Chatham High School - Oracle Yearbook (Chatham, OH)

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Salutatory Address Ladies and Gentlemen: I have been honored by the privilege of extending to you, a welcome on behaif of the Chatham School and the Class of 1951 to our graduation exercises. As I extend this welcome, I can think of nothing more appropriate than to comment upon the diversified range of opportunities that only the United States offers its schools. We, who have presided in an era providing us with educational standards, that surpass by far the system of our foreign neighbors, are naturally proud of our heritage of being Americans. Where, today, could you find a nation offering a greater opportunity and a freedom that places no restrictions upon religion or free speech, and above ali, a nation that recognizes but one sociai class-Americans. We, the members of the graduating class, are aware of the responsi- bilities that we face. I see parents here tonight, the mothers and fathers of our classmates, whose sons preceded us in the classes of 1949 and '50, who are tonight defending our liberty and standards on the far off peninsula of Korea. We wish to assure the parents of these brave boys, that this, and the classes that foilow, will sustain those glorious traditions by assuming the obligation, we as Americans owe these defend- ers of Liberty. Our graduation here tonight is only a symbol of what is going on in thousands of communities throughout the nation, all with similar formality, yet ali with a different meaning, because of varied traditions and com- munity interests, but ail alike, cherishing the element of freedom, so characteristic of the United States, a country in which so many things so widely different are possible. Marilyn Moore 10

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“Riches” Valedictory Address It is my honor to deliver the valediction tonight. We have just completed a phase of our life, and we end it in satisfaction and happiness - for we know that, with the acquisition of our diplomas, our first major interview with life has been dealt with successfully. When we first entered school, character ‘was a clean slate. We wrote on it what we desired, with the conception that no amount of concern could erase the marks thus written. As for the living of our lives, we were conducted along certain paths chosen by our parents and teachers. Rules and regulations were adhered to by us, but always with our instructors governing us. Many difficul- ties and problems were encountered, but few decisions were basically ours. No matter how simple or complex the problem, there was someone to turn to, depend upon and guide us. Our lives were given close attention by our parents and teachers. Criticism was given, but not always received kindly. To us, our thoughts and actions were of extreme importance, and our surroundings and friends were but satel- lites. Little was realized of anyone but ourselves and our close friends in our little world. But as we advanced in school, more and more controversies and conclusions were granted us. We basked in the theory of individualism, and more often than not, our solutions to these controversies were wrong. But by trial and error, we progressed along our chosen ways. Associations and wishes of others became predominate over individualism. More and more judgments were backed by experience. We learned that life gave us what we requested, as long as we paid for it. Again and again we benefited from the fruits of our education. We profited by our mistakes, and as the years passed, the errors became less repeated and the rewards more gainful. Through the years, our mark of life has been shallow, but to us, it has been furrowed deeply as a happy and unforgettable time. And now, how can we go about saying good-bye to something that has been so completely a part of our lives? It is most difficult, for after tonight, school life, which has been the happiest time of our lives, will be reduced to mere mem- ory. To you, our friends and relatives, we express our gratitude, because you have come to share this last occasion related to school with us. To the under- classmates, our deepest thanks for making school a volume of memories that will be recalled again and again. To our parents and teachers, our humblest appreciation for instructing us in life, and how to live. This school has seen us enter in childhood, and housed us during our stormy adolescence. Tonight, we stand on the threshold of maturity. Yet, no matter to what heights we climb, no matter how successful and great we may be, our hearts and thoughts will always return to the days spent here, which are now ending, and no longer within our reach. Good-bye to our friends and classmates, and to our school life, which remains the golden page in our cherished memories. Janet Hofstetter

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Ann ual Staff FIRST ROW: Bill Klein, Athletics; Bob Garver, Advertising Manager; Janet Hofstetter, Editor; Norma Barnhart, Activities; Marilyn Moore, SECOND ROW: Robert Sorg, Calendar; Joe Stephan, Snapshots; Robert Janson, Grade Reporter; Rose Silves and Joan Casper, Art Editors; Donna Dieckman, -High School Reporter. Senior Class Officers Norma Barnhart, Vice- President; Bill Klein, Secretary; Rose Anna Silves, Treasurer; Marilyn Moore, President. 11