Boys High School - Epitome Yearbook (Reading, PA)

Page 79 text:

THE EPITOME 77 The Debating Team '1'he Debating Team of Reading High has just completed an unusually successful season, obtaining frequent victories throughout the year, Under the splendid tutelage of Coach Eugene ll. VVhitman, the team achieved fame and reputation which adds to the prestige of Reading High. The Debating Team is composed of boys not only excelling in oratorical ability, but also in scholastic linesg therefore it is a body to be extremely en- couraged. Handicapped at the opening of the season by inexperienced candidates, Mr. VVhitman has now developed a team worthy of meeting any high school. Attaining six victories out of ten debates is not a record to be scorned, especially when taking into con- sideration the novelty of debating in Reading High, the youthfulness of the debaters and the strength of more sagacious opponents. Debating in Reading High is but in its crea- tion and for numerous reasons should be given more attention, since it is a scholastic background in itself for future professional careers. Not only were the activities of the debaters confined to debating, but also to oratory, wherein Seymour Ziff, a skilled debater, won the right to represent Reading High in the National Oratorical Contest, a nation-wide rivalry. Although he was eliminated at the district contest, the doubtful decision was received not only unsatisfactorily by Reading High, but also by the audience, who greatly appreciated his ability. The outstanding performances of the Debating Team were the winning of the Ursinus League Pennant, which league is organized for dual debating teams in Eastern Pennsyl- vania. Reading High had as associate contestants Norristown High, Allentown High and Easton High, which is a worthy aggregation to beat. Another predominant feature of the season was the decisive beating Reading High handed to Hazleton High in the triangular meet. This was the first time in the history of Reading High debating that our team triumphed over Hazleton, which has a debating club bearing the envious reputation of being not only impregnable, but invincible. Those boys who represented our school in debating circles are: Sydney Abels, Wilson Austin, Arthur Bechtel, Howard Frantz, Geier Freehafer, Russell Huyett, Judson Kenny, James Rick, 3rd, and Seymour Ziff. Record for the Year 1926 i Jan. 6, 1926-'Reading High 3g Easton High, 0. Reading High, Og Easton High, 3. Feb. 17-Reading High, 15 Lancaster High, 2. Reading High, 33 Lancaster High, 0. March 26-Reading High, 2g Norristown High, 1. Reading High, 53 Norristown High, 4. April 16-Reading High, 25 Allentown High, 1. Reading High, 35 Allentown High, 6. May 12-Reading High, 15 Harrisburg High, 2. Reading High, 25 Hazleton High, 1.

Page 78 text:

76 THE EPITOME Qperetita One Of,OL1f...IIlOSt successful operatic productions was featured in the audi- torium on the night of April 23d. The hall was thronged with enthusiastic spectators, who enjoyed the play to the fullest extent, as displayed by the over- whelming bursts of applause that swept the assembly. The principals taking part in the production rendered their selections in the best possible fashion, with plenty of volume, clearness and purity of tone. Their whole-hearted participation in a class of production strange to many of their ex- periences, discloses the fact of strenuous effort applied. Mitch Arters, as Cleopatra, was quite a sensation because of his Happer superfluities and soprano voice. Williana Burkhart, who had volunteered to take the double character of the ghost and as William, was, unfortunately detained by illness, and, as a result, was replaced by Arthur Bechtel, who, having but two days in which to practice for his roles, displayed remarkable enthusiasm. Assisting in the important parts, H. Ziegler, as Anthony, with his two mates, Pompey and Caesar, respectively Gendall and G. Freehafer, proved their innate ability in the art of love making. To bring out more vividly the lively action of the play, a sympathetic chorus of accomplished artists intervened between solos with its sonorous ditties and rhythmic steps. Because of the splendid manner in which the operetta was enacted, the players unanimously favored the presentation of the play in the Southern Junior High, which would enable the players to exhibit their powers to a greater extent. The repetition was received with equal enthusiasm on the night of Saturday, May 22.

Page 80 text:

'78 THE EPITOME Phillomathean Literary Society BRGOKMAN R. PAINTICR, President TTIOVVARD BOYER, Vice-Presifdent HOWARD C. FRANTZ, Treasmfer FREDERICK BERTOLET, Secretary IXRTHUR l3icCH'1'ic1,, ,Property Alan During the past semester the Philomathean Literary Society. under the cap- able leadership of our president, Brookman Painter, and the excellent guidance of our faculty advisor, Mr. Smythe, has successfully conducted a varied series of programs. These have included the commercial, technical, literary and religious phases of life, given in the form of debates, extemporaneous speeches, talks or prepared orations. Much of this success was due to the courageous efforts of our officers. They have endeavored to strengthen the society in membership and quality. Although the society was not as large as it might have been, each member took an active interest in its work. Generally speaking, the speakers prepared their talks with great care and delivered them in an interesting manner. Only on a fevv occasions were those members absent who were scheduled to appear on the program. Mr. Smythe, our faculty advisor, gave many valuable suggestions and aided the officers in making their decisions. Much of his time was spent in attending the meetings of the society and properly supervising them. . Credit should also be given to the various committees, which have all accom- plished their particular Work equally well. The Philo members of the Class of 1926 June Wish the society unlimited success in the future, and hope that it will grow to be a greater institution than it is at present.