Central High School - Cosmos Yearbook (Houston, TX)

Page 42 text:

REQUIEM Taps for the Black Battalion. It will exist hereafter save as a thing of beauty may perpetuate itself in lasting inspiration. Inscribe, then, among its achievements that it triumphed gloriously over a host of adversities. Out of the sweltering heat of a pipe-filled boiler room, and out of a sun-baked, rain-drenched, ungraded drill court—too small for a rehearsal of the entire organization—came a Battalion of international prominence, reflecting honor upon its school and city. Imitations have appeared in Houston, in numerous other American cities and in foreign climes, but the Black Battalion has remained the only movement of its kind. Through its eight years the Black Battalion has been invested with a soul and with a hardy spirit to excel. It has sought to glorify young womanhood. It has held aloft the beauty of clean living, of healthy bodies and of pure minds. It has em¬ bodied a sense of personal pride, a charm and graciousness of manner, an efficiency in all undertaking, a love for the artistic and beautiful. A fractional mention of its honors should include: A picture in the hall of fame of the Sousa Post, V. of F. W., at Detroit with other outstanding drum corps; per¬ formances under Sousa’s baton, international radio broadcasts, theatre circuit engagements, a review before former Governor Ross Sterling and 10,000 spectators, a featured article in the world’s largest musical magazine. Paramount and Fox news reel features, and numerous performances on programs of national interest. The Battalion has served loyally for charity and civic causes. It has been self sus¬ taining and has made money each year to support other activities of its school. My gratitude goes to those who have encouraged me in founding and developing the Battalion. My love remains with those splendid girls who have marched under its colors. As for my sacrifices, labors and heartaches, I pass over them. Recom¬ pense enough for me will come in the hope that, although the Battalion dies, its soul will live on in the hearts of its veterans and friends. Yerner Benton Founder, Organizer, and Director

Page 41 text:

To Miss Verner Benton, through whose energy and efforts the Black Battalion has won a nationwide reputation as a drill unit, the staff dedicates this section of the Cosmos. To her, the students of Sam Houston High School express not only their deep appreciation of her splendid leadership, but also their sincere hope for her continued success.

Page 43 text:

OFFICERS’ PAGE Director —Verner Benton Commander —Major Ida Mae Westberry Drill Master —Ex-Major Dorothy Ewald Mascot —Patsy Ruth Turrentine Standard Bearers (Left to Right) U. S. Flag —Lillian Tomek, Sgt. Bessie Ferrara, Billie Eubanks. Texas Flag —Mildred Inglet, Sgt. Betty Lee Patterson, Carmelita Langsford. Battalion Flag —Billie Riggs, Sgt. Marguerite Frame, Mary Eleanor DeLange.