Taft High School - Eagle Yearbook (Chicago, IL)

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Page 2 Servicemen's Letters Dear Mr. Hoefer and Students: It has been quite a while since I left Taft. It will soon be two years since I enlisted in the Navy. I have been down to San Diego where I received my Basic Training. While I was there, I ran into Joe Ange- rola, who is in the Marines, and we made quite a few liberties together. From there I was sent to Los Angeles to study Diesel engineer- ing. There some of the happiest moments of my Navy life were spent, as I got to see my folks every liberty. From there I got leave and was fortunate enough to spend a few days at Taft seeing the Bud- dies and faculty. After my leave, I returned to San Francisco to await my orders to be shipped over-seas. I was as- signed to a submarine, where I spent some of the most thrilling moments of my life. I have made several War Patrols in submarines. From submarines I was trans- ferred to the U. S. S. Sperry, where I am now. I have seen quite a bit of action out here. Then about two week ago I ran into William Car- bone, also of Miss Beaver's Divi- sion, and we had quite a bit to talk over, mostly about the kids at Taft. I wish I could tell you more of my life in the Navy, but, due to rules of the censors, it is impos- sible. The main reason I wrote this let- ter is to let you know that I think of the good old times at Taft with the Buddies Miss Beaver sends me the Taft Tribune, and I really enjoy reading it. I have written this letter in the hopes that some of my old teachers would drop me a line as well as the students, and all will be answered. I will always be thankful for the education I received at Taft. I will sign off, and know the students of Taft, whether at home or in the service, will do their part to win. the war. I wish to congratulate the facul- ty and students on the wonderful work they are doing in buying War Bonds and Saving Stamps. Norbert E. Mossong, F 2jc U. S. S. Sperry 7th Div. clo Fleet Post Office San Francisco, California. Ed. note: Since receiving Nor- bert's letter we have been informed of his engagement to Marilyn Dae- bel, a graduate of Taft. Taft Students: In a recent letter received from Felix Matarrese, John 0'Toole and Wm. A. Helin they expressed a de- sire to hear from their Taft friends. These three boys are now at the U. S. Naval Traning Station in Great Lakes, Illinois. Address them: Co. 528, U. S. N. T. S. Great Lakes, Illinois. Taft Tribune Mr. L. A. Hoefer and Faculty of Taft High School: It has been quite some time since I've last written, but I assure you it wasn't because I had forgotten Taft. I've been busy moving from Chicago to Memphis, Tennessee and now to Pensacola, Florida. At present I'm stationed here to complete my training as an Aerial Gunner. I find it a very interest- I've fired turrets and held guns. At times I ing study, also hand fired from a stationary platform at target and also from a a moving moving platform at a moving tar- get. My training also includes the 12 gauge shot gun shooting skeet. As for small arms I have fired .22. .38, and .45 caliber pistols. When I finish here in about three weeks I'll be assigned to a squad- ron for combat training which will consist of firing from a plane at a sleeve target being towed by an- other plane. After I complete this training I'll be assigned to the fleet. In the event I,get a leave before I ship out, I would like very much to visit my friends at Taft' in the faculty and student body. I imagine the honor roll at Taft must be quite large by now. I should very much like to see it. I imagine Taft is still buying bonds with the same spirit that made Taft the finest school in Chicago. It shouldn't be long now before Taft will start thinking of football and spring practice. Although we lost some great players by gradua- tion I have every confidence that Taft will turn out a winning team this year as it has in the past. Win or lose though, we will have a team we can be proud of. . William Bill Anders, S1fC W. M. Anders S 1jC AFGS Class 24-44 NAS, Pensacola, Florida 1 Gulf Beach. V N Mr. Hoefer: I received your letter While I still resided in Bozermang however, I left for Santa Ana, California, and did not get a chance to answer. As soon as I arrived at my new base, I took various aptitude and physical examinations. The purpose of these examinations were to de- termine bombardier, navigator, or pilot classifications. I was one of the fortunate 112 men who were classified: 70 as navigators, 25 as pilots and 17 as bombardiers. By the way, I received my first choice, pilot. They stated that the require- ments have been raised to pre-war level, and at that time two years college credts were compulsory. While at my college training de- tachment I received over 10 hours dual instructions, with a 5 and 10 hour check flight. We did all sorts of manuevers, spins, stalls, etc. In a few weeks' I'll start pre-flight which will terminate in two weeks, from there I go to primary basic and advanced. Well Sir, I'l1 close now and give my regards to the faculty and stu- dents. Nick. AVNjC N. J. Tragos Sqd. -26 S. A. A. A. B. Santa na, California. Senior Girls' 'Club fficers v l Standing, left to right: Iomet Zawislak, treasurer: Elvira Brooks, secretary. Seated: Lorraine Kostelny. president: Patricia Berg. vice presidenh' March 10, 19- Non-Coms and Coins Invade Taf' On January 13, Daniel Osco the Air Corps and Steve Lakom of the U. S. Navy visited Taft. B boys looked grand. The 14th of January brou Gregory Kiewitz from Great Lal Adolph Paluch from Camp Ca: bell, Ky., Cpl. Tom Parker fi Camp Howe, Texas, and Rol Warner from Navy Pier, back the halls of Taft. These boys agreed there's no place like service. Cpl. Ronald Scheck of the Air Force visited Taft on the 1 of January while on his furlol from Salt Lake City. Such Taft notables as Reyr Bendl, U. S. Navy, Pvt. Arthur berg, U. S. Army, Gene Pilch, U Infantry, and Robert Ranhert the Air Force visited their m friends 'at Taft. AMC Charles Landerholm 1 Pvt. Robert Dressel both of the Forces ended the list of Janu visitors on the 25th. These l had beautiful tans. ' Arthur Krause, U. S. N: started the February ,visitors apearing, on the lst from G Lakes. Pvt. Don Steck, U. S. Army, Edward Targynski, Army Corps surprised all their fri on February 3, by arriving 1 Denver, and North Carolina spectively. Former Taftites Robert Br U. S. Navy: Ralph Davis, Forceg Pvt. Enzo Frediani, I Infantry, and Pfc. Kenneth chee, Air' Force, visited their l Mater on February 7. Ralph Potter of the Air C honored Taft with his present Feb. 8. He, too, visited old fri and teachers. Best of the Valentines rec- .by Taft on Feb. 14, was in the of Bob Suvada who said tha' Air Force holds his heart. Lester Rizek and George Si both of the Navy, were at Ta the 15th of Feb. George had on the high seas and looks the of an old salt. George Patterson, Air F Henry Vandenbergh, U. S. I and Al Verhearck, U. S. Nav grads of Taft, were seen on 16. These boys just couldn't coming back to their Alma Z while on furlough. Taft was you stopped, boys. Cpl. Chuck, Gauger, U. S. . and Pvt. Robert 4Maggiel ll son, U. S. Army, both well 14 former athletics at Taft, visit on the 18th of Feb. Maggie couldn't seem to get enoug Taft while on his furlough. 4 Remember, Servicemen, you ways welcome at Taft.

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Ylusicians Launch slew Spring Plans The three people that have work- so hard for Taft's famed music partment, Mrs. Lino, Mrs. Scan- r1 and Mr. Pops Rapier, have inched a new music season which omises to be a huge success. The Girls' Chorus, under the di- :tion of Mrs. Lino is the largest has ever been. They say that ere is safety in numbers but if u happen to be walking past 301 ring the third period you'll find t that there is music in numbers o. Dn January 12, the chorus rated E in the choral competition ld at Roosevelt High School. This nester, the chorus of more than a ndred members, began working a cantata for the Spring Music stival. This is something new in 1 experience of the chorus, and eh member is looking forward to with much enthusiasm. The can- a will include solos by various mbers of the chorus. 'he Chorus officers are: 'resident-Lorraine Kostelny Vice-President-Dorothy Nissen Lecretary-Eunice Ringquist 'reasurer-Rosemary Mertes librarians- Dolores Tolsen, Pa- :la Klar, Mary Helen Smith. ccompanists-Val Morales, Phyl- Finlayson, Ethel Dahlquist he Mixed Chorus, with Mrs. nlon as the director is supported t goodly number of healthy lo0k- tenors and basses fplugj. They putting Fred Waring to shame nostl, with their rendition of .gy Carmeichal's immortal Star- :. Officers in this organization 2 not yet been elected. Pops Rapier and his gang are king hard for the annual High mol Orchestra and Band compe- n to be held during the month lpril. As you may remember, ther gears we have made quite ace for ourselves through this est and Pops and The 1gsters are doing their best to 1 again . . . More power to you! atch and listen for the results lis early and vigorous start, it's d to get results. Preston Bradley Address P. T. A. tention Taftites! Please tell parents not to confuse the h 20 meeting of the P.T.A. the evening meeting of that lization on the 28th of March. Preston Bradley will be the :er at the evening meeting. zts are 35c and may be secured any board member of the Taft Trib ne 1 Vol. X. No. l Taft High School. Chicago, Illinois March 10, 1944 Navy Explains V-5 Program 4A boys who are 17 and 18 years old and interested in taking the V-5 examination for Navy Aviation Cadet training should see Mrs. Far- rell in room 114 as soon as pos- sible. There are two parts to the V-5 test, a mechanical aptitude and a mental test, a sample copy of which is available for your inspec- tion ln room 114. The mechanical aptitude seems to be based almost entirely on Physics, according to Taft students who have taken it. Physics is not given as a require- ment, but, as a yeoman in the Navy V-5 office said, It certainly helps. This brings up two problems. Our advice would be to take the test as late in the semester as possible if you are now enrolled in Physics II. The Navy, however, has a quote to meet and may do this before the end of the semester. Those who have completed a year of Physics should certainly make arrange- ments to take the examinations lm- medlately. It is urged in this connection that all boys interested particularly in V-5, complete Physics in their junior year in order to be able to take these tests, lf necessary, in 4B. The tests can be taken only once and the mechanical aptitude must le passed or the mental is not given. To qualify, a boy must be in the upper two-thirds of the male enrollment of his class and an an- onymous toard of not less than three facultv members must pass on his qualifications as to leader- ship and moral character, and be able to recommend that he has the character and potential abilities re- quired of a commissioned officer in the United States. Following are the requirements for certain V programs: a high school diploma by July 1, 1944: age 17 or 18 yearsg height 5, 4 min. and 6. 4 max.: vision 20f20 each eve with normal color perception! weight 115 pounds, minimum, but must be in proportion to height: 18 vital sound teeth. The V-12 programs are apparent- ly closed at the v-resent time excent to medical, dental and theological students. Any Taft student con- sidering entering these school im- mediately after graduation should investigate this program. Eve re- quirements are not as great in the V-12 program. Robert Forney Wins Scholarship In competition with hundreds of high school and college boys from all over the state of Illinois, Robert Forney received notification that he is the winner of Senator C. Way- land Brooks appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Robert scored 485 points out of a possible 500. The next contestant was five points lower. Robert was only sixteen and a 4B at the time he took the examina- tion in January of this year. Robert is a major, the highest ranking officer, in the Taft ROTC. He is president of the Taft Honor Society, chairman of the City of Chicago Clean-up Campaign in 1943 and chairman of the Taft represen- tation at the High School Confer- ence of the American Institute of Pacific Relations. He was the win- ner of the High School Mathematics contest held in June, 1943. He is a member of the Taft Drama Club, and also a member of the Edison Park Drama Club. During his fresh- man year, he was voted the Ideal Taftite. Robert's interesting hobby is rifle marksmanship, and he now holds the expert rating in the Nation- al Rifle Association and the ex- pert rating for the United States Army. He was undecided whether he should try for Annapolis or for Robert Fomey West Point, but his ROTC exper- ience helped him to decide in favor of West Point. In March he will spend several days at Fort Sher- idan taking additional qualifying examinations. He will enter West Point in July, 1944, shortly after graduation. R. O. 11 C. A ppoints New Ufyqcers Taft's ROTC rifle team fired its first match of the semester on Feb. 7, 1944. Although most of the mem- bers were suffering from a bad case of buck fever, they acquitted themselves well in this combined Service Command and City High School match. The members of the team, in the order in which they finished are: Robert Forney, Rob- ert Kolpek, John Danielson, Edward Ferguson, Hartly Kopke, Henry Hand, Ralph Mueller, Kenneth Mortonson, Donald Benedict, and Ernest Pfaff. On March 10, a four man Taft team will fire in the Hearst Trophy Match. The members of this team will be: Edward Ferguson, Robert Kolpek, John Danielson, and Rob- ert Forney. This match, plus a prac- tice match with Von Steuben, and a match with the faculty tif they'll come out and fightj will conclude the activities of the team for the season. On March 27, the picked platoon from Taft will participate in a con- test with platoons from other units. Sleepy-eyed cadets may be seen ar- riving at the school at 7:30 a. m. to participate in practice for this event. The annual federal inspec- tion of the unit is scheduled to take place on May 7 at 9:00 a. m. Appointments of officers for this semester have been made as fol- lows: Lt. Colonel-Robert Forney: Captains-Edward Ferguson, James Will, Thomas Craft, and Clifford Netterstrom: lst Lieutenants - Kenneth Mortonson, Ralph Meul- ler, Leonard Nettnin, Raymond Relchard, Alfred Ebenhahn, Dale Padgitt, Donald Swanson, and Roy Larson. Appointments of non-cim- 1-iissioned officers will be published as soon as they are confirmed.

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'larch 10, 1944 A's Lead Taft 'Ionor Roll Seventy-six Taftites attained ther four S's or three S's and one in their course books for last se- ester's final mark, thus earning r themselves a place on the Taft onor Roll. Of the seventy-six, the reshmen claim the lead with fenty-four members. Following are the names of these udents listed according to year: 1A Caryl Huck, Richard 0'Connell, 'illiam Nemec, Jack Mason. Juglas Maier, Constance Biedler, abelle Sears, Russell Stanton, me Bidler, Vera Mae Gorr, Mary me Kalm, LeRoy Kurth, Rose- ary Wyszyk, Richard Schwend- an, Richard Rogers, Lois Kapton, 'iscilla Knight, June Novak. izabeth Outland, Joyce Crooks, relyn Darling, Roger Ginger, :orge Luecke, and Edward Simon- n. 2B Arlis Johnson, Arleen Heen. Ed- trd Kroll, Jane Parrish, Grace mglund, and Lydia Bitter. 2A Carol Sharman, Stuart Payne, lirley Stuertz, Joan Timble, Su- nne Estes, Barbara Lighthall, ice Linn, Haleen Meyer, Marilyn pka, Mary Napier, Nona James, .rbara Nelson, Dorothy Wolkober. d Gloria Cheli. 3B William Avery, Leona Nettland, fnneth Vandervoort, Vera Fied- ', Carol Simonson, and Patricia rney. 3A Dorothy Sharman, Barbara Whit- r, Germaine Peterman, Tom .ll, Karen Madsen, and Elizabeth tersen. 4B Isabelle Moravec, Dolores Klisch, arlene Samuelson, Tom Craft, th Biesenthal, James Will, Dan hneider, Margery Bigler, Mary lton, and Marion Doemland. 4A Robert Forney, Georgia Lee mrton, Carol Gerhardt, Janet wislak, Richard Femmel, Bever- McLean, Robert Moreau, Howard iberman, and Jane Wildeman. :rvicemen Are Grateful Jr Taft News 'I would like very much to ex- ess my thanks to the Taft Honor :iety for sending the Taft Trib- e to me as well as all of its grad- zes who are now in the service. Lt. Hilliard S. Dura. 81 Glider F. H. Bn. I. P. 0. 452 lamp Marshall, N. C. Taft Tribune Page 3 In a letter to Mr. Hoefer, Floyd Gilbert stated: Just a few lines to let you know that I received the Servicemen's issue of the Taft Tribune. I enjoyed every page and every message that was written about the boys in the service. It makes me feel so proud to hear and see what the school is doing for the men in the service. Pfr. Floyd Gilbert, 36707884. Co. H lst Trng. Regt. Drew Field. Fla.. In December. the Honor Society sent every service man from Taft a Christmas issue of the Taft Trib- une. Letters of appreciation from many of the boys, proved the idea was a complete success. I certainly enjoyed reading the Taft Tribune, said Bob Wilkins. It makes me think of the time when I was enrolled at Taft. Cpl. Robert Wilkin, 441st Base Hq. and Air Base Sqd. - Mellville, N. J. Dear Miss Berquist: You probably don't remember me because I didn't remain around school much more than for my classes. I graduated in June 1943. I am writing this short letter to thank you and the students 1'espon- sible for sending the school news- paper to us former Taftites, now in the service of our country. I en- joyed reading the Taft Tribune, especially the graduation issue. I am no longer at the address you have been sending the papers to. I had my basic training there and was then shipped to a regular out- fit. I was rejected from the A. S. T. P. fArrny Specialized Training Programj on the completion of my basic training, because of the lack of mathematics. I didn't take any because the line of work I was go- ing into didn't require any. I was then transferred to another outfit, but still in Fort Benning. I am in the Service Company of the 300th Infantry. Our job is to transport the supplies. At present I have a simple job. I drive a Major around. In a short while I hope to go to a Mechanics School. Pot. Hillard Kulik. Pvt. Hillard Kulik-1617180 Service Co., 300th Infantry. Fort Benning. Georgia. .U S. Army. CLUB OF THE MO TH Mr. Hoefer's choice for a club t0 inaugerate this new feature, the club of the month, in the Taft Trib- une, is the Honor Society, one of Taft's oldest and most active or- ganizations. This club is composed of stu- dents who maintained an E aver- age or better throughout high school. The present officers of the society are Bob Forney, president: Shirley Lidell, vice president: Dolores Kane, secretary: and Nan- cy Knight, treasurer. The faculty sponsor of the society is Miss Mabel Berquist. The Honor Society has had an interesting and eventful history from the very day that it was founded. During the first year of Taft's existence, there was no Honor Society. However, a system was devised for recognizing honor students on an honor roll. Eighty students made the honor roll dur- ing the first year. In September of 1940, the society was organized with Miss Martha Hinkel as spon- sor, Joanne Shaw was the one with whom the idea of a society orig- inated The first officers were Steve Majercik, president, Verna. Alm, vice-president, Irene Wells, secre- tary, and Jack Winton, treasurer. When Steve graduated in February '41, Jack Winton became president. On April 25, 1941, the society spon- sored a Flower Festival and dance. The membership, in this year, was 219. In September of 1941, the Honor Society elected Robert Smith, pres- identg Charlotte Frank, vice-presi- dentg Doris Zonsius, secretary, and Robert Dyni, treasurer. On Novem- ber 18, 1941, the Honor Society presented a Variety Show, display- ing the various talents of the hon or students. During this semester, the honor society had 280 members. The same officers served the fol- lowing semester. 1 In September 1942, the Honor Society's tireless sponsor, Miss Hin- kel, retired from the teaching pro- fession, and Miss Berquist became the guiding light of the organiza- tion. In this year, Curtis Johnson was elected president: George Miles, vice-president, and Carmele- ta Larocco, secretary-treasurer. The society sponsored a, Christmas party during the semester, and some of the members were enter- tained at a party given by the Amundsen chapter of the National Honor Society. At Christmas time, the society furnished gifts for a grab bag for soldiers and sailors at the Chicago Servicemen's Cen- ter. This year the Honor Society's membership increased to 341. Hon- or cards were given to 74 graduat- ing seniors in June '43, in recogni- tion of four years of high scholar- ship. During the past semester the society welcomed its new members. sent the Servicemen's Issue of the Taft Tribune to 350 former Taft- ites, now in the service, and pre- sented Honor cards to 34 graduates of the February '44 class. The many worthwhile activities and good times, which are to be found in the Honor Society, makes a little extra effort in scholarship a small price to attain membership in so worthy an organization. New Profs Arrive Mr. Earl Campbell, one of the newest additions to Tafts faculty, obtained his knowledge in the field of General Science from the Uni- versity of Nebraska, Northwestern and Teachers College. Mr. Camp- bell is a former member of Lane's faculty. Asked what he thought of Taft, Mr. Campbell replied, I like Taft very much. It has a very fine student body and the faculty is co- operative. too. Every one at Taft is very friendly and sociable. Miss Regina Brown, our new mathematics and physics teacher, is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan. Before coming to Taft she taught at Schurz. Her experiences in teach- ing have been quite extensive as she taught all kinds of mathemat- ics, science, English and social stu- dies. In her opinion the students of Taft a1'e tops and she believes that Taft is the most beautiful school at which she has been priv- ileged to teach. Mr. Michael Galland is another new member of Taft's faculty. Mr. Galland won his Bachelor of Sci- ence degree for Physical Education at the University of Illinois. He was the captain of the Cross Coun- try track team and coached basket- ball at Steinmetz two years before coming to Taft. Mr. Galland was horn in southern Illinois and attended Glen Bard High School where he won eight letters. Coach Galland said, Taft is a very fine school, the students seem polite and very respectful.