Assumption Preparatory School - Memini Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

Page 12 text:

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

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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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THE SENIORS As the Seniors leave Assumption, they bring with them many pleasant memories, for they can look back on their final year here with both pride and nostalgia. In the domain of sports. Captain Arthur Fitzgerald, assisted by a number of other seniors, led his football team to a winning season, the first in several years. The hockey team, sparked by Captains Pete Marceau and Norm Provost ended up the year with a fine 8-3 record. Seniors Bert Bolduc and Emile Trahan along with Dave Chartier contributed greatly to the memorable achievements of the most outstandingly successful basketball team in Assumption’s history, which won the New England Catholic Championship at Lawrence, and also the Assumption College Tournament. The Seniors also demonstrated considerable scholastic talent. Eight of them received the distinction of being named to the National Honor Society and many others were on the honor roll regularly, and received honors at graduation. Seniors also formed the backbone of the school’s organizations and activi¬ ties. For instance, Gene Thuot worked tirelessly for the workshops, Paul Nor- mandin, Richard Picard and Joseph Beauchamp represented Assumption in debates with other schools, and Joseph Beauchamp, Eugene Thuot, Richard Picard and Donat Desrosiers served the school as officers of the Catholic Youth Council. The Seniors will also remember with gratitude the efforts of their class officers, the prom committee headed by Jean Na ult, the Memini-Heritage staff, and the many others who helped to make the year as enjoyable as it was. The Senior class officers.