Boys High School - Epitome Yearbook (Reading, PA)

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.

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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.

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THE EPITOME 79 Zelosogobie Literary Soeiety Arriuio Roczicks, P1'USTlZiI'l'If ,lonx l-ll'C2lIIi5, lift? l,l't'.N'ldP1'1f and Sccwfary TFFD l'Riclc4, 7i7'6'tI.YLl7'F7' .Xt the close of another successful year. the Zelos are losing some of their most active members. In spite of the reduced membership the past season, there has been great progress made by the society. Its leaders and its hardest workers have been active in our numerous debates and oratorical contests. They have shown great speaking ability and are bound for even greater success as orators. They have won honors for our school and have strengthened its reputation for good public speakers. The achievements of our society reflect on the ardent work of its active members and the untiring efforts of our faculty advisor, Mr. Wliit- man. He has instilled into our members something of his own spirit, ambition and ability. The Zelosophic Literary Society, with its systematically arranged programs, has trained many in the arts of speaking. Every semester it is cus- tomary for us to send out a call for new members. However, we seek only those who are willing to co-operate with the other members in upholding the standards of the society and those who will work enthusiastically to reach the goal attained by many of our graduates in the past. We wish to congratulate and thank our graduating members for their continued interest and achievements in this society. The best wishes for continued success are extended to you by your brother Zelos.