Bronx High School of Science - Observatory Yearbook (Bronx, NY)

Page 10 text:

'I 9 u 1 s Q 4 r 5 L L 1 I A 5 v 1 4 J 1 1 w 1 ff -TEQSRQR x f XXX? x 'X f ws Syl ' '-Sis? 'QCXXXQT-,,6'751 '.i'5f2P'SXiXt2f?i4FWQV'5?f4?SQQ4ZQNNAZ4?1fSGWbraexxiwkmfkkslff ' 1 x JZfE 3VZ AiE 'QZM 2iiVyii9S' S 'J'-1-1 v '

Page 9 text:

I 0lfl'l we Principal T0 THE CLASS OF JUNE 1960: UThese are the times that try menis soulsfi The words are as valid now as they were in the days of Thomas Paine. Indeed, the challenge that has tried men's souls has been a continuing one. No generation has escaped it although, to each, it has seemed that the particular challenge was new and unique. Today, we live in a world of great upheaval. Everywhere there is political, social, and economic turbulence. Everywhere there is a yearning for the more abundant life. Everywhere there is the demand for well educated citizens who can play their parts in the dynamic march ahead. The challenge, however, remains the same. As always, it is di.rected to the principles by which men live, to the ideals which they cherish, and, above all, to their determination to live by those principles and ideals. As you of the class of 1960 look more closely at the World about you, you will find a cynical atmosphere that puts great emphasis on material values. It is easy in this environment to lose sight of the ethical, moral, and spiritual values that give life meaning and direction. Yet, the great lesson to be learned, and learned soon, is that without the realization of these values there can be no fulfillment or happiness. For you, therefore, the challenge of the times will be, as it has always been, as challenge to the ideals by which you choose to live. Sincerely yours, ALEXANDER TAFF EL Principal

Page 11 text:

BRUCE ACKERMAN ROGER SWAYBILL EDITORS-IN-CHIEF As soon as we entered the Bronx High School of Science, we were forced to make the most important decision of our school career. We had to decide what our goals as a student would be. Were we to be content merely to 'Lget alongng were we determined to fight for every point in order to get the highest possible grade, or were we able and strong enough to go to school solely to learn, to think, and to develop as a human being? For all of us the choice was difficult. Looking about, we saw a world where, with discouraging frequency, the corrupt thrived, the unjust flourished, and the decent were plowed under in the turmoil. This decision was, in reality, the determinant of our sense of values - the 'cGreat Challenge to our intellect, to our conscience, and to our character. Then, unceremoniously and perhaps Without our personal awareness, we made our choice. Now our senior year inexorably draws to its end. The choices we made since We entered Science have made us what we are now. All of us have given up certain easily-arrived-at pleasures so that we could pursue others further from our grasp. In our last frenetic weeks at Science we ask ourselves- '4Were my achievements worth my sacrifices? The answer in each case must be unsatisfactory to some degree, and to that degree the future becomes more alluring than the present. ln the future, the 780 members of the class of 1960 will be exposed to a new existence - one which will remold thoughts and remake personalities. Memories of life at Science may soon dwindle to a few half-forgotten names and experiences, but what Science has offered us and what we have done with our high school years will remain with us. The significance of the role of the high school in determining the ultimate station of our adult lives is often underestimated. We hurry past these adolescent years with the thought, the sooner ended the betterf' What we fail to grasp en route is the immense opportunity for growth and maturity which our secondary school attachments afford us. It is the old story of getting out of a job what you put into it. Before our chance is missed, we should pause and reflect upon the passing years. This reflection may open our eyes to many heretofore unimagined fields in which we may use our ambition. High School lays the groundwork for our future, let not its benefits and opportunities go to waste. We must be equal to the 4'Great Challengef, 7