Agawam High School - Sachem Yearbook (Agawam, MA)

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26 AGAWAM HIGH SCHOOL One night in May, the Juniors turned the auditorium into a beautiful garden and entertained the Seniors at their Prome- nade iust as the Class of ’34 had done for the Seniors of the preceding year. The days between the Prom and the last assembly were a mad rush of planning foi class night, the year book, banquet, and graduation. However, some of the boys found time to go out for baseball: Alvergini, Belcher, Hennessey, and Montagna. So with scarcely time to realize it, the class of '34 ended its career at the Agawam High School. ODETTE BESSETTE, FRANCES LUCARDI Class Prophecy Scene Dr. Johnson’s office (Dr. Johnson is a famous plastic surgeon.) Time 1945. (Lena is sitting at a desk busily writing. The door opens and Adele walks in.) Adele: Is Dr. Johnson in? Lena: (Still writing) Dr. Johnson is busy at present. You’ll—(looking up) why, Adele, what are you doing here ? Adele: Why, hello Lena! 1 certainly am glad to see vou again. Fred Bennett, the big boss of the Springfield Union sent me over to get news of Grant Sackett’s latest airplane crash. Was he hurt very badly? Lena: Very slightly. Only a cracked skull and two broken legs. He’s been here often. This was the 37th plane that he wrecked. Adele: Is he good! He must have taken lessons at the Hewey Aviation School. Lena: Sit down, Adele. I have a surprise for you. Adele: (Sitting down) Some news for my paper? Lena: Did you know that Donald Gensheimer and Edward Zielinski drew the plans for the new Agawam Bridge which was dedicated last Sunday? Adele: Why no! Lena: And our schoolmate, Irene Kalafut, officiated at the opening.

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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.

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1934 YEAR BOOK 27 Adele: Lena: Ade c: Patient Lena: Adele: Lena: Adele: Lena: Adele: Lena: Adele: Lena: So Renie’s getting important isn’t she? Now, here’s something you didn’t know. Who do you suppose founded the New Agawam Mutual Insurance Com- pany? Ernest Stone! Rose Brusseau is the head secretary, and Shirley Hawkes is head bookkeeper. Beverly Needham, Mary Chagnon, Evelyn Cowles, and Doris Svenson are working there, too. It sounds as if half the class were there! And here’s some news about the High School. Miss Smith and Miss Ward aren’t teaching any more. They have retired and are living in a chateau on the Riviera. Elizabeth Abrams and Bernice Halladay have taken their places. Jennie White is head of the art depart- ment now, and Virginia Birchard, of the girls’ physical culture classes at Agawam. (Patient, all bandaged up, walks in with aid of crutch.) Can 1 see the doctor? The doctor is busy at present. Please wait in the next room. (Patient leaves room.) And I didn’t tell you that Lydia Pisano and Helen Ramah are gym teachers in the grade schools, and that Leonard Belcher is taking Harmon Smith’s place as coach. Did any of our class get through college? Oh yes, I forget to tell you. Winifred Carroll was graduated from New Rochelle, and Jane Hamblen has finished an art course at Paris. Raymond Mon- tagna—can you imagine it?—Ray’s head of the new cooking course at Yale. Well, what do you know? % I rode to Springfield this morning in one of Henry Kessler’s new busses. What a change from the Toonerville trollies we used to have. Yes, I know. Night before last I rode down in one to see the latest musical comedy at Court Square, “Spying Down to Reno.” Oh, that’s the one Fern Miller (Mrs. Ray Hubert) wrote, and Bob Smith directed isn’t it? Yes, you ought to see it. Joe Assad is leading man, and guess who is in the chorus? Eunice Bitgood and Lillian Ardizoni. They both got their training at the Hastings’ Dancing School. Helen Cascella and Frances Lucardi sing some of the cutest songs. To-