Avalon High School - Annual Yearbook (Avalon, PA)

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Board of Education 'CRULERSN OF OUR SCHOOL C. D. GRAY President HENRY L. BETCHER W. J. ROBINSON A. A. THOMSON VicefPresident Treasurer R. L, STHVENSON Dr. R. E. SMITH DR. T. EWING THOMPSON Disregarding the hickory switch, our modest schoolhouse boasts of a different: sort of Board of Education. Led by the forefsighted President, Mr. C. D. Gray, the Board made sure that every phase of school management was up to the par synf onymus with Avalon. Mr. Gray was capably assisted by Mr. H. L. Betcher, VicefPresident, and Mr. W. J. Robinson, Treasurer, the remainder of the board consisted of Mr. Thomson, Dr. Smith, Mr. Steven' son, and Dr. Thompson. The Board rose to every demand placed upon their capacity by the changes made necessary by a new administrator. First of all, the Board showed good 12 planning in choosing a man for the important office of Superintendent. After conducting exhaustive interviews with many hopefuls, and carefully weighing every applicants' good points, they chose Dr. Charles C. Wepsic, who met with the approval of all conf cerned. As principal, the Board selected Mr. John R. Edwards, a man with a great variety of experience in many fields, from sports to dramatics. A vote of confidence by the students, faculty, and towns people is due this year's Board of Education, who have done everything in their power to set up higher on the list, our school's academic and cultural standards.

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When the doors of the little red school house were opened on September 6th, the students beheld with admiration the new administration. Dr. Charles C. Wepsic, our new superintendent, formerly of Brookfield, Ohio, was not a newcomer to the Pittsburgh area. Formerly, he taught at New Kensington and Shade Township High Schools, plus several summer sessions at the University of Pitts' burgh. Dr. Wepsic proved to be both a companion to the high school students and capable director of grade school activities. Interviewing teachers, supporting the Parent Teacher's Association, and making reports to the school agenda, Dr. Wepsic found himself involved in several social organizations. The Doctof torial Association of Educators, Phi Delta Kappa Can honorary educational fraternityl, the American Association of School Administrators, and the Pennsylvania Association of School Directors and Superintendents, held most of his interests. He is also a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Avalon. Many a lost or bewildered student was shown the right road through Dr. Wepsic's guidance or past experience with former students. He aided social organizations within the school, along with bolstering the morale of the football and basketball teams. Innovations in the school curriculum were introduced by Dr. Wepsic early in September. These new rules, accepted both by students and faculty, kept the school running smoothly and orderly during the entire year. The class of 1951 will always be grateful to Dr. Wepsic for his fine leadership and understanding. The interesting new guidance program, which was conducted by Mr. John R. Edwards, our new principal, was well liked and remembered by all students of junior and senior high school. Mr. Edwards, who also comes to Avalon this year from Brookfield, Ohio, attended Kent State University in Ohio, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in education, and Ohio University where he received his Master's Degree in Pschyology. Administrators set a new goal Left to 1ightfMr. Edwards, Dr. Wepsic Aside from conducting the weekly guidance program, Mr. Edwards conferred with senior high students concerning their future plans of careers or college educations. In every assembly, Mr. Edwards could be found issuing new instructions as well as rejoicing with the School's victorious teams. His outside activities took up much of his time. Belonging to the American Legion, Principals Associaf tion of Allegheny County, Vocational Guidance Association, and the Pennsylvania Association of Secondary Schools, consumed much of his time. Mr. Edwards was never too busy to help a teacher or explain rules to a student. Class officers could often be found in his office discussing their latest problems, and receiving Mr. Edwards' honest advice. To both Mr. Edwards and Dr. Wepsic, the class of 1951 owes gratitude for the fine work they have done to make Avalon a better school for coming classes. Without their interest, the school year would not have progressed as well as it did.

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G 1 M Faculty ., ' . .A . . - 1 .. f 1: ' fa .i 1 li ', .- .9 - J . Ziff ts' W gi I ,..-iii? ' ,. . . - ga.t,.s.:.: - I 17. .- 5.3-Q' .ii-- ' ' -1-If U 1.2 W. ,,a..- .- , :hir T' ' . 'I .9 Z'7 , ' ' :jf . ,.s-JW - R, 1 Qin: uf- . -..yw f Q .r f Sie 6 .ig ,. . IL :' i , 5 -21' . if 4. .g I al fs' KY . svghw IRENE H. AUSTEN STELLA L' GARDEN HARRY A. DENNISON AB U' 0fP1ffSbUfsh A.B., University of Richmond A.B., Allegheny College Geography. Social Studies English M. Ed., Penn State Physical Education, Hygiene EDGAR K. GARDNER DUDLEY W. G. GORDON ROBERT J. HARRIS EVA P- HOOVRR B.S. A.B., University of Pittsburgh B.S. B-Sw UniV9f5lfY of Plttsbufgh Indiana State Teachers College History. Social Studies California State Teachers College Eflglf-ill, 29351 Commercial Manual Training fa., 'I . -.fvuj 1 The Little Red Schoolhouse has grown to mean many things, but the true worth of the institution today rests on the shoulders of the faculty who lead us down the corridors of knowledge and open the doors of independence. A very inexpensive trip around the world was enjoyed by Miss Irene Austen's geography classes. Wide eyes followed her as she told of far off and wondrous countries. Miss Austen also gave the students a background knowledge of Pennsylvania History. Miss Stella L. Carden, with her friendly and lovable manner, guided senior high English classes through a very pleasant year. Her readings of inspiring poems and Shakespearean plays entranced the pupils. The spark of our basketball team could not have been one boy, for the unexcelled coaching of Harry A. Dennison put a flame of energy into every one of the players. Gym and hygiene classes added extra credit to Mr. Dennison's fine record. The businessflike man about school was Edgar K. Gardner who handled AfTicket with efficiency and ease. The courses he taught were sales, commercial mathematics, business law, oiiice practice, and typing. Dudley W. G. Gordon, with willingness and experience conducted the Anwial staff to success in r I 'I' .I gf fffp-'lx I3 I- . ' ' 4 ' 'ill 'ef'f:..ff . .. O I U