Annunciation High School - Annunciata Yearbook (Buffalo, NY)

Page 26 text:

PROPHECY june 21, 1948, found us in the ornately decorated dining hall of the Grand Hotel, Buffalo, happily the date set for the reunion of our beloved class coincided with that of the signing of the Armistice, the Victory won by the Allies, in the World Wfar number two. Thus we celebrated two auspicious occasions. In spite of the harrowing experiences of war, and the many cares of adult life, the spontaneous laughter, the sprightly repartee so characteristic of our group in the carefree days at A. H. S., made themselves evident. There was Vincent Safy. Good old Vincent! It was not so hard to address him as Sergeant Safy-had he not been a good leader, a wise ofhcer in days gone by? The Scout decorations of which he was so justly proud in his junior and Senior years, were now replaced by medals for bravery and heroism in combat. As manager of a grocery chain store he was very efficient. It was most interesting to hear what the Reverend Edward Lord had to tell of his experiences as Chaplain in the Navyg and Beatrice White, as Navy Nurse, told how he was able to keep up the morale of the boys on many nerve-wracking occasions. Leonard McGuire came in for his well-deserved share of praise as a fearless Army ambulance driver. Miss White is now working toward her medical degree, while Mr. McGuire, with his excellent experience in the Army is now a great help to the employees in his laundry firm when a truck driver is unavailable. Carolina Peters is the same good and generous soul as we found her when she came to Annunciation. She as manager of the Hotel prepared for our coming and was most solicitous for the comfort of everyone. It was she who sent word to the john Murray Printing and Engraving Corporation to have special menus and programs made on time. During the appetizing dinner, which was served by a score of well-trained waiters, Miss ,lane Stutt, social worker and the evenings Mistress of Ceremonies, intro- duced a number of noted speakers between the courses. The first, the former Martha Murray, now the happy mother of several lovely children, spoke in a most interesting manner on what our recent Victory will mean to our up and coming generation. We next listened to a charming vocal selection, which we knew could be rendered by none other than our own Margaret Connor. She was accompanied by one of the Nation's youngest and foremost concert pianists-Miss Maureen Cluskey. During this part of the entertainment we were frequently amused by the blinding flashes caused by the camera wizardy of Betty LaReau, who was reporting and securing good shots for the Society page of the Buffalo Evening News. Not any of us was surprised to hear that Russell Slaper was the mathematics and science. Professor in a local school, and he loves his work and his pupils make rapid advances under his tutelage. When Lieutenant Dolores Hertel, late of the WAACS, rose to address the Assembly, she won a hearty welcome and salute. Dolores did splendid service for our boys in the Armed Service and she continues to assist others in her Red Cross work, but spends most of her time as Secretary to Miss Henry, yes to Dorothy, the buyer for the leading Department Stores in the line of fme hosiery. Miss Claire McMullen seemed to feel perfectly at ease when she approached the microphone. Claire is an announcer for several radio daytime serials and she has a 20

Page 25 text:

CLASS HISTORY It was on the twenty-eighth day of September 1939, a calm, -peaceful autumnal day, that the good ship ANNUNCIATION HIGH SCHOOL stood at anchor at the wharf of a new school year. It was the same old ship, that, for eleven years previously had carried passengers to safe harbor in the Land of Success. This was a gala day in the history of the ship, for it was rumored that the twenty-two shy girls and the twelve carefree boys who so happily stepped aboard were about to set sail over new and un- charted waters in a quest for the Port of Victory. Our fears of shipwreck were entirely wiped away by our Captain, Sister Felicity who assured us that if we were diligent in our duties we would quickly reach our final destination. Brendan McDonnell was chosen as our pilot and Leonard McGuire kept the ship's log. With so able a staff of seamen we successfully sailed the first and smallest sea. We learned that the Voyage of High School Life was in reality to be over four seas, though the four bodies of water were so closely joined together that they seemed but one immense ocean. During the course of these four years our little ship stopped at several ports of call. At a place known as Initiation , we became full-liedged members of the ship's crew, and at the Port of Retreat, which we visited four times, our spiritual life was checked. We have visited many places of interest and amuse- ment from which we have accumulated souvenirs. . There have been times when our final destination seemed lost to us, and com- pletely out of reach, times when seasickness tempted us to throw Latin and Geometry overboard, occasions when our ship, tossed about on the rough seas of the Sophomore and junior years, seemed not able to withstand the gale, but, thanks to our capable captains, Sister Mary of Carmel and Sister Theophane and our pilot Francis Lucca, the ship sailed successfully through these turbulent waters. Betty LaReau and Vincent Safy also made this journey easier 'for us by keeping the log and caring for the financial affairs. At last on the distant horizon the landmarks of Commencement and Success were faintly visible. We knew then, that the Port of Victory was not far off. Yes, we were now on the last and most difiicult lap of our journey, the Senior Sea. Al- though we had longed for the end, now that it was drawing near we also have many regrets. We have sympathized with the seasick passengers that made up the various new classes, yet in a way we envy them, they have still to experience the good times free from worry and care which we know we will never be able to relive. Sister Veracunda has led the ship through this last eventful voyage. She has tried to keep our ship on an even keel though it must have been a difficult job. Russell Slaper has been our pilot, Brendan McDonnell, our very efiicient purser, and Betty LaReau has again kept the log., There have been many changes in the passenger list since that bright September morning back in 1959. We have said good-bye to some and have welcomed others. It would take too long to read the complete log, it has little vital significance except to ourselves, the few who still remain together to disembark at the longed-for Port of Victory. As we look at the larger, more majestic ocean ahead we feel that our experience has fitted us to withstand every storm and opposing force without fear of disaster. W'e, the Class of 1943, will go on writing new logs of greater adventure, and yet more wonderful discovery, for while the Voyage of High School Life is at an end, the Voyage of Real Life is just now and here at its triumphant Commencement. MAIJREEN CLUSKEY, BETTY LAREAU. I9

Page 27 text:

large and interested audience as her fan mail testifies. When we heard that Francis Lucca had become a prominent political advisor to the State Attorney we were not sur- prised, as his friendly and diplomatic ways prepared him for such a position. During his speech he awarded a bronze plaque to Brendan McDonnell for his outstanding work as coach on the Intercollegiate Basketball Champions, Seton Hall. After the conversation became general we learned that Arthur LaCroix and Robert Dunwoodie joined forces and were now the owners of the large Designing and Construction Com- pany that bears their names. After the dinner charming music made dancing a pleasure, and some of us were not a little surprised to learn that the all girl orchestra of Doris Pierotti, featured Louise Moses, the well-known violinist as its special number. The evening progressed rapidly and still no mention had been made of one member of the class in whom all were interested, joan Butler. Finally Miss Stutt announced joan, or rather Sister Mary Catherine was doing very splendid Missionary work among the natives of the Belgian Congo with our own dear Sisters of Saint Mary, who have several large Missionary Centers there. The strains of the beautiful melody of our Class Song, Memories, began to float through the air and soon the full lusty tones of the men and the lovely voices of the women present blended as harmoniously as of yore when we were only boys and girls of dear old A. H. S. And then the Farewells were said and promises made to meet again whenever possible. MARTHA MURRAY, DOROTHY HENRY. uk OUR PLEA TO THEE Dear Lady of Grace, Model of Purity, We lone the beauty of thy Jweet face, The charm of thy goodneft, The sanctity of thy life. Thou ar! our Mother, Gizfn ur hy thy dear Son 'Neath the Cro.rJ, Where ruby drop! of Hir Hearl'.f Blood, Oh, Mother of deep pain, Sealed the compact of HU love. Be then to uf, oh Lady, The Mediatrix of Hir Grace. Take uf To thy Motherly heart. Help ur To do our part when duty callr, Or the battler of life Jurge high. May we Jtand to face the right Under thy banner bright, Dear Lady of Grace. 21'