkl' l' QEFTW55-?fi5:K'-77 CIQQ 611114 U Q 1,-.1 x I i X l 1 5. l ...--J ,. ,, , eAl+,. September found us back again at school. Possibly some of us regretted, just at first, that vacation was ended, but on serious thought, the High School seemed dearer to all of us than it had been before. We took up our work with new enthusiasm and with new aims, which, although we have failed to fulfill many of them, were, nevertheless, ideals that we earnestly endeavored to reach. We hope that all those who know and are interested in the Class of 1920 will judge us not by our successes or failures alone, but will consider also our aims and efforts. It was during this year that the epidemic of influenza broke out. Its effects were felt in our school. It seriously affected our attendance. Many, both in our class and in other classes, were victims of the epidemic. It was our class, however, that was the most seriously affected, for it took from us one of the most prominent members. We feel deeply the loss of our classmate, and wish that she were with us, as we approach the completion of our High School course, --yet We should not grieve too deeply for one who has completed her work with honor. Time fled rapidly by and, almost before we knew it, we arrived at the end of our Junior year. The Dramatic Club play took place as usual. Many of our class were members of the cast, and helped to make A Pair of Sixes a success. Then, in June, came Class Day, a time at which we had the. honor of leading in the Seniors. Two days later there came graduation, making us Seniors of the Norwalk High School. After the summer vacation, we returned for the last time, and, perhaps, the hardest year of our High School course. It was in the early part of this year that we organized, elected our class officers, and transacted business necessary for such an organization. The class seemed, this year, to show a deeper serious- r- -1 U. ,K ,.....J ness of purpose. It seemed to realize the necessity of unity of purpose, and in- dividual efforts in co-operation to make a successful record for our class. u At the beginning of this year, there were some who had belonged to our number who did not return to us. Some of these completing their work in A other schools, others taking up different lines of work. Thus we missed some familiar faces, but, on the other hand, new members came to us, thus again lill- Eighty i voug,m1:9:., gg 1lQ4l491l3ll5e '

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VVe wish to congratulate the School Board on its choice of Mr. Blake's and Miss Leatherland's successors. VVe realize that they had to commence their work under conditions that were not especially favorable. We realize also what they have accomplished during the short time that they have been with us. Much might be said concerning the place which Mr. lloward and Miss Benincasa hold among us. but, to put it briefly, they won the respect and regard of the entire student body, and we hope that their stay with us may be a long one. The remainder of the year has been a time of busy preparation. consisting not of play but of work. Preparation ,for the concert given by the musical organizations of our Norwalk lligh School was a task which required long and persistent effort. The class play has required much time and work on the part of the cast, and also on the part of the coaches. We have all been working to- gether to produce the result we all want,-success, and if we have in any .way secured it, we wish to thank those who have always seconded our efforts, con- stantly given encouragement and help, advice and admonition, when neeessaryg those who have shaped and formed, by constant effort, this class that represents tonight their completed work, the Norwalk Board of Education and Mr. lloward and the faculty of the Norwalk lligh School. Writteii by Domus S'1'xoNt:. llighty-two