Acton Boxborough Regional High School - Torch Yearbook (Acton, MA)

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2 Editor-in-chief , 4 Assistant Editors . Business Managers Girls' Sport Editors Boys' Sport Editors Faculty Advisors THE TORCH THE TORCH AVTUN HIGH SITIIOUII Acton, Mass. STAFF , CYNTHIA PRICE ,IRENE GRANBERG MABEL CHARTER MILTON LOCKE DEXTER KELLEY MARION McGUIRE PAULINE ALDRED JAMES MERRIAM ROBERT TAYLOR MISS M. TOWNE MISS M. BOORNAZIAN ,- .1 . T1 l IH ' H STA FF Ban-k Row: M. Towne Qlfaic-llltyi. R. Tzlylor. J. yl'PI'l'lIl1I!. M' .Tiocklx D. Ke-lley. M. nll0I'IllLIilll 1l :uu Front Row: U. Prim-, M. M1-Uuiro. M. f'hm'te-r. I. Grmxh.-rg, P. Aldrod.

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5777, ' A 'Q gI.',? f 'W' lil W MISS ELSIE V. BIXBY fMrs. Walter Gordonj DEDICATION IN MEMORIAM 53' ,A We dedicate this year book to the memory d'f1iMiss Elsie V. Bixby lMrs. Walter Gordonj who patiently and wisely advised the pupils of Acton High School for ten years. She was not only a teacher, but a beloved friend. Miss Bixby will live long in the hearts of her pupils. e 3 vveegv? ????e?f? T-Q

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iiwyv ,yi 9 THE TORCH 3 EDITORIALS WHAT NEXT ? During the past year I have talked with a number of seniors concerning their near future. In general they are hopeful, confident that a way will open for them to accomplish what they wish. Those seeking a college education are impressed with the bulletin board announcements of scholarships and visiting days at various New England institutions.. A number of commercial course Seniors write on their future plan blanks their intention to take further business training. A few students mention commercial art, nursing, religion, or other occupations, and many are undecided In following up the written intention of Seniors by personal interviews, I find that they are still quite general in their plans. Only a few really see a way which they are sure is right for them. The majority, when asked exactly how they expect to carry out their plans, cannot think of the first step. Those who have not a distant goal are especially unfortunate, because they do not even know in what direction to take a step. This in itself is not bad, since it is sometimes better to wait before making a decision. The danger lies in waiting too long. One admires the spirit of ambition, the determination to be a success in an interesting line of work, but this spirit of ambition appears to be, in many cases, only a spirit. Carefree students, however, who today face the problem of getting a job next year, may still be the first to succeed if they possess one human quality, the ability to get along with people. It can be argued that students in high school are not experienced enough to select a life goal, and that, because of their youth, they do not know how to reach it. Why ask them to think out the next step? Why not ask the teachers, parents, and friends to do that? In real life most important personal decisions are made by yourself. True enough, others may furnish you with facts on which to base your decisions, they may an wer your questions or point out errors in your thinging, but certainly they cannot force you to do with your life what you do not wish. I make a plea to all students to get in the habit of thinking about their dis- tant life goal, and, at the same time, to decide on the next best step that will lead them in the right direction. The Seniors who have vague notions about the distant future appear now to be the most confident. I fear they will be rudely awakened. The few who have centered their thoughts on a definite future may not today seem so confident, but they are taking definite steps to solve their problem. As soon as they tart they will find help in abundance. Good luck to you all. RICHARD B. GREENMAN. - i....... TODAY! TOMORROW? Over the radio into millions of homes in the United States flashed the start- ling news! Airplanes over Madrid had showered death, destruction and painful in-g jury on the unsuspecting city! At the last report it had been estimated that over 400 were dead and countless unfortunate souls wounded. This is how men, living in a supposedly democratic world, are now occupying themselves. Killing their own countrymen! This so-called civilized world is certainly constructed in a very peculiar way. Any who will kill innocent men, women and children because a certain few have the lust for power, are lacking in will power and courage. You say that those who refu e to execute the orders given will be shot or placed in prison for an unlimited time. But I say, What can half a dozen determined men do against thousands of people-just as determined-but determined in a constructive sort of way? Today, over every country in the world loom dark, glowering war clouds. Mars constantly keeps his sword sharpened and shield prepared for use. As the sound of many disturbances reach his ears, he smiles. He thrives on wholesale slaughter and Ianguishes unless he is able to see the sufferings of war. Will the nations please him and slaughter or maim for life the young and old? It is despicable to wander through the corridors of the hospitals that care for the living dead. The inmates here do not have to speak to express their views on conflict. Look at the stoop of their shoulders, the clenching of fists, and the smouldering glow in the depths of their unhappy eyes. Then, again, perhaps they