Ranchester High School - Rustler Yearbook (Ranchester, WY)

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THE OUTSTANDING COMPOSITION FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE YEAR icterica d (ZoHtri utuui fax PextHOMCKt Peace We, as Americans, and as a government, are again working for peace. Bitterly, through two wars in thirty years, we have learned the unworkableness of treaties not based on sincerity and trust. Though we are not always willing to follow every new scheme, the American people have had faith, and by contributions in money, talent, and service have shown the world we are not aggressive. We prefer to live by just deci- sions, so that all people might live without fear. Today we realize more profoundly than ever that any mistake we, or any other nation make, causes trouble everywhere. History shows that nations keep repeating the same mistakes. These often lead to war and sorrow that eventually must be settled, after all, at a so-called “peace table.” Because that which diplomats have written and called “peace” has merely been the seeds of more war, America realizes she must take her place in leadership among nations and can no longer be indifferent should oppression reappear. Early America grew re- spected and great because the people were willing to follow leaders who then united in their contributions to give us our “American way of life.” Their principles we offer now a? a basis for living in harmony with all peoples. Our present leaders are, in a sense, the descendants of our country’s founders. They, too, we offer with their talents and our heritage to help the world lay aside suspicion and hatred. What we have done in the past is but a stepping stone to what me must do now. This country is one nation. It is under one peaceable, workable government, thru which it has progressed to be a leader of nations. This country is not one race, religion, or belief. It is a combination of many peoples, religions and ideals. It could have been foty eight nations instead of forty eight states that could have been in constant turmoil among themselves and other peoples. It could have been, like the Balkans, “a pot that brews trouble”. Instead, our history of achievements proves that with united efforts we can peacefully settle our differences. We can take the best of many ideas and make them into a powerful family of free and happy people who are the envy of the world. Our greatest contribution then, is not our wealth, or even our sacrifices. It is the working model of our glorious past. This includes the very basis of mankind’s dreams and history’s failures—equality and justice under the law, and freedom from tyranny and aggression. These, and much more, have been our blessings for over a century and a half. We offer them now with whole hearted unselfishness to a distracted world. We, as a people, offer willingness to accept the necessary changes in our own traditions, if these changes are for the eventual benefit of all minkind. We offer our leaders to co- operate and work out with the peace makers of the earth a world that includes the se- curity that is America’s. CATHERINE FEIDOR JUNIOR Ranchester High School. 22 (This paper placed first in Sheridan County in the essay contest conducted by the American Legion Auxiliary. March 15, 1947)

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Of great Help likewise to the promotion of better music in our school has been the Sheridan Music Club which is a member of the “National Federation of Music Clubs.” The Sheridan chapter chose as their project this year the promotion of music apprecia- tion in Rural Schools of Sheridan County. The ladies raised their money through sale of tickets on a radio-phonograph. Their first favor to Ranchester was in sending Mr. Jack Shields to tune our pianos. Later they presented us with twenty-one copies of the “Blue Book of Songs”, a most usable edition of Standard School songs. The most lavish contribution was their gift of an electric victrola and several al- bums of records. These albums had been especially requested for the lower grades with the belief that if proper attention was given this vital subject in the primary room a foundation for appreciation can then be formed that can be fully developed in the later grades. The albums include some fine recordings of folk songs and dances, standard marches and lighter symphonic suites. Early in the school year the board purchased “On Wings of Song,” books required for teaching the senior and junior choir songs. All the grades have done well in learn- ing the songs for this school year and of course have enjoyed many of the other selec- tions as well. The Sheridan Club has started a library of records which will be available to us next year. They will be checked out as one does library books, through the county super- intendent’s office. In every way the further enjoyment and appreciation of music looks bright for our school. Judge not thy friend till thou standest in his place.—Hillel. It is a good thing to be rich, and a good thing to be strong, But it is a better thing to be loved of many friends.—Euripides. Of what shall a man be proud if he is not proud of his friends?—Stevenson. Books are the true levellers. They give to all, who will faithfully use them, the society, the spiritual presence, of the best and greatest of our race.—W. E. Channing. 21

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THE OUTSTANDING COMPOSITION FROM THE GRADE SCHOOL FOR THE YEAR 7 Jlte 7( en 1 See 7«£e rftHeri ui 'yUay When I see the American flag, I think first of the days of the Revolutionary War, when Betsy Ross made the first flag. Whjn I think of its making I see the stars ap- pearing on the blue horizon as the flag grew with territorial progress. I think, too, of the contribution of each new territory in exchange for the equality of statehood. The flag stands as a symbol of national growth, power, and influence, of union and of liberty. The red stands for valor, the white for purity and the idealism of broth- erhood and peace. The blue is for truth, proved by our history to be a way of tolerant living among the peoples who have made America. I think these qualities fit America perfectly because it is of such that the United States is composed. I think of the innumerable stories of friendships both close and distant, and, most interesting of all, the stories of the steadfast, determination, the tireless courage, gallant- ry, and the concentrated devotion of the patriotic Americans who fought and, if need be died, to make America what it is and stands for today. I think of the Civil War where in many places brother fought brother, though each fought for the ideals that the flag had always meant to him. I think of the first World War where men again fought and many died for the same ideals. But most deeply stamped in my mind, because it took place during my life time are the battles and the terrible devastation caused by the second World War. All this may only be a small part to what it will mean in the future. I think, too, that because of the nations’ failing to be truthful and fair, the flag has seen too much sor- row. Because sorrow and bloodshed have followed the flag, may we add to its historical meanings a new thought of understanding tmd brotherly love among all nations? Then our flag will forever be a symbol of happiness and faith to the peoples of other coun- tries as well as to ourselves! DALE SCHILLING. Grade 8 (This paper was submitted to the D. A. R. Essay Contest to be judged May 15. 1947 as the representa- tive paper from Ranchester School) 21