Campion Jesuit High School - Knight Yearbook (Prairie du Chien, WI)

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Yearbooks reflect the environment in which they are created. The environment here at Campion is a troubled one. with troubles of a personal nature. There is little attention paid to Vietnam save how it affects the draft; the world food problem appears distant except when griping about the food in the dining hall; and racial concerns becomes evident only during the occasional fight on campus. Cam- pion’s problems seem minor in comparison to those of the world, but are no less real. The school places heavy emphasis on academics and sports, neglecting those who can do neither well. It ignores those who tend to be creative and unable to subordinate themselves to rigid disci- plines that stress uniformity rather than originality. This situation of constant competition, which breeds envy and hatred of those who compete best, and which leads to self-depreciation among the non- achievers. is an integral part of our troubled envi- ronment. The greatest cruelties perpetrated by this environment are those acts of indifference so common amid masses of people aware only of their self-interests. However, we must remember that man is the author of his problems; only he can work to correct them. Complaints about the atmosphere of the school are valid only after one attempts to change what he finds undesirable for something better. Inaction fosters the hatred and bitterness that some seem to thrive on here at Campion. It is noteworthy that some men work to provide the love and human concern our environment needs. Certainly not everyone accepts this burden, but indeed there are many . . . Mr. Massey spoke of the love between a coach and his team and ex- plained its importance when people snickered. Fr. Connolly demonstrated his concern for Campion by taking one year out from his endeavors for a doctoral degree to serve as the school’s principal. He has shown that the school must be much more contemporary in both its thinking and its direction. Chris Lamal. while a student, has expressed his interest in the direction of the school by openly questioning the ultimate value of one of his major activities, thus incurring the wrath of many of his closest friends. Fr. Dutkiewicz kept sight of the necessity of a love not always light-handed, but often calling for correction. Bro. Staber is also in love with the school. While he may occasionally make mistakes, his concern is readily visible through his continuing efforts to maintain the school. The examples are far more numerous of faculty and students alike who have shown a love for Campion and for each other. Although express- ing their love in varied ways, each has the sincere hope that others will find the love in themselves to quell any hatred or indifference existing in our environment. This yearbook can reflect circumstances only as they exist, trying to show what needs improvement as well as those working for improvement. The emphasis, I hope, is on the positive rather that the negative attitudes present. As for the tower on the facing page—it was present during Homecoming Weekend. At that time it symbolized a plea for the “powers” to allow the men of Campion” the freedom to achieve the vari- ous goals they set for themselves. It is a symbol of an unfinished work—and so I wish it to remain—the work of changing the environment of Campion to one of love and concern rather than the work of seeking benefits for oneself. This work is ever-chal- lenging and ever-growing, challenge and growth of a learned and Christian commitment. This yearbook is dedicated to those who accept this challenge and growth—not just those we have mentioned, but everyone, Jesuits, lay faculty and students, who are working toward this commit- ment—so that each one of us shall grow in the deep and committed love necessary to overcome the hostility of our environment. Thus shall Campion become an institution providing the opportunities for deep personal growth and development.