Barre High School - Barretone Yearbook (Barre, MA)

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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

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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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MY SUMMER ' S DREAM Oh how I love the summer. The time when school lets out. When the truant officers all home. And I can fish for trout I can sit among the daisies, And dream of Howard Duff, I can dream about a million stars. And still not dream enough. I ' ll dream about Rod Cameron. And handsome Errol Flvnn, I’ll dream about tall Gregory Peck, And also Jeffrey Lynn. I ' ll dream about the cowboy. ' A1 La Rue and all. I’ll dream of all the actors Who are big and strong and tall. Oh how I love the summe ' ' . When I can sit and dream. Dream of all the movie stars. Shown upon the screen. — 3y BARBARA BOYLE SPRING! The pi ' ettiest season of the vear When all the May flowers bring good cheer The buds all red on the Maple trees With a slight tint of light green leaves The violets bright, and Robins gay Say with delight, “It’ll be a great day.” And then there are brooks, like silver strea.ns And odd water lilies like rare dreams. Frogs peeping in a near by pond And bright forsythia bordering the lawn With early morning sunshine and evening dew This season should please more than a few. —CHRISTINE OHLSON BASEBALL TIME Baseball time is here again And every team has their men Playing as hard as thev can Trying to please every fan Thev practice in the earlv Spring Trying to accomplish manv a thing Trying to make a winning team So that thev will be supreme. They cannot win every game But if thev could, oh what fame They would acquire from evervwhere Playing the game and plaving it fair. —By RALPH LINCOLN