Agawam High School - Sachem Yearbook (Agawam, MA)

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24 AGAWAM HIGH SCHOOL found that it was small enough to fit into two regular class rooms: Miss Smith’s and Miss Phealan’s. For a second time Ronald Johnson was chosen president. Jane Hamblen was the new vice-president; Adele Swanson, secretary; Clayton Moore, treasurer. Edward Bessette, Frances Lucardi, and Ronald Johnson joined the ranks of the Student Council. This fall football appealed to three of the boys in the class; Daniel Di Donato, Ronald Johnson, and Robert Bennett. At the game with Turners Falls, Robert Bennett caught the pass that meant victory for Agawam. This victory helped us win the Western Massachusetts Championship. The Cabaret started the social activities off with a “bang.” It was a great success. The decorations gave the auditorium a Spanish appearance. The entertainment was clever and interesting, especially a whistling solo by Elaine LaFleche. Once more the entire school enjoyed a beautiful Christmas Assembly. This year it was, “Dust of the Road,” given by the Dramatic Club. Several of the class of ’34 took part. The annual operetta, “Captain Crossbones,” was held in February. Two of the most popular features of this presenta- tion were a Gypsy dance by Frances Lucardi and a Spanish dance by Elizabeth Bloom. Of course the gala event of this year was the Junior-Senior Promenade. The auditorium was changed into the deck of a ship with gay pennants of crimson and silver floating from the mast. The rigging was from the Sea Scouts’ ship, “Viking.” The Class of ’34 had a small share in the commencement exercises this year. Bernice Halladay and Catherine Spaight, as marshals, led the graduates down the aisles to the plat- form. Alas, Senior Year had to come. In the fall of 1933, the members of the Class of ’34 came back, much more dignified, to take the front row seats in assembly, and they did not hesitate to assist the faculty in the running of the school. The members of the class voted this year to be guided in their activities by Ronald Johnson, president; Jane Hamblen, vice-president; Adele Swanson, secretary; and William Cassens, treasurer. It was largely through the efforts of these officers that all projects undertaken were most successfully accomplished. The repre- sentatives in the Student Council this year were Ronald John- son, Edward Bessette, Bernice Halladay, Fred Bennett, Frances Lucardi, Elaine LaFleche, and Sam Provo. Manjr members of the class served on the staff of the “Weekly Mirror,” a four-page newspaper. It was published

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1934 YEAR BOOK 23 marched gallantly down to the stage to receive “A’s” for ful- filling certain health and sport requirements. Several boys received letters and awards for their work on the baseball, basketball, and football teams. Then, one day just before the close of school, the goats “got one on” the sheep—they picnicked all by themselves at Lake Congamond. They reported excellent swimming. After a summer of fun the members of ’34 returned to school to discover that they were no longer to be separated, the sheep from the goats, but in some mysterious way they were divided into three groups under the supervision of Miss Phealan, Miss Belyea, and Miss Mansfield. The officers for this year were: president, Ronald Johnson; vice-president, Odette Bessette; secretary, Shirley Ilawkes; treasurer, Grant Sackett. Bernice Halladay and Raymond Montagna represented their class in the Student Council. This year every one was all set to shine in a social way. The Sophomore Hallowe’en Party was originated at this time. It was a brilliant affair with costumes ranging all the way from pirates’ attire to the rags of Raggedy Ann. The judges decided that awards should go to Doris Svenson and Robert Smith, who had the funniest “get-up” and to Lena Lodi and Myrven Barnard, who had the best costumes. In May several members of the class journeyed to Norwood with the school orchestra to take part in the orchestra contest. They didn’t carry away any prizes, but they had an interesting and profitable trip. Again this fall, talent was needed for the operetta and Fern Miller was chosen for the second lead in “Jerry of Jerico Road.” She made a fine “Sandy.” Daniel Di Donato, Richard Shields, Elizabeth Bloom, and Joseph Assad had parts in the Christmas play, “Solitaire.” Later in the year the Dramatic Club gave “The Valiant.” In the cast were Daniel Di Donato, Joseph Assad, Odette Bessette, and Clayton Moore. This year several members of the class became interested in sports. Raymond Montagna, Ronald Johnson, and Henry Alvergini went out for basketball. Sam Provo hit a home run at one of the baseball games, which proved to all spectators that no one need worry about Sam as long as he could “hit them like that.” Robert Bennett directed his efforts toward football. At the beginning of the Junior Year, the Class of ’34

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1934 YEAR BOOK 25 this year instead of the “Agawam Mirror” which had formerly been issued four times a year. Fern Miller was editor-in-chief, and Fred Bennett was the business manager. “Pinafore,” the operetta which was given in the fall, was the most ambitious operetta ever produced in the Agawam High School. Fern Miller and Richard Shields had the leading parts. Unfortunately Richard Shields was too ill to appear in the final performance, but the rule, “The show must go on,” prevailed. Everett Ferrell substituted ably for Richard. Along in December there came to the Seniors a great yearn- ing to play and frolic as the “kiddies” do. Committees were immediately formed and a most joyful party was planned. The dignified Seniors appeared as little girls and boys ready for an evening of such games as “Drop the Handkerchief” and “Farmer in the Dell.” Santa came from behind a gigantic Christmas tree, with a great big bag full of gifts for all. After long deliberation, the judges decided that costume prizes be awarded to Fern Miller and Donald Gensheimer. The question, “Why the Chimes Rang,” was answered in the Christmas Assembly given by the Dramatic Club. The mem- bers of the cast included Daniel Di Donato, Joseph Assad, and Elizabeth Abrams of the Senior Class. During the winter months, the only big event was the dinner party given to members of the Pro Merito Society by Miss Smith. This class had eleven members: Elizabeth Abrams, Jane Hamblen, Elizabeth Bloom, Bernice Halladay, Ray- mond Montagna, Lena Lodi, Shirley Hawkes, Adele Swanson, Winifred Carroll, Rose Brusseau, Catherine Spaight. The Valley Wheel was formed by some of the smaller schools in this vicinity to further friendship between the schools. Agawam proudly entered in a dramatic contest with the play, “High Heart.” The six members of the cast did an excellent piece of work, although they did not win. The Student Council had put on several dances during the few years of its existence, but the one that they sponsored this year was the most elaborate. The most exciting performance which was ever put on in the Agawam High School was the senior play, “Remote Control.” The quiet John Kennedy took the part of Dr. Workman, a spir- itualist who was killed by a mysterious hand. It turned out to be Joe Assad’s hand. Some of the beautiful girls enacted the role of Junior Leaguers most cleverly. Clayton Moore and Jane Hamblen were excellent in the leading parts, while Calvin Hewey surprised everyone by his clever acting as the comedian.