Brockton High School - Brocktonia Yearbook (Brockton, MA)

Page 20 text:

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.,

Page 19 text:

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

Page 21 text:

Cfaaa .zLh5lory Each class of seniors has pointed to some important event and claimed distinc- tion because the students were graduating at that particular time. The Class of 1947 is not different. lt is the first class since the beginning of World War ll to graduate without the shadow of military conscription. Students will be able to attend colleges or universities, and to plan work for the future without fear of being interrupted. Such is the future, but let us also look back to the past-the three eventful years that most of us have spent in Brockton High School. We have followed with interest boys from our class representing our school in the field of sports. As sophomores we shared the glory of our successful varsity teams. When juniors, we watched our classmates make fine records on foot- ball, basketball, and baseball teams. Finally, as seniors, we followed that year's record with an equally brilliant one when the football team, under Mr. F rank Saba, our new coach, ran the undefeated streak to sixteen games. Two of the star players were chosen all-scholastic. The basketball team was one of the hoop powers in the State and made an excellent record at the Tech tourney. It was during the junior year that track was reinstated as a varsity sport under the tutelage of Coach Sandrock. ln the senior year the girls' sports program was widened to include field hockey and softball, Eldon Keith Field being used for practices and games. For the Cheer Leaders, an outstanding innovation was the introduction of black skirts, red shirts and the smart looking Eisenhower jackets in black and white checks. T he senior class play, Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, the adven- turous comedy by Mark Twain, attracted a capacity crowd. The cast spent many long hours perfecting roles under the efficient coaching of Miss Ruth Stokes. The result was one of the best plays in years. ln Ianuary enchantingly entitled Tropicana, the senior-junior prom, gave us a never-to-be-forgotten evening. Under swaying palm trees and amid jungle scenes seniors, juniors, and guests enjoyed the dancing. As juniors, 52 boys and girls of the Class of 1947 served as ushers at the gradu- ation exercises of the Class of 1946. The 26 girls looked their best in white flow- ing gowns, carrying the newly introduced daisy chain, while the remaining ushers, 26 boys, took care of seating parents and guests. A teachers' training program, enabling senior girls to observe elementary teach- ing technique, was introduced for the first time during our senior year. Seven senior girls signed for the six-week course and spent a few hours each week visiting grade schools. Three boy musicians of the school band represented Brockton High at the annual music festival held at Brattleboro, Vermont, where they joined other student musicians from all parts of New England. Mr. Spencer, music instruc- tor, accompanied the boys. We have spent three eventful years working and living together, and the re- sults have been fairly happy ones thanks to the helpful guidance of our class advisers, Miss Doris Hathaway, Miss Elizabeth Elzbut and Miss Pauline Hoit. Now that we are on our own, we hope that our future actions as responsible citizens will determine in some way the success of the fight that is gcing on for a peaceful, prosperous, and united world. 17