Berkley High School - Bear Tracks Yearbook (Berkley, MI)

Page 8 text:

Headers T IS the policy of our school to train for leadership by giving stu- dents a large share in managing activities. There are leaders of gymnasium classes, captains of teams, class and club officers, Girls' Association and Student Body officers, and many students have important positions as managers of plays, vaudeville, or class functions and as members of executive groups like the Rally Committee. Students are placed in important positions of trust Wherever they seem to be equal to the responsibility imposed and where there is a chance for them to acquire practice in directing affairs. There is a definite purpose in such assignments. The school manage- ment is not trying to unload work upon students. Usually training them means more work for the teachers than would the actual doing of the work which the students carry on. The main idea back of these student responsibilities is to give the students an opportunity to acquire pro- ficiency in executive Work so that they will be better fitted for the life responsibilities which come after the school period. These students also have a wonderful opportunity to learn how to become useful later on in their community life and those who acquire this spirit of service gain most from their training. The work of the school is just like the other Worth-while work in the world. It is successful only in so far as it tends toward general better- ment. We see that illustrated each semester. When our leaders, no matter what positions they occupy, are earnest, sincere, and eager to work for the good of the organization which they have in charge, then that organization prospers. When they are more concerned with the privileges which their positions make it possible for them to enjoy, when they think more of their own prominence and power than they do of the advancement of those whom they are supposed to be serving, then their administration is a failure. One important factor in the success of every official is self-effacement. This is the important lesson which all should learn from the exercise of the power which is entrusted to them. Only those succeed who realize that their position is bigger than they are and who keep themselves in the background in order that their cause may prosper. .5194 ,L

Page 10 text:

walker 2