Brockton High School - Brocktonia Yearbook (Brockton, MA)

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Some people believe that a college degree will automatically enable them to obtain and hold a responsible position without effort on their part. They are dazzled by titles received upon graduation from a university. But these mistaken folks overlook the fact that a careless attitude toward duty or work means that all their labors in life will be mediocre or superficial. Becom- ing efficient in one trade or profession is therefore one of our first obligations, so that we may achieve financial self-reliance, after so many years of dependence upon our indulgent families. Until now we have enjoyed many hours of play. Although some prophets predict that practical modern inventions will provide more leisure time, never- theless many recreation hours will have to be surrendered, when we assume permanent situations. Therefore we must learn to spend the leisure time we do have to the greatest advantage. Possibly we can develop hobbies which will gvie us both enjoyment and relaxation. Other leisure pursuits could be the read- ing of good books, or attending excellent plays or athletic contests. Better still, we can actually participate in sports. But, whatever our methods of diversion may be, we should certainly learn to make the most of our free hours. By so do- ing, we shall refresh our minds and bodies so that the demands upon them will be met more easily. Another obligation involves our duty to our parents and family. For years they have provided us with comfortable homes, clothing, and maintenance. They have cared for us when we were ill, and encouraged us when we were dis- heartened. They have sacrificed much, so that we may be contented and blessed with educational opportunities. Now it is our turn to do everything pos- sible to repay our parents, not in financial return only, but by accomplishments which will make them happy and proud of us in their homes. By the word home, l do not mean the comforts afforded us by modern mechanical appliances, or by the generosity of our parents. The furnishings of a house may include many labor-saving devices. Yet something very important is lacking-and the house is not a home-unless co-operation, good-nature, and unselfishness are shown by each member of the family to every other member of the family. Education teaches us that a home is not merely a convenient place for weekly parties or selfish demands on an over-worked mother or indulgent father, but a place where genuine affection, goodfellowship, and high ideals are the foundation of family happiness and peace. A third obligation involves our duty to be civic-minded and loyal to our govern- ment. Many people think it is unnecessary for them to shoulder, actively, the responsibility of government. They want someone else to carry the burden: then these shirkers proceed to criticize. Here, education should teach the fairer policy. Among the leaders of city, country, or federal government, evil and corrupt politicians may sometimes be found. But, by thoughtfully analyzing political issues and insisting on fine men and Women to represent him in office, an educated person can improve the political picture, eliminating graft and cor- ruption wherever it exists. lustice, equality, freedom of speech, freedom of press, and the numerous other basic principles of American government should be more than mere words. Insistence upon these basic principles which draw no line of distinction between one human being and another must be the ground- Work for all our thinking, where governmental issues are concerned. Another obligation lies in our duty to God. Without recognition and reliance on Him, our lives will be meaningless. lt is more important to win Divine approval than it is to impress our fellow man. He who knows our inner thoughts is not in- Cuutinued on page 105 15

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lgrefiiclenf I4 .xdclcirefm By HERBERT DAVID BERMAN On behalf of the class of 1947, I extend a cordial welcome to parents, relatives, and all our guests. This graduation day is an important milestone in the lives of four hundred and twenty young people, in whose welfare you are all inter- ested, as your presence here proves. For many of us, the receiving of our long-awaited diploma, signifying our honorable discharge from Brockton High School, will be somewhat sad, for it marks the end of a pleasant period in our lives. In addition to the routine study involved in completing our courses, we shall always cherish the memory of thrilling football, basketball, and baseball games, and frequently recall our pleasant associations with classmates and faculty during our four-year journey. But now, a longer journey awaits us, for these exercises mark only the first cross- roads on the march toward that distinguished title which We all hope to deserve eventually: the right to be called an educated man or woman, awake to his obligations. Let us consider what some of those obligations are, now that we have so long enjoyed so many privileges. If you will pardon my youth, which I cannot help, and my inexperience, which I hope to remedy somewhat during the next few years, I should like to express a few simple and humble thoughts about these obligations. One of our principal duties is to choose the vocation for which we are best suited, so that we can begin to establish ourselves as efficient workers in some field of activity, or profession. When we attempt to secure a position, we shall find that the world insists on higher proficiency than our school has demanded. In fact, the world expects one-hundred percent efficiency-not merely seventy percent. For instance, if a violinist should apply to Koussevitsky, the famous orchestra leader, for a place among his musicians, the youth would certainly be dismissed promptly, un- less he played flawlessly during his audition. Likewise, a pharmacist must make no mistakes in compounding a prescription. One slight error may mean death for some unfortunate person. In order to obtain this perfection in our work, we must cultivate accuracy and perseverance, the power to remain at a task in spite of hardship and continual failure. But the task of cultivating these fine traits of character is not so easy as it sounds. It is natural to follow the line of least resistance. We enjoy doing things that do not require too much energy, mental or physical. But, to succeed in life, whether we go to college or obtain employment, we must determine our particular abilities, and then work hard to develop them. Thus we shall become indus- trious, conscientious, and proficient at whatever job is assigned us, instead of degenerating into chronic bluffers and loafers. 14

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fe 9' - , I 1 .llg ,iffy 'F ,'f1' all .. - X l --V ,Md forianri Marie Spillane, Iohn Conley, Ioan Spicer, Adele Giudici, Edward Hull, Iennie Guarino and Arthur Parry devoted rnuch time to pondering over the class records, so that an interesting Class History might be achieved. 16 fu 5 M.,