Barre High School - Barretone Yearbook (Barre, MA)

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’LITERARY” GRADUATION Once a year in every city, town, village and hamlet in the United States, an important event takes place — Graduation. On this happy, long awaited, spring day, in all parts of the world, people prepare for this wonderful event. Dressed in all her finery. Spring comes to all schools of education, beautifying the grounds and making the day of Graduation more beautiful. The young graduates, upon receiving their diplomas, look far into the future, to see the lives they plan to lead. Some of them will continue their education, others will step into every day jobs. All in all they will continue to work together in making a better world. A world which wdll await the coming of another spring, another beautiful spring day, which will hold fond memories for the present and future generations. JADWIGA KOWZA A GRADUATION MEDITATION “And now I have put away the things of my childhood.” Perhaps one of the most essential problems confronting a graduate is that of “grow- ing up.” The thought is startling, (to say the least), to the youngster who is preparing to go forth and face the world, and who has heretofore, been confined to the warm and friendly atmosphere of his class room. Yes — graduation and “growing up” are synonomous. Thoughts of one immediately provoke thoughts of the other. Up ’til this time the graduate has been eagerly looking forward to this moment; but now he wonders what lies beyond that veil that shields his partially dazed sight from the future and “growing up.” At this moment he is apprehensive of the fact that graduation holds for him joy, but at the same time it brings to mind the realization that the carefree school days are nearing an end and soon he will be one of the adult citizens with responsibility of plan- ning for prosperity and future generations. VERNON FLYNN THE WORLD VS. COMMUNISM We, the youth of today and the America of tomorrow, are faced with the greatest world problem since the days of the feudal lords. Never, since the rise of our capitalis- tic system, has its principals of free enterprise been faced with such grave danger of being wiped off the face of the earth. It was with the coming of capitalism that the common man was placed in the cen- ter of the picture in world affairs, and today, all we value most — freedom of religion — a democratic form of government — free enterprise — is being threatened by a force, which, if left unchecked, may engulf the entire world. This force, called communism, is using the most atrocious methods possible to obtain its goal. Its leaders are forcing our Christian Churches — Protestant and Catholic alike — to uphold and advance its principles. Priests and ministers are being forced to submit to its cause. The injustices w ' hich have been wrought against these clergy cause the Christians’ — the Americans’ blood to boil. The cruel and agressive means of this system, in themselves, are enough to convince all free thinking men that communism is not their ideal for the future world. We have in our hands the greatest material weapon mortals have ever possessed — atomic energy — and we are fortunate in having a president who is determined to go to almost any extreme to preserve the freedom of mankind. Mr. Truman has announced with firm conviction that, if necessary, he will use the atomic bomb in the world’s struggle against communism. Eight years ago, civilization was faced with world domination. America was forced into that conflict and, once in it, lent all her forces to the defeat of the greatest tyrannical powers that had ever threatened democracy. Capitalism, and religion were victorious in 20

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EDITORIALS FORWARD EVER, BACKWARD NEVER As we, the 1949 graduating class, look back on our four years at Barre High, we come to realize the true significance of the words “Forward Ever, Backward Never.” From our first day as Freshmen to our long-awaited Senior year, that one thought has been ringing through our minds — “Forward, forward, forward.” Remember those report cards? Why were we so nervous as that fateful day drew near? What was it we feared? The stern look on our parents’ faces? The taunting cries of our “friends?” Perhaps it was both but even more it was a haunting voice resounding through our minds — “Backward never, backward never.” It was, in reality, the voice of an inner conscience that we feared. And again and again we resolved with renewed vig or to shut out that fearful voice, with study, hard work and more study. Like the wheels of a train that thought surged through our minds — study, forward, study, forward and like the wheels of a train we moved forward through the years until at last, we were upon the threshold of graduation. Graduation! What does it hold for you? Golden dreams and opportunity, or a night- mare of misfortune? It’s up to us! Are we going to travel through the world of tomor- row on that train of opportunity, moving ever forward? Or are we, somewhere along the line, going to “jump the track?” It’s up to us! Remember, “forward ever, backward never.” Keep this in mind and your world oi tomorrow will be a golden world of opportunity. Four small words and yet their signi- ficant meaning can change your life. The decision is ours! The world offers us a challenge and we can answer that challenge as citizens of the world — the heartbeat of our nation! Forward ever, backward never!” SUCCESS THROUGH MISTAKES “June,” a word which is amplified in the minds of the seniors and which to them means one thing, “graduation.” The event awaited by all, which closes the second chap- ter of our lives and which reopens our third with opportunities or misfortune. Remember your first day of school? The thoughts running through your mind, a mind of effervescent enthusiasm? Surely, you must remember the emptiness in your heart, this being your introduction to school and a day which was the commencement of your future world. Time has now carried some to the door of collegiate life and some to the start of their occupational dreams. The words “school days,” which did not make much of an impression on you before, now loom in your mind with memories, sweet memories, and you now associate the words “school days” with bygone pleasures. Remember the first day of high school? The socials, the junior prom, the senior play, and that wonderful trip to New York? Why, of course, you do. But you also remember your mistakes. Many of them were foolish but many were also beneficial. For it is through your mistakes that you better your life. You strive to avoid them. You resolve not to fall prey to their embarrassing predicaments. And best of all, you endeavor to make your progress through life a better one. Take heed, future citizens of the world, and have faith in your education. Through it, success will be yours. Be wise in your undertakings and make the most of your oppor- tunities. Remember success can be reached by realizing and correcting your mistakes. 19

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that war, and they will be victorious in an even greater struggle, that against commu- nism. What can we do to prepare ourselves for the future? Get all the education we can. It is held to be self evident that the success of a democracy depends on the intelligence of its average citizen. Therefore, may higher education be our goal for a better America to com.e. So far we have been considering only our greatest material weapons for world peace, and have been inclined to overlook our greatest weapon of all — God. We have God on our side, and with that assurance we go forth undaunted — confident of victory over evil. It is with God’s help that we have preserved our liberty thus far, and it is with His help that we will continue to preserve this liberty in the future. RALPH WELLS SPRING Spring is here! This is a phrase so often heard after the snow has .melted away and the trees and flowers begin to bud. Soon the birds return and their chirping songs can be heard everywhere. After many months of cold dreary weather, the signs of war.nth and beauty are looked forward to, and enjoyed by all. There are many reasons why the spring season is welcomed by each and everyone. V ith it come flowers, both wild and cultivated, which add color and beauty to their sur- roundings. The trees, v ith their sheltering arms, provide beauty, shade, and shelter to birds, squirrels and chipmunks. With the coming of Spring many animals come out of their dens, because they too, like human beings, prefer the warmth and beauty, to the cold and dreary. Along with Spring come many exciting and relaxing sports such as: baseball, tennis, and greatest of all — fishing. As often heard, “All good things come to an end.” The same is true with Spring. So take heed of the phrase, “Spring is here!” and make the most of it. SYLVIA FRANCIOSS GRADUATION Spring has arrive-J once more. Spring brings a fresh carpet of green, the budded trees, the sweet fragrance of apple blossoms, the flow of the gurgling brooks, a nightly concert from Mr. Frog, and a new glow in the heavens. Beside these things a solemn affair occurs in every village, town or city — graduation. Graduation is by no means the end. It is only the beginning. The beginning of a new and exciting life. Gradually through the years we nave been taught to assume more responsibility, to be honest, considerate, decent, unselfish, pleasant, versatile, co- operative and have acquired more common sense. Just learning the facts isn’t enough. It is practicing them that really counts. One’s life is what he makes it. Immediately following graduation we come upon a clean page in our books. What we write on it is up to us. Many of the graduates wish to further their education and enroll at various schools according to their chosen vocation. Some of the graduates aren’t fortunate enough to be able to enjoy the privilege of college education and others do not desire further schooling. However, whatever footsteps we tread in, we must be influenced to continue striv- ing to keep our America exactly as our forefathers fought and struggled to build it. A democratic land with privileges for all regardless of race, color, or creed. A land where the four freedoms are enjoyed and practiced so freely. It is a great responsibility to place on anyone but we must realize how ' fortunate we are and to show our appreciation we should all work together to preserve what we have and strive to better ii to everyone’s benefit. JUDY SAMPLE 21