Belmont High School - Blueprint Yearbook (Belmont, MA)

Page 7 text:

WE THE CLASS OF 1962 EXPRESS GRATITUDE TO OUR PRINCIPAL - MR. GEORGE HIGGINBOTTOM Our Principal has earned honor for himself and prestige for his school in a recent citation given by Bates College: “ . . . The widely held reputation of Belmont High School as one of the finest secondary schools in New England is well deserved. It is recognized for its high standards, competent teaching staff, and students well equipped for cither college or vocation . . . largely due to Mr. Higginbottom's abilities as an outstanding educator and administrator ... He is an educator in the truest sense. While he places the greatest emphasis on academic learning, his interests extend beyond to include extracurricular, athletic, and social activities ... He has served as . . . Chairman of the Committee on Athletics in Massachusetts . . . Recognized by his professional colleagues, he has served as a member of numerous state and regional associations and committees including the presidency of the Massachusetts Secondary School Principal's Association ... By being himself a man of high ideals, willing to assume responsibility, firm in his convictions of what is right, he exemplifies the best in educational administration.” (Milton L. Lindholm, Dean of Admissions) Quoted in Belmont Citizen. November 17. 1961 3

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1959 - 1962 STEPS TO GRADUATION FINALLY we attained senior status . . . predominated in sports, clubs, and other activities . . . initiated senior social events with Halftime Hop, the October football dance — Watertown dummy about to be guillotined . . . teachers expected more and more—as we found out at the end of the first marking period . . . presented “You Can’t Take It With You” on November 17th—a full house—both entertaining and profitable . . . roaring rally led to splendid victory over Watertown on Thanksgiving Day . . . longer, more specific talks with guidance counselors . . . met with various college representatives . . . spent much time in filling out complicated applications and hoping for good recommendations... danced to ringing bells in December at Carillon Cotillion sponsored by the Belmontian Club . . . the same month brought more SAT’s, Achievement Tests and Writing Samples . .. Oh, those lucky people accepted under early decision plans! . . . took Midyears for the last time! . . . March 23rd—fun for all at the hilarious basketball game and dance .. . followed by the sparkling Junior-Senior Prom in May .. . practiced long hours for graduation . . . awards given at Pre-Graduation Assembly . . . enjoyed lots of food, fun and entertainment at the Senior Banquet . . . “best entertainment presented once more on Class Day ... on June 6th we were graduated, looking forward to a bright future ... the Post-Graduation Party . . . said good-bye to B.H.S., our administration, faculty, and friends. ADVANCING to our Junior year . . . graduation loomed on a distant horizon with initiation of class dues . . . ring samples displayed and final choice made in October . . . the alarming PSAT’s were upon us . . . invitation extended to Occupational Conference series . . . “Campaign Capers —our election dance amid posters, huge flag, and election booths . . . January ’61 dance— S.S. Sir Prize —world cruise with prizes galore . . . Mid-Year struggles again . . . schedules for individual conferences with guidance counselors about specific future plans . . . grueling Saturday “madness” in March—C.E.E.B. Language Listening, SAT, and National Merit tests ... the long awaited Class rings arrived at last . . . May 13th—Junior-Senior Prom “Shehcrazade —sheik’s tent, an oasis, golden lanterns, Arabian knights and beautiful ladies, with Tony Bruno's fabulous Band .. . more SAT and ACH tests .. . dues @ $5.00 each plus profits from activities netted in excess of $2300. . . . June—another election of officers . . . Class party at Wingarsheck Beach ... we passed Finals again! WE entered B.H.S. as insignificant Sophomores . . . bewildered by illogical room numbering . .. longer, tougher assignments . . . Friday the 13th—Sophomore Day-carrying books for upperclassmen . . . chagrined at forgetting to wear red on the first rally day (Lexington) . . . frightened by Mid-Years in January ... a few lucky enough to be invited to the May Prom . . . campaigned in June for Class Officers . . . elected Gerry B. Pres., Jimmy G. V. Pres., Maria C. Sec., and Sharon H. Treas. . . . acquired Mr. Penta and Mr. Smith as Class Advisers ... left behind by Seniors to struggle through Finals. njiimnimimi

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MR. JOSEPH F. KOLOUCH Vice Principal MR. LESLIE W. CROWSON Director of Belmont Vocational igh School MISS DOROTHY M. ANDERSON Dean of Girls MR. ALBERT J. ORTON Dean of Boys administration To the Members of the Class of 62: Classbooks are customarily produced when students are nearing the completion of an important level of training. At such a time, foundations in educational experience have been laid, and new steps on the ladders of life stand ready to support advancing movement and ascension to higher levels. Youth finds in but few instances in America today, rungs of weakness which fail to sustain noble aspirations and efforts for purposeful living. As counselors, we have enjoyed the part which we have played in discussing and bringing to realization the goals which have been most meaningful to you. In the future, we envision “brilliants travelling at great heights; we also foresee a substantial segment of your group serving as indispensable ground workers making the wonders of the space age possible. We feel a sense of pride in the members of your class, and extend to you all our contmuing good wishes for true success and happiness. V tVoAe s 4