Bennett High School - Beacon Yearbook (Buffalo, NY)

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Glau .... It was june, 1945, the beginning of a summer of a memorable year, highlighted by the closing of World War II and the return of our boys . June was also graduation time. We were on top of the world. All over the city there were boys and girls in the same happy circumstances as we. Approximately 400 of these boys and girls graduating from elementary schools across the city chose Bennett as the second step in their education. What lay ahead for us? Would we be able to keep up the rugged schedule of high school scholastics and still take an active part in extrafcurricular activities and athf letics? We soon found out, for in September of that same year we were transformed from our proud, digniied positions to humble confused freshmen. That Hrst day we tried to steer clear of upperclassmen, and were startled by the blast of the Public Address System, the endless cards to be filled out, and that first day's assembly. Boy!! This was going to be fun! This viewpoint of all' play and no work was soon altered, as we began to realize that we really had to study and do our homework to keep up with our classes. Problems and complexities arose, but somehow we always seemed to overcome them- Before we knew it, we had adjusted our' slves to our new environment. The problem now was to have the upperclassmen adjust themselves to us. This gradually evolved however, and the pathetic, disgusted glances we had received gradually died away. Finally, feeling ourselves a part of the school, we began to take an active part. Bev Schleuss and ten others ably represented us on the Student Council. Bob Lam' bert edited our Freshman Column in the BEACON. Promising scholars, athletes, and allfaround workers began to be recognized. The majority of us were rather hesitant in joining school organizations in that first year, however, since we wanted to get off on the right foot scholastically. All this time things were going on around us. Smilin' Through was produced by the Bennett Players. The Spring Minstrel show was a great success. The annual College Day was revived. The Charles Elbert Rhodes library, a 2000 volume gift of Dr. Rhodes, was formally dedicated and opened. Unforgettable in that first hectic year was the experif ence of meeting so many new people and making new friends. Still, to come, a timid notftoofconfident feeling prevailed and we all said, Wait 'til next year! Our second year in high school came before we realized the first had ended. The United States was rapidly being converted to peace, as was Bennett, since the number of veterans one could see in the halls began to dwindle. Although we weren't real upperclassmen, at least we had someone whom we could feel superior to. This was our year to really pitch in and show what we could do. Therefore, we lost no time in joining HifY's, literary clubs, and almost every imaginable organization. As Sophomores, we had a worthy representative on the student council in Don Woodley- Paul Gonson edited our Sophomore column in the BEACON. At this early point, some of our more talented members, Gordon Sly, Pat Mertens, and John Harrington received certihcates for scholastic art achievement. Bennett's all-around athletic talent again won us the Williams Cup, although our Cross Country team, who won the Columbia Cup, was the only team to take a first place. Among the Class of 49's promising contributors to these athletic teams were Carl Cole, George Jackson, Phil Wilson, and Tom Swanger. Right from the start our class has had so many outstanding students that it is hard to mention names in the field of scholarship. Unique in our school year of '46947 was a visit by Fred Waring, who broadcasted over a nation-wide hook' up from the stage of our auditorium. The members of our class all contributed and did their part in the Annual Red Cross Drive and the innumerable charity drives. As our Sophomore year drew to a close, we remember a feeling of pride growing within us for our school and everything connected with it. ' We were Juniors, and we began to get our Hrst taste of always having to be on the go. Physics and higher maths made this year most diHicult for us. This was the year of the New Look and the last year in which we could always depend upon the Seniors if something had to be done. We had to accustom ourselves to the job of running the school, so we could capably fill the shoes of the departing Seniors. ' Our junior representative on the Student Council, big Phil Wilson, expressed our opinions ably. The names of Hexamer and Woodley became associated with the Stage Crew, and the voices of Gates, Gillman, and Castle be' came familiar to us via the P.A. system. Joan Kanel gave a preview of future accomplishments by becoming assistant editor of the BEACON. Sue Herman edited our Junior column. Later, Dorothy Lee and Bill Truckenbrod were elected outstanding Junior girl and boy. Our own representative, Jack Gates, served for a week as Clint Buehlman's assistant. Swanger, Meyncke, Cole, Wilson, Jackson and Willer produced fine records in the field of athletics. Billy Castle made AllfHigh in tennis. Hugh Hexamer and Bryna Barcum won the Mercer Speaking Contest. In the Spring, the painting of the school was begun, the Spring Festival produced, and an outstanding pair of performers recognized in Lewis and Cross . Also in the Spring came Class Day, when we formally accepted the job of running the school. Once again we were in the same dignified position of four years before, but now it seemed all the more dignified and important. We were in charge in every sense of the words, but not without the helpful guidance of Miss Brettle and Miss Sherman. We gave the same sympathetic glances which we can remember receiving as Freshmen, and set the same good examples of the preceding class. Paul Gonson and Dorothy Lee led us on the Student Council, Joan Kanel became Editor'infChief of the BEA' CON, and Don Woodley managed the Stage Crew. Continued on page 96 Page II

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Salufaiaaq .... Page IO Today marks a turning point in our lives. Tomorrow, we, the mem' bers of the Class of 1949, will have left behind much that has become a part of us, much that has gone into our development as individuals, much that has prepared us for the multitudinous tasks ahead. The echo of our footsteps down the corridors for the past four years rings a welcome to you tonight, our honored guests. It is to you, our parents, that we have turned so often in the past for inspiration, guidance, and unfailing love. It is to you we turn now to proifer gratitude and the hope that We may so live as to repay you in some measure for your unselfish devotion and loyalty. Mr. Farrar, to you, our Principal, we convey thanks for your sincere interest and pride in our achievements. Your aid and understanding have been of inestimable value to us. To you, our teachers, we extend appreciation for the love of learning with which you have imbued us. You have given generously of your time and knowledge to help us become alert personalities and enlightened, useful citizens. Many an exacting assignment has been eased through your infinite patience and encouragement. Our debt of gratitude to all who have helped to make this occasion a glad reality is great and everlasting. Bennett High School has played a major role in our preparation for' living, providing a firm foundation for the edifice we have begun to create. As we look back with justifiable pride to our Alma Mater, we advance with optimism and courage toward the future,-the best that is yet to be. An era in our lives has ended, a new era has just begun. We welcome it, as we welcome you tonight. gm KW:

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0 0 0 0 FELLOW CLASSMATES: For four years, we have journeyed together along an important stretch of life's road. Our presence here proves that we have not fallen along the way. Now, we are at the crossroads where we must separate to explore new Helds of endeavor and pursue enlarged activities in accordance with our individual am' bitions and personal inclinations to service. Before we part to go on our several ways, let us tarry briefly to recall the influences and experiences which have made our travel together so pleasant and worthwhile. We, of the Class of 1949, have won our place in the annals of Bennett High School by our achieve' ments and honors. Yet we have gained more than tenable laurels, for we have learned the importance of fellowship, sportsmanship, and tolerance. We have become ever aware of their signihcance in times of war, and, more recently, in an era of experimental peace. As a group, we have grown-ever strength' ened by ties of fellowship, comradeship, enduring friendship. These sterling bonds have been sealed with love and loyalty which will withstand the elemegital strains of time. In athletics, we have learned to love the game beyond the prize, so that, win or lose, we have gained satisfaction from lessons in teamwork and good sportsmanship. Conscious of the petty prejudices that have torn the peoples of the world asunder, we have channeled our most conscientious endeavors toward practising tolerance in all our undertakings. We have tried to listen to the other side, to be understanding, and to praise people for their individual merits rather than condemning their lack of some desirable attribute. Yet we alone cannot claim credit for the progress we have made. Only with the conscientious guidf ance and sincere interest of Mr. Farrar, Mr. Axlerod, and the entire faculty, have we been able to rcch this goal. Also, the encouragement, faith, and sacrifice of our parents have been paramount in enabling us to climb so confidently. It is, then, humbly, that we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who have made our high school career a richer and more inspiring experience. It is sad indeed to take leave of the endearing associations we have formed here and the delightful experiences we have shared together, but let us take courage, for, The past is but a story told, The future may be writ in gold. So will these pleasant memories prove an undying inspiration as we go forth to travel the untried ways which lead to new worlds yet unconquered. Standing together at the foothills of the future, we face steep and rough heights to success, but, fired with youthful enthusiasm, inspired with confidence, un' afraid, we feel ready to climb.. Now, we bid farewell to our Alma Mater with a fervent wish that her ennobling light will continue to shine with ever increasing effulgence. We cannot tarry longer in the midst of these fond memories and stirring hopes, for, 'LWe are not here to play, to dream, to drift, We have hard work to do and loads to lift. Shun not the struggle, face it, 'tis God's gift. Mmm neva Page I2