Butler High School - Magnet Yearbook (Butler, PA)

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N We learn to live in an atomic age by experiments in school life by the guidance of our instructors by acquiring knowledge rib Nba 'Ne ik 0 WK XENA i t ix ' fl 3 4 - I ,,'. .,-.ww - an mai ciw iwffqffififs 1 new

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sp X 79 in ofzewofzd The atom bomb is a dramatic symbol of the challenge presented by the develop- ment of scientific technology and by the present inability of mankind to control that technology for its best interest. That chal- lenge faces all of us, but it is the student generation of today that must develop its life within the framework of the atomic age. Those of us who graduate this year step forth into a new era. Our four years in high school have probably seen the most decisive and outstanding events of any four years in history. We watched millions of men on the march, we waited with anxious heart while cities crumpled into ruins and gasped with awe and fear when bombs fell on Hiroshima. We saw the fall of Nazism, the disintegration of Japan. We mourned the death of our President. We welcomed home the vets, we sat beside them in class and listened to their talk. Now there is peace, yet we, and hundreds of thousands like us, go out into a world where a terrific, gigantic, almost incompre- hensible force endangers peace and safety and threatens utter destruction. Science has, however, predicted that atomic energy controlled and used for everyday living can revolutionize the world. We will be the ones to find additional and peaceful uses for the atom. The development of the chain-reacting pile and the detonation of fissionable material may be the steps toward additional discoveries which we cannot even imagine now. Our school might be called a laboratory, where under the direction of trained scien- tists, our teachers, we have been guided in our interests, our thinking, our responsi- bilities and have been encouraged to face problems and prepared to meet them. Every course has offered us training for the atomic age. The sciences, particularly physics and chemistry, give an exposition of the basic principles of atomic energy, suggest its power, and present some of the many prob- lems arising from its development. Here, too, the student becomes familiar with the nature of the scientific method and the growth of scientific truth. Social sciences present the history and theory of world government. Here the stu- dent is disciplined to solve problems demo- cratically and effectively. He must not only understand and interpret scientific discover- ies but develop a social conscience about what is done with them. Literature says relevant things concern- ing problems of war and peace, of the brotherhood of man, of the effects of greed and selfishness. One best learns of man- kind in the books written about him. They provide an incentive for creative work and a satisfying use of leisure time. One must read well and express himself correctly to live either happily or effectually with his fellow men. Radar, television, aerial navigation, almost any of the developing technical vocations require a thorough knowledge of mathema- tics, as well as the training it provides in accuracy and straight-forward clear thinking. Woodwork, engineering drawing, electric shop, commercial subjects, all give valuable vocational training while home economics with its practical home working courses builds a fire basis for strengthening home life. Physical education promotes health and safety and impresses with the importance of healthful environment. Extra curricular activities develop friendly relations, a co- operative attitude, leadership, social con- sciousness, and cultural background. Realizing all of these facts, the staff at- tempts to show in the pages of the 1947 fllagnei how the various departments and activities of Butler High School prepare its students to live in the Atomic Age.

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