Bennett High School - Beacon Yearbook (Buffalo, NY)

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Lullaby of Broadwayv, another Kublitz production, held the audience spellbound during its stay at the Ben- net Golden Theatre. The show was of special interest for us since many of our fellow classmates delivered perform- ances of the highest caliber. When the Mercer Club sponsored its annual speak- ing contest in March, Dennis Sandow and Edith Davis displaying oratorical excellence, took first place honors. In April, the 'Kinvasion' of Bennett by Donald Puch- ala, a Hutch-Tech senior, provided us with another top- fiight assembly. Donald humorously told us about his trip to Europe the previous summer. Near the middle of May, one could see that some- thing wonderful was brewing. The last minute hair appointments, decorations, and scurrying back and forth could mean only one thing-the Junior Prom. It was the social event of the year, as Ellen Hedger, Linda Orlin and their talented crew of helpers made it a smashing success. Who can forget the anxiety we all felt as we waited for the great announcement of who were to rule as King and Queen of the Prom? How happy we were when Sandy Greenberg and Doreen Guyett were overwhelmingly chosen to occupy the majestic thrones. '4About June first, backaches were common ailments as we reeled under a burdensome load of review books. At the same time we began reviewing uancient history feverything we had learned during the yearj. As the inevitable exams approached, most of us envied, just a little, Barry Feinblatt, Joanna Ferber, Alan Ehrlich, Richard Doeblin, and Gertrude Holzka who had excel- led scholastically during the entire year. Sports figured prominently throughout the year. Our football team won third place. Then our basketball quintet supplied a pleasant surprise by winning the treas- ured Yale Cup. Coach Braun was accused of hoard- ing trophies when the baseball team again won the Cornell Cup. Bennett's sportsmen brought more fame to their alma mater when they retained the Bapst Cup, symbol of tennis supremacy. Richard Weisfeld and Bruce Weintraub had the enviable distinction of being among the few juniors in the annals of Bennett to gain berths on an All-High Tennis Team. Thus a very productive and satisfying year drew to a close. SENIORS Time is fleetingf' We grasped the full significance of that oft quoted phrase for the first time in the autumn of 1957 as we realized that no longer could the word underclassmen be applied to us - we had arrived! Many obstacles had been strewn along the path we had traveled during our ascent, but the class had re- mained nearly intact and we were confident that this solidarity would continue throughout the senior year. '4Shortly following the opening of school the student body was pleasantly shocked, when after eleven unsuc- cessful years, the cross country team outdistanced its opponents to win the Columbia Cup. S'The football season ended with both of Buffalo's leading newspapers unanimously selecting Dave Rynne on their All-High Football Teams. mln November many talented seniors were attracted by the glitter of the stage as they lent their combined talents to the 1958 edition of the Variety Show--Music, Music, Music. 4'By the dawn of winter the feverish pitch of elections could be felt everywhere as we chose our slate of officers. The outcome of the polling was as follows: Chief Consul - Sanford Greenberg Vice-Consul - Dianne Murray Scribe - Judith Selby Bursars - Ernest Shosho, Carol Scheinberg Adjutants - Philip Ablove, Ellen Hedger Memorialist - Sanford Hoffman Oracle - Michael Meyer Valedictorian - Bruce Weintraub Salutatorian - Barry Feinblatt '6The ensuing collection of dues by our esteemed bur- sars depleted bankrolls and left many wallets barren. UNO sooner had we recovered from the aforemention- ed Hafflictionn when an ominous sounding notice was broadcast over the public address system. The S.B.L.P. had been formed! This senior boy honorary organization successfully aided the members of the faculty in enforc- ing the rule prohibiting smoking in the school building. 6'Alan Berkeis rating as a uworkhorsef' of a better than than average basketball team was confirmed by his being placed on the All-High Basketball Team. L'The annual school play, a rollicking comedy, You Can't Take It With You, played to capacity crowds as Gary Lichtman, Michael Gilroy, Barry Feinblatt and Kenneth Johnson delivered superb performances. '4On Class Day Michael Meyer's creative genius was displayed by the humorous prophecy he prepared for our enjoyment. The festivities which followed the prophecy were well-planned by Bennettss Community Association. '4That is my complete report. All the angels rise to congratulate Bob on his report when they are interrupted by the coarse voice of the guardian angel. 4'Pardon me, Robert? he says, HI find one thing miss- ing from your report-Graduation. If thou dost not mind, I would like to describe that eventf, 'fAt 6 p.m. on June 24-th the tension of the approaching commencement exercises was felt by all. As that momen- tous occasion neared, hearts began to beat faster and hands started twitching nervously. Four years of labori- ous work was about to be climaxed on a cheerful, al- though somewhat nostalgic, note. i'The auditorium was a sight to behold. It was over- flowing with relatives, friends, well-wishers and teachers. The graduates presented a striking spectacle, bedecked in caps and gowns- the boys in blue and the girls in white. The ceremonies proceeded without a hitch and in a twinkling of an eyelash four hundred fifty names had been added to the scroll of alumni. The class of 1958 was now just a memory. The guardian queries his friends, Dost thou have any additions or corrections to the report?'5 There are no additions or corrections and the general consensus of opinion among the angels is that the report was very informative. The hearing disbands, but not before our angel is given another assignment. He is in- formed that he will represent his ward at the annual convention of guardian angels.

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A HISTCRY of the SENIOR CLASS FRESHMEN S Somewhere in the ever-sought land of Heaven, an angel is reporting to his superiors. The gist of the report goes like this: 'Thou gavest me a most pleasant assign- ment. Being guardian angel of the 1958 senior class of Bennett High School was indeed an enjoyable experi- ence. That class was truly extraordinary, one with which I am proud to have been associated. And now my report. 'gin early September, 1954, a large, unrelated group of students from all corners of Buffalo met in the gather- ing hall of Bennett. This was the freshman class. They were somewhat awed by the greatness of the institution they were entering that day. But in time their feeling changed to one of reverence for that monument to learn- mfr. ?'To continue the story of the class I have brought along Bob E. Socks, a member of that class. Bob, at my request, was reserved and unpretentious during his four years at Bennett. The day before Bob entered Bennett I asked him to collect data for my report to Thee four years hence. Bob happily agreed to assist me and we con- curred that the best plan for collecting appropriate in- formation would be for him to remain in the back- Ground. D I shall now allow Bob to continue the story. Robert, if you please. 'SThe first important business we conducted was the election of our Student Council representatives. Sanford Greenberg was chosen as our overall representative to the Executive Committee. From the first, Bruce Wein- traub and June Kreinheder 'gout-smarted the entire class. The year 1954-55 will go down in history as the year of assemblies. We were treated to one wonderful assem- bly after another. A scientific Hmagicianu from General Electric held us spellbound while producing rubber in front of our eyes. More magic was performed by uttering the name, Bob Wells. Mr. Wells brought us a sterling group of talent. Such stars as the Four Lads, Robert W'agner, and Russell Armes brought many enjoyable moments to the student body. HOur St. Patrick's day was brightened by the perform- ance of the great choral group from upstate New York, The Colgate Thirteen. 'fMore magic was performed as the thrill of our first Variety Show QThe Magic Carpetj unveiled before our eyes. The thrill took on an even bigger signihcance when we discovered that many of our fellow neophytes were in the fabulous show. After a rather dismal beginning in sports our mer- men came through with a stirring victory in the All- High meet. Bennett's trophy case was further adorned when our athletes won the Robert T. Babst cup for hit- ting a little white ball over a net and also the Cornell Cup for hitting another white ball, only this time with a malformed piece of wood. SOPHOMORES Sophomores - somehow our first year had passed swiftly by and we found ourselves once again engrossed in work. Diminutive Sandy Katz immediately took his place as an outstanding leader Qcheerleader, that isj, urging our teams on to greater heights. Sandy Green- berg was re-elected to the Executive Committee. Our stage was once more graced with fine talent and entertainment, much to our surprise, for we little thought that such good fortune could continue. Mr. Sur- prise himself, Bob Wells, brought an array of talent headed by such luminaries from the world of show busi- ness as Jackie Jocko and' The Four Voices. Mr. Daniel M. Kublitz directed the Hrst full-scale production of a play in many moons. The play, Arsenic and Old Lace, was a big success and inspired ,Mr. Kublitz to direct the best Variety Show Bennett has ever known. Betty Zearfoss, Jim Perrnan, Pat Lodico, and Bob Kroll were among the members of the sophomore class who made these productions memorable. 'iln sports our 4'Sophmen excelled. Dave Rynne snatched passes from outer space, Bob Gurn, Dave Hughes, and John Jacobowitz were bright spots of a rather dismal swimming team, while Paul Emerick and Jerry Simon aided the boys on the diamond who once again won the Cornell Cup. NBut the icing was put on the cake when our tennis team became the first in Buffalds history to capture the Babst Trophy while remaining undefeated. One memory we shall cherish for many years was that moment when the first letter from our newly adopted Korean brother, Kim Suh Heng, was read to the stu- dent body. Our emotions were deeply touched when we realized that we were helping a fellow human being, less fortunate than we, obtain a feeling that the world was not all evil and gloomy as he had been previously led to believef' JUNIORS uWhen our junior year came upon us we realized that we had reached the half-way point of our high school careers. As the year started, more and more of us began to think of Bennett as our second home, a home we could be as proud as of our parental abode. Bruce Weintraub provided the first major extra-cur- ricular event of the year when he was honored by being selected as Junior Representative to the Executive Com- mittee. This was followed by election fever which swept through the class in mid-February as we prepared to choose our official leaders. When the ballots were tab- ulated, Fred Clarke stood as Chief Consul. Dianne Mur- ray was chosen Vice-Consul, while Judy Selby had the honor of being elected Scribe. Financial affairs were creditably handled by the Bursars, Ernie Shosho and Ellen Hedger. '

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HALL OF FAM The following space is dedicated to the outstanding seniors - class 1958. For their four years, these students have worked diligently, and now have reached the pinnacle of success - Bennett's Hall of Fame. For four years they have proved themselves leaders in all phases of high school life. Here is a compilation of scholar- ship, leadership, and athletic prowess. These then, are the characteristics of those selected for the Hall of Fame - all around men and women. To this aim Bennett High School has dedicated itself and to these people, we dedicate these pages. PHILIP ABLOVE High on the pinnacle of this year's outstanding seniors stands Philip Ablove, Editor-in-Chief of the BENNETT BEACON. In this most cherished position, Phills leadership, knack for organization, determination, and intelli- gence have been extremely advantageous. Because of the endless hours of work spent on our yearbook, the words Ablove and UBEACONH have become synonymous around Bennett. Moreover, Phil has engaged in many extra-curricular activities other than the BEACON. Last year, through his membership in the Junior Council on World Affairs, Phil was one of Bennett's representatives to the Model UNg here he brought honor to himself and school by being one of the chosen few to address the entire assembly. As a result, he was elected president of . the Junior Council in his senior year, and is again contributing to the Model UN. In addition, Phil has served the Latin Honorary Society as Vice-Presi- dent. the Chess Club as Secretary, the English Honorary Society as Sergeant- at-Arms, and has been a member of the Student Council. For four years. this outstanding senior has protected Bennettonians as a member of the School Safety Patrol: he is now serving as co-captain. The Key Club and Legion of Honor are also proud to claim Phil as a member. To top it all off, his scholarship has not suffered for he will receive a jewelled honor pin at graduation. Amicable Phil's dislikes are limited to slapstick comedy and fraternity meetings. Among his many likes, one will find sports Cbasketball and base- ball in particularl homecooking Cblintzesl, night driving fvia blue cardsl, and Saturday nights. Upon graduation, Phil plans to enter college but is undecided as to which one. However, he is certain that he plans to major in Business Admin- istration. Judging from his impressive record here, he cannot help but succeed. ANN ARBESMAN Nice things come in small packages definitely describes Ann Arbesman. This energetic little Senior has managed to contribute much to the many facets of school life at Bennett. Ann's extra-curricular activities have been many and varied, including four years of hard and diligent work on the BEACON, which led to her appointment as assistant advertising editor in her Junior year and resulted this year in her selection as business editor. This year Ann became corre- sponding secretary of the French Honorary Society and for the past two years she has been Vice-President of the French Club. Ann has shown her initiative and willingness to work in many ways. In her second and third years, she was an active member of the Junior Council on World Affairs and this year she is a member of the Legion of Honor. Her participation in work on the Variety Show business staff this year demonstrates that she is always ready to help out. When passing through the front hall one often sees her in the monitor's chair, busily at work. At graduation she will receive her jewelled pin for four years of outstanding work. On her list of Hlikes , Ann rates travel as tops, for during the summer following her Junior year she spent ten weeks in Europe on a student tour. She also loves expensive shoes and reading and finds BEACON work and Math, taught by Miss Thiel, extremely interesting. She doesn't care for con- Ceited boys or picture slips, and has a strong aversion to lima beans, scal- loped potatoes, and people who call her Banana Anna. Ann hopes to further her education in Liberal Arts at The University of Michigan where she thinks perhaps she'll pursue a teaching career. We know that Ann will be successful in reaching whatever goal she sets for her- self and that Bennett can always be proud of her achievements.