Ben Avon High School - Novaneb Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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Crchestra HIS fall the orchestra was rather at a disadvantage because of an ap- parent lack of talent. However, after a short period of campaigning Mr. McCarthy succeeded in organizing an orchestra composed of twenty-tive members. Of these, two were seniors, one was a seventh grader, while the majority was sophomores. The orchestra was started by Mrs. Hatton about nine years ago. Miss Phinney worked miracles with the nucleus of an instrumental department which she found when she came two years later in 1931. The orchestra is now work- ing under the splendid direction of Mr. McCarthy, who has just been with us this last year. Three 'rehearsals are held every week, and these are lilled with enjoyment as well as hard work. Not only was music furnished between the acts of all the plays given by the school, but also a spring concert will be given this May as the climax of the yea1 s work. However, the big event of the year is the All- County Orchestra,,which is a part of the Spring Festival, in which students from all over the county participate. Last year there were one hundred and seventy-five members in all, of which thirty or more were from Ben Avon. 50

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OUR PLACE IN THE SUN Nli of the main functions in the life of the girls of Ben Avon High School is the Girl Reserves. Any girl in the high school may belong to the club, and this year there are eighty-two enrolled. The beginning of the year is the worst time for the Freshmen, especially initiation at which everyone except the Freshies has a lot of fun. The next important meeting is the installation of Freshmen which has always been one of the club's most solemn and impressive services. Next comes a series of meetings of which dinners, discussion groups. and speakers are the most important. There is always the father and daughter dinner. I-Ii-Y banquet, and the senior farewell dinnerg and this year instead of the usual tea for mothers. we held a dinner for them also. The topics in the discussion groups have ranged from patriotism to fashions, with speakers on colleges, friendship, and make-up in between. One of the most interesting meetings last year was that on make-up at which Miss Lewis spoke and also illustrated, using some of the girls as models. But don't think that this club does things only for its own benefit and pleasure. This year the Ben Avon Girl Reserves was one of the two clubs giving the greatest amount of money in the annual gift day which is held to raise money to carry on the work at the central Y.XV.C.A. Nearly every year the girls dress dolls as Christmas presents for small children in homes and hospitals and pack baskets of food to be given to the poor at Thanksgiving and Christmas time. One of the most enjoyable yearly events of the club is the Christmas Eve carol singing. As the purpose of the Girl Reserves is to give each member a chance to broaden her character through cooperation and social contact, this year some- thing new was tried. The program committee established interest groups such as dramatics, knitting, sports, cooking, and' charm. Since any girl may belong to as many groups as she wanted, the groups have done much to bring out the varied interests of the girls. p As for social meetings: At least twice a year we have a meeting at which we play games and have refreshments, and then there are the dances. We usually have two dances each year in the school gym, and in addition this year instead of the usual alumnae bridge-tea our club held a supper dance at the Shannopin Country Club. Then there is the event that every Girl Reserve looks forward to at the end of the year, the two day stay at the Girl Reserve Camp, Carondowancla. The afternoon following the close of school at least thirty-five Girl Reserves head for camp where they can sleep, eat and talk all they Want. Another im- portant thing in Girl Reserves is the conferences at which the representatives from many diHerent clubs meet to discuss topics of the day with each other and then take the new ideas back to their club. Vlfe mustn't forget to mention the Y.W'.C.A. committee of Ben Avon which does much each year in assisting at dinners, getting interesting speakers, and helping us to plan our meetings. There is' also advisor Mary YVilson, whose help with the meetings and interest groups is invaluable. We plan for meetings next year which will be as successful as those of the last few years and hope that the club will continue to be a success. 49

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Hi-Y HE Ben Avon I-Ii-Y Club meets every Thursday night in the Ben Avon Presbyterian Church under the supervision of Williaiii Montgomery, better known as Monty , After the tables have been cleared, the Hi-Yers gather around Monty for one of his well known talks'!. Monty is one of the best friends and advisers the boys have. Hi-Y members were active the past year in the Y.M.C.A. membership cam-- paign and the anniversary fund campaign. During' personal inventory week, the club members were interviewed in- dividually by a man experienced in boys work. The interviewers work from a personal inventory test which the club members have tilled out. The impres- sive induction ceremonies were held this year in the Ben Avon United Presby- terian Church. In this service the four club oliicers represent the terms body, mind, spirit, and service. fliach member being inducted is informed of the meaning of these' words and how they coincide with his Hi-Y life. Alumni night was held during' the Christmas holidays, when old Hi-Y members renewed ac- quaintances, or talked over old times together. Hi-Y boys are especially fond of Girl-Reserve night, when the high school Girl Reserves banquet with them in the Presbyterian Church. Another event always looked forward to by the I-Ii-'Yers is Dad's Night. This year the dads were addressed by Mr. A. N. Fraser of Ben Avon, who showed pictures of his hunting trip in the Canadian Rockies. T he annual mother's night was a great success. Dr. Lytle of the Ben Avon United Presbyterian Church addressed the mothers and sons on the spiritual nature which Hi-Y develops in boys. The ofticers for the Ben Avon Hi-Y club for the past year were: president, Bird Duffy vice president, Lindsay VVolfeg secretary, Fred Evansg and treasurer, Thomas Bright. 51 l i