Andrew Lewis High School - Pioneer Yearbook (Salem, VA)

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Scene from the Andrew Lewis Library where students daily spend their vacant periods in reference work and general reading A Panoramic View Few commencement speakers have had the chance to address a class when peace, security, and the things men live for have been at such a premium as at the present hour. On every hand we see crumbling all the things that men have worked and struggled for in the past two thousand years, and it is only natural that much of our faith in established things be shaken. At such a time, it is not only a pleasant occupation, but one which should help restore that wan¬ ing faith, to think about the historic good any society—no matter what its size—has been able to effect. Our nation is yet a democracy. We still enjoy—more than any other country in the world- freedom of speech, of press, and of religion. We are thankful for these blessings: thankful that the wish expressed by Lord Berkeley, Governor of Virginia in 1670, has not yet come true: “Thank God;’’ he said,“ there are no free schools nor printing: and I hope we shall not have, these hundred years.” For many years our country and our state have enjoyed political, religious and intellectual freedom. And as residents of Salem, and of Roanoke County, as much interested in the affairs of the world as any other American community, and much more vital in their operation than many, it is

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Published by the Students of Andrew Lewis High School, Salem, V irginia Scenes in the Staff Room showing various phases of the work in progress r . V

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inevitable that we look with pride toward those accomplishments the rolling years have left behind us. A summation of the recent history of any community must make allowance for the part the school played in promoting the local welfare. Thomas Jefferson, our greatest Virginian, in wording his own epitaph, chose the founding of our state university as one of the three greatest achieve¬ ments of his eventful life. Until now, the American tradition that freedom’s cornerstone is nestled securely in the schoolhouse has not been lost sight of, and it is our duty to see that this does not happen. For this reason, we have chosen as the theme of this vitalized commencement, “Serving Our Community.” We should like, tonight, to give our parents and friends a panoramic view of our life here at Andrew Lewis High School, and to visualize the wide field of opportunity presented to us. Under the roof of this building, all of us have had the chance to develop those talents that will shape our careers. We believe that the work we have done here is important. It has been by no means dull drudgery. It has taught us not only to make a living, but also to enjoy life. The speakers who follow me tonight will Typical scene of the work which goes on regularly take you on an imaginary journey to every de- in the School Shop. partment of our school. They will tell you how, under the patient guidance of our teachers, we have learned to earn a living, to cooperate in a group, and also to think independently. We are proud of our past. For you, our parents, these years have been eventful, and for us, your children, they have laid a foundation for life. For us both, these years ahead are the ones that will make history. In spite of the clouds which now envelop the world, we hope and be¬ lieve in the future of Salem, Roanoke County, and Andrew Lewis High School. We, with the rest of the world, are waiting for the sunrise. Evelyn Taylor Smith