Altavista High School - Nuntius Yearbook (Altavista, VA)

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otwa ele Aa adh N a fine September morning of 1937 there was heard throughout the town a vigorous pealing of school bells. This sudden action, which terrified the younger citizens, meant but one thing: war had been declared. The students of Altavista High School were out to conquer Knowledge for their own. With much excitement and a feeling of importance, privates, who had been in training camp for seven long years, reported for action on the school campus. We were welcomed by a new commander- in-chief, J. D. Meade, who quickly organized us into a regiment known as Freshmen. With Sergeant Mergler at our head and Colonel Tomko as our teacher sponser, we began the march to our long desired goal, which was four long years away. Although we were looked down upon by upper classmen and faced many obstacles known to every Freshman class, we advanced steadily. Suddenly the clouds grew darker as the privates were faced with the heaviest fire in the battle for knowledge, examinations. We were completely baffled and were ready to turn back but Colonel Tomko ordered us to march forward. The battle raged for almost a week and some were seriously wounded, but for the most part we were victorious. After this terrific encounter we were given a leave of three months with orders to report the following September. All of the privates returned except a few, some having answered an urgent telegram, “Matrimony calls, come at once’; others having different reasons. A few new privates joined our regiment and we were now known as Sophomores with Colonel Woodson as our teacher sponser and Second Lieutenant Downs at our head, we, being more experienced in army technique, again responded to the now more familiar command FORWARD, MARCH. Our daily routine was a little different and slightly more difficult. Due to our vacation, our interest was not what it should have been. Suddenly there were days of activity and excilement about the camp. It was reported by one of our spies that our now too well-known and feared enémy was camping close by. Examinations were again on the way! There was much preparation until suddenly one day we were ordered upon the battlefield. A desperate struggle took place, a few were killed, but on the whole it was another victory for the students. However, for the sake of rest from our furious flight, Commander-in- Chief Meade ordered us to our homes for another vacation. The furlough was delightful, but we returned eagerly to ranks, for the clouds had begun to part and far in the distance we could glimpse our goal—victory over knowledge—graduation. With Major Simmons to watch over us and First Lieutenant Newman at our head; we more seriously and bravely responded to our command, FORWARD, MARCH. Having acquired several minor victories, we felt it time for play. The entire regiment was entertained by parties and picnics, including the popular Junior-Senior skirmishes. We were also honored with medals in the form of class rings. In fact we were so occupied in our fun that we failed to sight that fearful regiment sent out by the commander of the Knowledge Army until they were upon us. This sight, being so sudden, terrified us and we feverishly prepared our- selves. However, we tried not to show our fear and advanced with determination shining in our eyes. Both sides fought bravely, but in the end the Junior regiment was victorious, carrying off the honors with renewed hope and inspiration. We were granted the usual leave of absence, and upon return to ranks were greatly awed by thoughts of this last battle. Yet we were happy too, because we knew if we were victorious in this last battle, we really would have achieved something. With the help of Major Phillips and Captain Mergler, our leader for a second time, we outlined a plan of attack. Seeing our goal nearer yet so far, we diligently obeyed the command, FORWARD, MARCH. The way was not easy and many times we were tempted to retreat, but a strange inner feeling urged us on. For a greatly needed mental and physical enlightenment, in April the regiment visited our national capital on a trip sponsored by the Civics Club. Shortly after our return to ranks came the final reckoning. The entire army was in an uproar. Seemingly, as we grew stronger Our opponents grew still stronger. Would we conquer knowledge or be forced to admit defeat? One morning, after days of preparation, we marched upon the battlefield to begin the last battle. The air was filled with the roar of the cannon, guns, and voices of shouting soldiers. The charge was on! Suddenly there was a moment of quietness and then with a roar the clouds parted completely. And there, in a clear sky, shining brilliantly, written in huge letters, was our goal, VICTORY—GRADUATION! Now, with glowing and proud hearts, we stand at attention awaiting the command to enter upon the world. A moment of silence. Then, out of a clear sky rings our command, FORWARD, MARCH. 6

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ae acully ( JOHN D. MEADE Principal e Sele nRAay Superintendent of Schools HIGH SCHOOL FACUI IR, HELEN PHILLIPS..... eee ati sain Ama Simmons................English, French KatHERINE Rosertson.....Math, English Georce MclIntosu........ Science, Biology Harotp Mopsik......... History, Civics ELIZABETH-Fay DAvIES.......... Commercial Mary BalLev.......... .Home Economics J. L. Kranke.......Diversified Occupations M. B. Titvorson............... ndustrial Arts NINGNT EGS ROTC Ree 1 DF OnIO Ty Harriet McIntosn, Secretary to the Principal GRADE, SCHOOL SAGUE IY Joyce ARTHUR ANNIE TURNER VIRGINIA CoBB VioLeT Hott WASKEY FRANCES JEFFERSON INEz BEALE Nancy Jones Mrs. Vircinia CUSHWA Mrs. Iba MATTHEWS ETHEL Hancock Miriam FEAGANS Auprey Mattrox ANNE H. Ettis Mrs. Betty DoucLas MyrtLe CHAPPELL Emsra Moorman EveELYN DICKERSON Hetuie Cox Juiia FEAGANS

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Don HARMON MERGLER “Merg”’ Botany Club, President Freshman Class, Home Ec. Club, Student Council. (938; Safety Patrol, Monitor Club, 1939; Commercial Club, Football, 1940; President Senior Class, Shop Club, 1941. RosBertT C. NEWMAN, JR. “Bobby” Botany Club, Home Ec. Club, 1938; Monitor Club, Safety Patrol, 1939; Commercial Club, Student Council, Safety Patrol, President Junior Class, 1940; Press Club, D. O., Treasurer Se- nior Class, Historian, 1941. i — Nicer Don MERGLER President SyBIL REYNOLDS Vice-President RoBERT NEWMAN Tre asurer DoroTHY LOWMAN Secretary Class Colors: Blue and White Class Flower S Carnation “We strive to excel” SyBIL EARLINE REYNOLDS oiwple- Glee Club, Student Council, Vice- President Freshman Class, Botany Club, 1938: Softball, Glee Club, Home Ec. Club, Cheer Leader, 1939; Home Ec. Club, Commercial Club, Dramatic Club, 1940; Glee Club, Vice-President Senior Class; Advertising Manager of Annual, Cheer Leader, 1941. DorotHy Etta LowMAN Deh Botany Club, Glee Club, Library Club, Secretary Freshman Class, 1938; Home Ec. Club, Glee Club, Secretary- Treasurer Sophomore Class, 1939; Art Club, Monogram Club, Softball, Treas- urer Junior Class, Glee Club, Home Ec. Club, Commercial Club, 1940; Secre- tary Senior Class, Glee Club, Monogram Club, Softball, Advertising Committee of Annual, 1941. Poa a