Canastota High School - Toot Yearbook (Canastota, NY)

Page 10 text:

THE CLASS OF 1946

Page 9 text:

THE TOOT 7 OUR CLASS GROWS UP m------- Our Freshman Year Last Year As Juniors

Page 11 text:

THE TOOT 9 EDITORIAL With the world in its present chaotic state, our only hope for world peace is in a concerted effort by individuals of the sover- eign nations for mutual understanding and cooperation. The action must begin within the breasts of the people of the world in a sincere desire for the establishment of a lasting peace and abolishment of war and its accompanying horrors. The so-called leaders of the nations are, in reality, led by the established mores of the people. The majority of the world’s leaders are conscientious, hard-working public servants striving for the advancement of mankind as their constituents see it. They are hampered, however, by two factors: their intolerant, purblind colleagues of doubtful rectitude; and the lax public concern which is so apt to become prevalent in a democracy. The world seems to be run on the maxim of control by the most articulate group, but never by the majority. This political law is contrary to the conception of democracy which is commonly held by all the people, especially those least assiduous in the duties of citizenship. The solution to our problem of peace seems to demand that we stir the embers of public consciousness and blow a hot flame of public opinion to cleanse the hearts of our ambit- ious leaders. We must depend upon the com- mon people of the world to establish a reign of peace on earth for “As to the body of the people, their intentions are always good, since it can never be to their interests to do wrong.” The strongest force in the world is a man’s mind. With it, any individual can do anything. Consider then, what power the public opinion has. Public opinion is a living, breathing power, stronger than any individu- al, for either good or evil, crushing and charging, varying its moods like the weather, but is all powerful in a democracy or a dicta- tatorship. The sooner every man and woman realizes the tremendous power within their minds and the incalculable good it can pro- mote, they will never let an opportunity for using it pass unheeded. With thousands, even millions, of voices clamoring for action, it can be accomplished. Wars can be prevented, famines and fears driven from the human life, if only individ- uals can be taught to think intelligently and to uce their great power to its utmost. —RICHARD CLARK BOARD OF EDUCATION Albert E. Campbell Mrs. May C. Phillips Claude R. Ellis James A. Grilli Glen F. Bogardus, Clerk In our school system, the Board of Ed- ucation, composed of representatives of var- ious professions and industries, is similar to the man behind the front lines in a war. Without it, we could accomplish nothing. All our achievements and successes are the result of the ceaseless and untiring guid- ance of the Board of Education. We, the class of ’46, wish to express our sincere appreci- ation to you for your endless consideration and assistance. —MARGARET FISHER