Benjamin School for Girls - Tusitala Yearbook (New York, NY)

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TUSITALA FOR 1928 It is not made of metal or of any other material substance but it is rather representa- tive of those things which are unseen, but whose existence we recognize so well. It stands for character, for beauty, for uprightness, and for adherence to a code which if followed will bring undying lustre to this key. I present this key on behalf of the Senior Class, the retiring custodians, to the junior Class. Keep its polish untain-:ed that it may ever open doors which lead to a brilliantly lighted life. FAREWELL TO THE SENIORS HELEN GELLER Fellow-students, Seniors, you are going to leave us. We, of the junior Class, are bowed down with grief. Tomorrow, the day of our parting, the day of sorrow, would that it might never come and fear you from our hearts, from the protection of our beloved school to thrust you out into a cruel, merciless world! But, why should I speak so desperately? Why should I bring tears to your eyes, which are peering so eagerly into the future? The world will not be harsh with those who have sterling characters and keep faith, Surely, even when you have departed you will have the protection of our school in the ideals that have been crystallized in your hearts, in the knowledge it has bequeathed to you, and in the eternal love and friendship of your fellow students. With this key you have passed down to us, we shall open the portals of Responsi- bility. We shall place your burdens upon our own shoulders, and for one short year, we, too, shall carry the Banner of Benjamin. May our leadership prove so successful as yours! It is time to say goodbye. Even through our tear dimmed eyes, we can see you, upon leaving Benjamin, climbing with persistence the rugged path to success. We feel that you will reach the summit and emplant there Benjamin's Banner, so that we, and the future Benjamin student, may acclaim you as our own. Farewell, fellow-students, may God watch over you with his loving eyes and lead you in the paths of righteousness, courage, and love. Page S6'If'6l7lE67Z

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a-ah -.a-avw a -a--.a---aaa.-a-a rusiiata wit 1938 THE SENIOR FAREWELL TO THE JUNIOR CLASS ' LUc1LLE MENscHEL The one task allotted -to me, which I have most dreaded, is this address to the juniors. All of the teachers know just how difficult it is to attempt to inculcate into the minds of young people of precocious tendencies the lessons we, who are older, have learned through experience. I have often felt that perhaps it were better thus, that each one learn her own lesson, rather than knowing itparrotwise. It has a truer and more intimate ring, when we ourselves have actually lived through an experience. And so, takingfrhe value of my own preachment, I will not endeavor to give any concrete advice on any special subject, but I shall merely mention those things that I have found have left the greatest impres- sion on me, while at school. You often hear the teachers say to keep the name of Benjamin unsullied. Our class repeats, nBE7ZjrI7lZfiZ Shall Always Siam! High . Precisely what does this mean? Cer- tainly we realize that if ignominy is heaped upon the head of some alumna, the shame reflects but very dimly back upon the school, Wliat, then, does it import? We have here at school with all its diversified interests, and all its different people, a perfect microcosm, a little world of our own, complete within itself. We have our own accustomed station, and our allotted labor. It is here that our characters are molded, and our minds trained to receive their burdens in the years to come. And so in truth we occupy here a position in our own little world precisely similar to the one we will occupy in the greater world. It is in relation to our future positions and obligations that we are cautioned not to bring disgrace to Benjamin. All that it means is that we shall always hold in high esteem and bear uppermost in our minds the high ideals, the refinements of character, and the sensibility of the better things of life. The academic learning we here acquire may be lost in our daily strife, but that certain ability for fine delineation and appreciation that has become part of us will always be functioning and make our lives more worth- while. So you see there is no concrete lesson we are asked to learn, nor any set rules to follow. Wlien we leave here, it is hoped that we have acquired our own code of high ideals, and while perhaps some of them are erroneously conceived, still if they are ideals they cannot be far wrong, and if you will practice them assiduously, there can never be occasion for disgrace coming to the name of Bezzjazmizi. Czfliiwzte lclefzlr. PRESENTATION OF KEY TO JUNIORS LUc1LL12 MENscHEL It now becomes my duty to present to you this key symbolic of your new estate in Benjamin and also as a badge of honor. Every student of our school who has graduated has been for one year figuratively the custodian and guardian of this key and never thru all these years has it become even momentarily tarnished. Page Sixleefr

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ffm f-'ff TUSITALA FUR 1928 CLASS POEM EVELYN JAFFE The world is bathed in a golden light, Each work of nature that meets the sight Another promise seems to be Of future good and security. The clear, deep blue of the skies and seas, The fair, pale green of the young, spring trees The sudden touch of a cool, east breeze, The cheerful -call of the birds and bees, And all the splendors of sea and land Reveal the care of sweet nature's hand. For youth, like lloW'rs that bloom in spring, Foretells the fruits that autumn will bring. LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT Wetthe senior class of Benjamin School, 320 West 107th Street, do hereby make, publish, and declare this as and for our last will and Testament hereby expressly revoking and making null and void any and all Wills and Testaments by us at any time heretofore made. Q The separate articles of the Will may be seen in Miss Hurstfs office after May 28th, 1928. Any party who is interested may make an appointment with Miss Hurst or may be present at the reading of the Will on May 29th, 1928. In witness whereof, I, Frances Levine, Testator, have to this my last Will and Testa- ment subscribed my name and set my seal this 24th day of May, 1928. Signed- FRANCES LEVINE LUCILLE MENSCHEL, Pferidenr DOROTHY KIMMELMAN, Secremry Page Eiglnleen