Bensalem High School - Owl Yearbook (Bensalem, PA)

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ADMINISTRATION AND FACULTY

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in 1 3 sf, 3535

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TO THE CLASS OF 1960: Quite a few years ago, in a situation similar to yours, my attention was directed to Milton's Sonnet, On His Blindness. At the time it held no particular fancy or fascination for me, but over the years it has become one of my favorite pieces of reading, for in it I find not only a splendid ex- ample of the sonnet but the expression of another human who had problems and troubles and who surmounted them in the most remarkable manner. Milton's blindness was a bitter blow to him, ultimately, however, he accepted it and did some of his greatest and most noteworthy writing in total darkness. As I go about the tasks and duties of the day I frequently reflect on the Sonnet's opening line, When I consider how my light is spent, and reshape them in one of two ways. I ask myself, How am I spending my light or my life? I ask myself whether I have done the right thing or the expedient, I ask myself whether my smile is the reflection of an inner feeling or an exercise for facial muscles. I ask myself whether the words of my mouth andthe deeds of my hands are for the benefit of my fellowmen or are they selfish expressions for personal gain. , , . . . . 1 I am certain you can find much more to live for and live by in Milton s Sonnet. Won't you read it and consider how your light is spent? yn'+.11 !C,Jf-fe Robert K. Shafer ' Superintendent of Schools