Catholic Central High School - Banner Yearbook (Fort Madison, IA)

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Mathematics PYTHAGORAS WHY MATHEMATICS IN HIGH SCHOOL . To every boy or girl of high school age no incentiveito study is more forceful than the all-around usefulness of the study. Why, he asks, should I study alge- bra and geometry when I k1lOW so much of arithmetic? True, he does know the fundamental principles of arithmetic, but knowing these, he will find that there is still more to master, a greater interest, a greater pleasure, and a greater satisfac- tion of useful knowledge to be acquired in the pursuit of mathematics, a step or two removed from arithmetic. Whereas arithmetic primarily concerns itself with numbers and the four fundamentals of addition, subtraction, muliplication and division, algebra embraces a wider field because of its systematic use of both numbers and letters and the application of these to some of the common problems of daily life and business. Entering upon the study of geometry the student will readily see that geometric principles play an important part i11 every day life. No matter what occupation he may choose, he will find that two of the greatest helps in life are clear think- ing and sound reasoning. In geometry, the student receives a. knowledge of pure :argumentation and of sound reasoning and learns to appreciate the force' and value of concise statements. The study of geometry brings pleasure and increased capacity for enjoy- ment by developing an appreciation for the beauty and utility of architecure, of art, and of engineering constructions. It enables the landscape gardener to devel- op plans for magnificent pvarks and public gardens. It also forms the basis of all civic improvement plans for making cities more sanitary and attractive. The foregoing are some of the reasons why mathematics in general, and geom- etry in particular, should be studied by those who wish to obtain a generous cul- ture, a broad outlook, and a mental development characterized by logical think- ing and clear expression. -Richard Scholtz, '30, NINETY-SIX

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carrier of all diseases, especially the typhoid fever germ. Th mosquitoes carry the germs of malaria and yellow fever. Thorough screening of houses is one of the easiest and most efficient ways of preventing these diseases. We now come to the study of birds. Birds are wholesale destroyers of weed-seeds and harmful insects. Many birds, especially those, of the larger groups, have beautiful plurnage which is used in decorations the world over. There are also song birds such as the beautiful canary, which is kept in captivity precisely on account of its wonderful song. One of the most peculiar and most interesting traits of birds is their migration habit. Sometimes birds fly great distances with incredible speed. Man has domesticated some birds, which we call chickens, turkeys, and geese. The flesh of these is used as meat, their eggs as food, and their feathers for pillows, etc. Better citizens are the result of the study of Biology, because by the study of Physiology, which is included in Biology, they learn to control their environment more easily. In order to have health the rules of sanitation and of hygiene are studied. They learn to respect the advice of the municipal health agencies and municipal quarantinesg they realize the need of a pure water supply, of proper sewerage, proper supervision of the milk supply, and the necessity of the best care of other foods. Biology also teaches the value of the conservation of natural resources, such as the forests. Much inspiration is given through the study of the work of scientists who have been the world's greatest benefactors. Some worthy of mention are: Pasteur, Darwin, Meudell, Burbank, and Harvey. All new discoveries have been made by men and women who were once just boys and girls as we are, with possibly no notion of the way in which they' were to help to make this world a better place to live in. Everyone of us is anxious to do some little thing to improve the conditions under which people live. There is still much to be learned about the relation of plants and animals to man, and some of us should prepare ourselves to take a part in this great work. -CHARLES DE COURSEY, '3o. A CLOUD I saw this cloud hov'ring so low, It seems as though it'd almost mow A slim white mast Athe wind did guide. And some times seemed almost to hide The stern deep lines of the straight bow. It dipped across the landscape so It seemed to rule the waves in tow. And then again in swiftest stride, I saw this cloud. It stretched across like darkened floe And seemed like icy breath to blow. Onward it went and seemed to glide Until it reached the heavens wide. I saw this cloud. -ROSE GOCKEL, '25. NINETY-FIVE

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CITIZENSHIP IN SCHOOL AND LATER IN LIFE As we look around about us we cannot but see what an important part civic education plays in every-day American life. Never before has so great or so general an interest been taken in Civics. Schools have long ago found it im- portant to train students in citizenship, to make them realize their civic duties. Is it not then the duty of the student, especially the High School student, to try to realize the benefits to be derived from the study of Civics gto make use of his opportunities to educate himself along lines which will make him a better citi- zen, a greater asset to his country? Vife are living in an age of great progress. Scientific studies have been broadened to keep up in'the race with the progress of science. So, also has the definition of the term Citizenship broadened. Civic education today demands more than a study of the Constitution of the United States-more than a knowl- edge of the operation of the machinery of our government-more than a knowl- edge of how to cast our vote in political affairs. Citizenship today must include a broader knowledge of our relations with other people. It must teach us how better to live our own lives and how to co-operate in community life that will make of our country, a better place in which to live. Whether we are in the home, at work or at play, in social life or in organized community life, our time is occupied in carrying out our duty as citizens. During school life, the greater part of our time is spent at home, in recreation and in co-operating with school organizations. Our various class clubs are organized for no other purpose than to teach students to co-operate with one another so that they may realize the benefit of united effort. However, with the close of school-life the student will find that he has stepped out into new fields of citizenship. He has before him the field of work-the field of getting along with other people, of co-operating with them in social and organized community life. What a great advantage it is then to the young person about to graduate from High School, if he has taken advantage of the chance of studying Civics. if he has had an opportunity tqbecome acquaint- ed witl1 the new duties that will confront him in the new life he is about to en- ter. This is one of the great missions of the school, that of making us capable of doing what good citizens should do. Be it in school or out there in the great, wide work a-day world, two fields of citizenship will always play an important part in our lives,-the home and the Church. The home can never cease to be an important field of citizenship. It is home influence that has placed many great men where they are today. The home remains the large center of interest, the very thought of which brings fond recollections to the nund. It was this thought that caused Payne to write the age-old lines, Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home. The other important field of citizenship is the Church. It is the Church that really teaches men to live as individuals and to place themselves in the right relations to the supreme Creator of all things and to their fellow-beings. The part that the Church plays in every-day community life is indeed an im- portant one. It teaches men to be more honest, more courageous, in a word better and more valuable citizens. Realizing these facts and seeing how broad is the territory which Citi- zenship must cover, we can conclude that Civic education, to be thorough, must IJ train citizens who will act intelligently in civic matters, 21 teach them to cultivate proper motives for civic couductg 35 instruct them how to form habits that characterize the good citizen. -GILBERT S. KESSLER '28, NINETY-SEVEN