Brockton High School - Brocktonia Yearbook (Brockton, MA)

Page 19 text:

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS U55 cpsiporziigififiai of qfoufg By PETER LE!-XVITT Welcome, friends and honored guests, to the graduation ex- ercises of the Class of l945. This evening, because of present War conditions, many members of our class are not here to share this occasion with us but are serving their country throughout the universe. ln this contingency, l should like humbly to link the present problems and the future Welfare of our absent members to the imminent future of each of us now present-in order that we may have a better understand- ing of the World We Wish to create out of the catastrophe of war. Of a period of confusion and conflict, Shakespeare once said, Ah, there has been much casting about of brains. Such is our age. Red points, blue points, gasoline, and rationings of all kinds vie continuously with who is going to run what-and when-and how! Perchance it is a racial question or an inter- national problem. Public speakers sermonize continually. The radio blares forth the issue unceasingly. But let me assure you that, in the midst of this chaos. We, the young citizens of today and tomorrow, are not so dull-witted as some would have you believe. We young people know what We Want! We shall not be satisfied unless We develop ourselves into physically, intellectually, and morally fine citizens of a better tomorrow At this time can any alert individual fail to recognize the positive necessity for a constant emphasis being placed on obtaining and keeping our bodies healthy, as Well as stressing clean, sportsman-like activities? For the purpose of maintaining these healthy bodies, the best informed people have consist- ently stated that the mind of the average person cannot function fully and prop- erly unless he has built up for himself health-abiding practices. ls not this obvious as you constantly hear the stress being placed upon physical well- being by those persons responsible for training the members of our armed forces? The mere mention of the physical development of young men and Women emphasizes the importance of all sports and the influence of gymnastic activities. In fact, participation in just such fields of physical prowess has decidedly increased in significance whenever the welfare of our country has been threatened. Why then, is it not feasible to follow the tide of this increased participation and carry it into the peace-time future? General MacArthur, in contrasting the realm of physical fitness at home with that found in the line of battle, once stated: On the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds which, in other years on other fields, will bear the fruits of victory. What better illus- trates the imperative need of our generations insisting upon a physical pro- gram available for every American youth? 15 is

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CLASS DAY OFFICERS N PBOPHETS Pat Casey, Bob St. larnes, Shirley Brides, Claire Murphy, Sam Stone, and Dave Silk gaze intently into their mystic crystal ball as they prepare to unveil the future of the Class of '45. HlSTOBlANS Bob Nelson, Mimi Castelluzzi, Mel Scovell, and Pat Cahill ponder over the archaic class records compiling significant dates and data for the Class History.

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Bodily perfection, however, must be accompanied by mental alertness. This requirement makes it imperative that youth consider the educational facilities in our land. At present, as I need not tell you, prices for everything are high. Some people complain about having to spend too much money for this and too much for that. We have even a few among us, I fear, who are prone to criticize the sums expended annually for the intellectual development of American youth. They would try to get education without sufficient expendi- tures. We must remember that every bargain ever offered is merely a bargain. ln brief, the customer receives exactly what he pays for, and no more. But, friends, we cannot-we dare not-barter our educational standards. No mat- ter what we may think at the moment, we, fellow classmates, are soon to be members of the general public, we shall be responsible for any flaws that may occur in the advancement of American culture. Our education must prepare Americans for sane, successful lives. They must learn how to enjoy their leisure time, how to conduct their businesses, and how to do particular jobs well. All of us appreciate more doing work that interests us, Work that we actually enjoy and out of which we can get satisfaction. Is it not education that gives us this knowledge? Lower our high standards of intelligence, and we betray our welfare. It is our responsibility to see that American education gives full value, not false bargains, for the money invested in it. After our schooling has done the completely thorough job of ridding our minds of antique theories, biased opinions, and commonly-held notions that are one hundred per cent prejudiced, we are ready to face the most old-fashioned and yet most ultra-modern concept of successful living-a development of a con- sciousness of the universal equality of mankind, We must recognize that all peoples of the world are brothers: then we shall be able intelligently to avoid much of the prevalent unnecessary friction. Let it suffice to say that each mem- ber of our class has before him, this evening, a challenge so great that he must not fail to understand its full significance. It is simply a return to the idea of doing for the other fellow just what you would want him to do for you. It is recognizing that, in itself, neither color, nor race, nor creed ever made a fine human being. It is extending a kindly, peaceful hand of help to every man, woman, or child wherever and whenever we may encounter that man, woman, or child. And so, this evening, as we break up our unity as a school group, let each one of us travel toward his destined life duties intelligently. Let us demand for all men opportunities for suitable physical and intellectual development. Let us practice and encourage the growth of an appreciation of the brotherhood of man. Let us live as Lincoln admonished: With malice toward none: with charity for all: with firmness in the right. Let us strive onward to finish the work we are ing to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan-to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves, and with all nations. 16