Bement High School - BIM Yearbook (Bement, IL)

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“But in spite of all this this unfortunate class has become a full bloomed rose, which consists of fifteen petals, some of which were rather green at the beginning of the year, but now they are all the same color. Some are larger than others but when only one is missing the rose will be incomplete. “This flower is now at its height of beauty and fragrance, each petal holds its place after the long teachings of the stem, the faculty. Soon these parts will break away. Some may be scholars together again, still others will not; some may go to distant clime (thus to speak). But a happy thought will at times visit each members’ mind of the good and happy times that have been enjoyed in Bement High School. “This rose has now formed a fixed example for us Juniors to follow : for— “You may break, you may scatter, The rose if you will, But its fragrance will cling around, Our High School still.” The second toast was, “The Bud—the Juniors,” by the President of the Senior Class. It is not available. A Senior gave the third. “The Stem—the Faculty.” “Some were born for great things, Others were born for small, Sometimes w'e’re inclined to wonder. Why the ‘stem’ exists at all.” “The stem, the faculty of the Bement High School, is a necessary evil which consists of four vastly different individuals. It is important to the bud and rose. Neither could do without its help. Although the stem ‘looks’ green we trust that the green is only the coloring of life and vigor. ‘What stuff ’tis made of we know not.’ “Perhaps you may wish to know from what sources the stem gets its nourishment. The first part of the stem gets its nourishment, we judge, from a large quantity of gray matter, since hair and brains do not exist on the same head. He has launched his ship on the sea of matrimony, therefore his troubles are few' and far between for ‘this school he’s teaching in—well, say, can it be beat? Thought he gets a thorn with every rose; his pay checks he gladly greets.’ ” “The second part in the composition of the stem is a lonely man, who receives only that which is dealt out to him by the cruel hand of fate. He, at times, becomes so desperate with the bud and rose that he is forced to resort to a certain kind of nut for his nourishment, known to us as the peanut.

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I Social functions i Aside from the Senior entertainments, the social functions of the year, prior to the Junior-Senior Reception, were a masquerade on Hallowe’en, given by the faculty to the students of the high school; a reception given by the hoys in honor of our former principal, H. 11. Strauch, and a Junior box-social. 3unioi £emor 'Reception The crowning event of the year, the Junior-Senior Reception was held in the high school rooms, on the evening of April third, 1914. By nine o’clock the Juniors, Seniors and faculty were assembled in the rooms, decorated in the colors of the two classes and the school, and the following program was given : Instrumental Duet..........Ruth Baker and Sara Dobson Instrumental Solo.................................Miss Renfrew Declamation...............................Dolly Webb Vocal Duet............John Schadows and Harold Fisher Reading...........................................Noah Hamman Junior Song...............................The Juniors After the program until about ten-thirty interesting conversations were to be heard in all parts of the room. At that time the President of the Junior Class announced that dinner was served and everybody went to the lower hall, where the prettily decorated tables were laid. When all were seated the waitresses served the delicious supper. MENU. Pickles Olives Pressed Chicken Salted Almonds Pomines de terre a’la Parisienne Sweet bread a’la Pompadore Salade de Laiture Saratoga Flakes Neapolitaine Ice Cream Cake Creme Bavaroise au Chocolat Mints When the last of the good things had disappeared, our honorable Superintendent, acting as toastmaster, announced the toasts. The first, “To the Rose—the Seniors,” by the President of the Junior Class. “After four years of careful toil you Seniors have now almost reached the point of graduation. During your life in high school you have tried vainly to make yourselves look bright. 1 bus whitewash and oil paint were employed and then the combination of the boys’ strong arms and water to remove them.

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“The third part of the stem is small and delicate, she resorts to such strenuous exercise as taking lonely walks, and living on ‘air.’ “The last but by no means the least in the composition of the stem is much interested in law, and may she be a joy forever. The stem is undoubtedly of vast importance. If it is weak the rose and bud cannot attain their rightful size and beauty. If, on the other hand, there are vitality, common sense and other requisites necessary to proper guidance and support, the outside world is made to gaze in awe and admiration at its wonderful product. For the work so nobly accomplished (as the rose indicates) we owe a debt of gratitude. However, we cannot refrain from calling your attention to a quotation which may be suitably applied. ‘The gladness of their gladness, and the sadness of their sadness aren’t in it with the madness of their madness when they’re mad.’ Although the debt cannot be suitably paid it can be paid in part so ’although here’s to the rose and the rose bud, we’ll sure give a toast them’; but if we part, with all our hearts, we'll give a toast to the good ‘old’ stem.” The last was a toast to “The Thorns,” by a Junior. “ ‘Why are there thorns with every rose?’ The verdant Junior asked. ‘To stick you with ; to stick you with!’ The wise old Senior said. ‘What makes you look so tired and pale?’ The verdant Junior asked. ‘Oh, I’ve been stuck; ch, I’ve been stuck.’ The wise old Senior said. ‘With every stem in every school. There’s thorns a-plenty, kid. You cannot get away from them. They simply won’t be hid, When you’re as wise as I am You’ll sure take off your lid To the many thorns that flourish In our high school.’ “ ‘Where are these thorns? Where are these thorns?’ The verdant Junior asked. ‘They’re everywhere; they’re everywhere.’ The wise old Senior said. ‘Please show me some! Please show me some!’ The verdant Junior begged, ‘Just come with me, Just come with me.’ The wise old Senior said.