Washington High School - Lens Yearbook (Portland, OR)

Page 7 text:

To the Student Body Past experiences with the Youth of America. especially as l have contacted them in the public schools during the last quarter of a century, have convinced me of the importance and absolute necessity of taking more and better prepara- tion for their education and civic training. I have observed the progress that has been made from generation to gener- ation in the practical arts and sciences: so also have I ob- served the advancement that has been, and is being made. by the Youth of our country. The school boys and girls of today. both elementary and high, astonish, and often he- wilder their elders with their frankness and their know- ledge. not only of human relations but of the conduct of civic affairs. While the Youth of today in some of their activities exhib- it a recklessncss not indulged by their elders, they also im- press the careful observer with their sincerity of purpose and determination to reach the goals that they have set up. In view of the fact that the environment with which the Youth of today is surrounded is not entirely of their own making, but is due, largely, to the adult generation with whom they live, an understanding of all those factors re- sponsible for human behavior must be had in order prop- erly to evaluate Youth activity and Youth movements. It is my firm conviction, gained from my past experiences in dealing with Youth. that individually and collectively a great majority of them are far superior in character and behavior to any standard of excellence that might reason- ably be hoped for considering the present social and eco- nomic situations. My desire and constant purpose shall be. while serving thc schools of Portland as Superintendent. to bring to the Youth of this city increased facilities for their advancement and an enlarged field for their activities. Looking forward to an opportunity when l may meet the studcnts. personally. of the several high school student- bodies. I am Sincerely yours. RALPH E. DUGD.-X l.l'l Superintendent.