Burgard Vocational High School - Craftsman Yearbook (Buffalo, NY)

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I23l HE CRAFTSMA CL SS HI TORY .... Next to acquiring good friends, the best acquisition is that of good books. -Colton. In September, 1931, at the termination of a joyous summer vacation, a large number of youths between the ages of twelve and sixteen applied for admission to Burgard. Of this group only about three hundred were admitted. A personal interview was held with each pros- pective freshman, and elementary school report cards were also considered in determining which boys were best qualified for a place in the school. We felt bewildered during the first few weeks after our entrance because of the complete change from our grammar school procedure. Our new responsibilities loomed largely before us and the task we had set for ourselves seemed difficult, indeed. As time elapsed, however, we became accustomed to the routine and our greenness gradually disappeared. New and staunch friendships were formed which were to last throughout the four years of our stay at Burgard and, as we hope, for many years into the future. During that first year many of the boys who later were to distinguish themselves in the field of sport or in scholarship made their first bid for fame, Shy, quiet, Frank Szafranski went out for football, the sport which eventually was to give him a place on the all-high foot- ball team. Frank Pierowicz, also a quiet, unassuming student, joined the baseball squad and laid the founda- tion which was to give him a place on the all-high baseball team. Both of them also began an enviable record in scholastic work. In this year Mike Melnik and Ray Fiolli began their training for spectacular work in baseball and George Krnasky went out for football. During the second year, we found that splendid in- struction and excellent equipment made learning easy and we were glad to display our superiority as sopho- mores. Those who returned for the second year began to strike their stride and many fine scholastic and shop- work records were made. This year Charlie Eggert and Carl Patti began to establish a record in football and Hank Meidel began to limber up for cross-country. As the next year rolled around, we felt even more the guidance of Mr. Kamprath and each of our instructors. We felt that we were well on the way to our goal and began to put forth greater efforts. We were proud to call ourselves Juniors of Burgard. During the fall of this year, Charlie Eggerfs fine work on the gridiron

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SILVER ANNIVERSARY Frank Szafranski President Frank Pierowicz Secretary Raymond Fiolli Class Historian CLASS OFFICERS 27 George Krnasky Vice-president Michael Melnik Treasurer Charles Eggert Class Prophet

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SILVER ANNIVERSA ....CL ASS HISTORY resulted in a wave of popularity that swept him into the presidency of the Junior Class. Frank Szafranski, who made an enviable record in football and who was later to make such an enviable record in basketball, was elected vice-president of the ,lunior Class. In this year Burgard drew the attention of the whole school department by attaining an outstanding attendance rec- ord. For the entire year our school led all of the second- ary schools and several times led the entire school system. We Juniors felt justly proud of our share of this remarkable record. When school opened last September for the fourth and iinal year of our class, all that remained of the large Freshman group that started in 1931 was one hundred and twenty prospective candidates for graduation. Those of us who remained were proud of the fact that we had reached the coveted stage of Seniors. We felt especially proud to be members of the class that marked the 300th Anniversary of the high schools of America and the Silver Anniversary of Burgard. Many notable celebra- tions took place during this year in which it was our privilege to take part. Among these was our victory in football over our traditional rival, Seneca, after a five- year effort. In addition to the athletic members of our class, who continued to distinguish themselves, two other members deserve mention. Robert Mayer attained a fine scholar- ship record and was appointed Editor-in-Chief of THE CRAFTSMAN and Robert Wilson, with an equally fine scholastic record, was appointed head of the Mechanical Staff of THE CRAFTSMAN. He designed the yearbook. The leaders chosen for our senior year were students who had distinguished themselves both by their scholas- tic as well as their athletic records. They were: Pres- ident, Frank Szafranskig vice-president, George Krnaskyg secretary, Frank Pierowiczg treasurer, Michael Melnikg class prophet, Charles Eggertg and class historian, Raymond Fiolli. We now look forward to graduation with pleasure tempered with regret. We are, we feel, well equipped to earn our own livelihood in this competitive world. We regret leaving behind the happy times and good fellowship we knew at Burgard. It is the hope of every graduate that the future students will support our Alma Mater loyally and earnestly, as we have tried to do. lil. Persistent ,people begin their success where others end in failure.-Edward Eggleslone.