Chelsea High School - Beacon Yearbook (Chelsea, MA)

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We Learn During our theatrical training of the past three years, the directors of the department of English have coached our theatre group in diction and speech, important requisites of a good actor. These directors have aided us in acquiring more ease and greater flu¬ ency in our speech hy round table discus¬ sions and oral themes. They have supple¬ mented this training with recordings by such great artists of the modern stage as Orson Welles and Helen Hayes. By listening to their expressive voices, we have had the op¬ portunity to hear first hand, excellent ex¬ amples of fine speech. This training in speaking has also given us poise and self- confidence. Our directors have shown us the wonders of literature by introducing us to the older classics, such as “Ivanhoe” by Scott; Modern American writings by such authors as Edna Ferber and Kenneth Roberts, author of “Captain Caution” and “Northwest Pas¬ sage” ; the drama and essays and poetry, of all times and situations. In informal class room discussions they have explained to us the complexities of poetry and verse as il¬ lustrated in Milton’s and Shakespeare’s works. They have urged us to further reading for its enjoyment and for the intel¬ lectual benefit attained by extensive reading. They have advised us in our selections of hooks for our English class libraries, which are at our disposal at all times. Mr. Stewart directing Miss Kuhn helping a starlet brush up on her lines Is that right, Mr. Green? Dreaming of Opening Nights to Come Miss Flynn, our librarian

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Page Eleven

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Our Lines In connection with these phases of Eng¬ lish our directors h ave emphatically stressed the importance of a broad vocabulary; for words are the very foundation of the mas¬ tering of a language. We can gain more words by intelligent reading, comprehensive speaking, and careful listening. Many stu¬ dents will find that a broad vocabulary is especially important; for a large percentage of the examinations given prior to entrance in various branches of the armed forces and certain colleges emphasize words. Along this same line of study we have had constant practice in writing original compositions and essays. In this way we have reviewed and supplemented the gram¬ mar principles while perfecting our writing style. Now, more than ever, the ability to write well is a definite asset and oftentimes imperative in this modern world which of¬ fers unlimited opportunities in the field of journalism. Yes, our English course at the Chelsea High School has been well rounded and made especially adaptable for our use in the future years. Miss Cox assigns the parts Miss Rigney, Miss Kintz, and Mr. Stewart decide on a play Miss Cogan watching stars and starlets Miss Wright coaches future Shakespeare’s