Assumption Preparatory School - Memini Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

Page 11 text:

FATHER NOEL COLLETTE, A.A., A.B. Teacher of Religion Father Noel’s classes, enlivened as they were by his numerous exam¬ ples, were always down-to-earth and interesting. He was willing to discuss almost any aspect of religion, and these discussions were often so absorbing that we continued them long after class was over. Thanks to his easy, relaxed manner of teaching, we often came out of his classes without realizing how much we had learned. Outside of the classroom, Father Noel’s tireless efforts to help us in any way that he could won him our friendship and admiration. MR. LOUIS DESCHENES, A.M. Teacher of History and Civics Mr. Deschenes’ classes were always something which we looked forward to. By using numerous examples, and by showing us the practical applications of history and civics to present day problems, he managed to make his classes as interesting as they were instructive. His phenomenal memory and exhaus¬ tive knowledge of the subject matter never failed to amaze us. A friendly, smiling teacher who always encouraged questions, he made us appreciate the importance of history and civics in our lives. MR. LUCIEN DESJARDINS, A.M. Teacher of Physics Mr. Desjardins’ love and zeal for his work were evident to all of his students. Thanks to his knowledge of the practical as well as the theoretical side of physics, he managed to make the most difficult subjects seem simple. In laboratory, he always stressed the importance of learning to read the directions and follow them carefully. None of us will ever forget his lucid explanations of such subjects as the gasoline engine and the electric motor, and the remarkably precise free hand diagrams which always accompanied them. FATHER DONAT DURAND, A.A., A.B. Director of Athletics Whether we were on the basketball court, the hockey rink, or the baseball field, Father Donat was always there to encourage us and cheer us on. Although his smiles were rare, we knew that we had no more rabid fan. His sternness had only one purpose: to help turn boys into men through sports. We will never forget his staunch defense of the Yankees or his ever¬ present toothpick, but we will remember him particularly for all that he did for us during our years at Assumption. His creation of the hockey team is only one small example of his untiring efforts to help the students and the school by means of sports. 7

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M. EDOUARD BONIN, A.B. Professeur de francais Ce fut au second semestre que M. Bonin remplaga le Pere Edgar coinme notre professeur de francais. II gagna tout de suite, par sa fagon amicale d’enseigner et par son sourire facile, le coeur de ses eleves. Nous somraes sortis de sa classe plus surs des elements de la grammaire frangaise. De plus, M. Bdnin developpa notre comprehension et notre talent de conversation fran- gaise. II se montra, en tout, un profeseur devoue et attentif a la formation de ses charges. PERE GILBERT CHABOT, A.A., A.M. Professeur de latin Le Pere Gilbert nous donna non seulement une connaissance de la langue latine, mais aussi une base pour l’etude de nombre d’autres matieres. II fit revivre cette langue, dite morte, par un programme varie, aussi bien que par de petites legons bien pratiques. Que de fois il anima ses classes de ses taquineries, seulement pour eveiller certains esprits endormis. En classe et au dehors, le Pere Gilbert resta toujours professeur et conseiller tres paternel, et conquit a juste titre le respect et l’admiration de tous. FATHER ULRIC CHARPENTIER, A.A., A.M. Teacher of Mathematics “If you don’t understand, boys, ask questions.” This, the constant plea of Father Ulric, is typical of his patience with his students and his interest in their success. Understanding is his watchword. He spared no pains to sim¬ plify difficult material and present it in such a manner that everyone could grasp it. Much was accomplished in his classes, for Father Ulric always man¬ aged to complete his program and do more besides. Yet, through numerous explanations and comments, he instilled in us a real love for mathematics. Father Ulric has won a permanent spot in the hearts of all his students. FATHER ARTHUR CLERMONT, A.A., A.B. Teacher of Latin Ever since our freshman year, we looked forward to Father Arthur’s classes, for he was a master at making them interesting. The treasury of anecdotes which he always blended with the subject matter kept them from being monotonous. Father Arthur never failed to take a keen interest in all of his students. His consideration and understanding of all their problems made him one of the most popular priests and teachers at Assumption. 6

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FATHER JOHN GAUDET, A.A., A.B. Teacher of English His continuous good humor and his youthful vigor made his classes interesting and profitable. Father John’s compositions not only improved our ability to write, but also made us reflect on many interesting subjects and taught us to appreciate them. Thanks to his untiring efforts, we attained a clearer understanding of poetry, as well as a greater facility in public speak¬ ing and debating. Father John did not limit his services to the classroom, but contributed freely of his spare time to aid the students with their activities. MR. JOSEPH MONDOR, A.B. Teacher of World History Mr. Mondor was a newcomer to our list of teachers. Although at first we were uncertain about what to expect from him, we soon found out. His extraordinary personality and natural way of saying things acted on us like a magnet on nails. Mr. Mondor’s classes were a pleasure to attend, for in them we learned about events which, although they happened many years ago, still are an important part of our heritage. Mr. Mondor also taught us the importance of neat, methodical and systematic work. MR. ALPHONSE PALAIMA, A.M. Teacher of Greek and Latin “Let’s get on the ball, Joe. Gosselin, you must work harder; take the next sentence.” These phrases typify Mr. Palaima. During the two years that we studied Greek, he constantly urged us to work more and more ambitiously. The fundamentals of Greek grammar, which he taught us in his usual thorough manner will, of course, remain with us for many years; but, perhaps the most valuable thing that we learned in his class was that hard work never hurt anyone, could even be pleasant, and inevitably results in a sense of accomplishment. MR. BENJAMIN SHEN, A.B. Teacher of Mathematics Mr. Shen’s knowledge of mathematics and the practical manner in which he taught it enabled everyone to understand the numerous compli¬ cated formulas which arose during the course of the year. His sense of humor made even the dullest chapters seem interesting. Mr. Shen was available at any time to explain certain material which a student had not understood. We enjoyed Mr. Shen’s classes, and we always tried to do our best in them. Thanks to his efforts, we not only learned to work with numbers and formulas, but also to enjoy it. 8