Chelsea High School - Beacon Yearbook (Chelsea, MA)

Page 17 text:

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

Page 16 text:

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

Page 18 text:

We Are Coached Miss McKenna and Miss Burke direct a Spanish drama Miss Deasy directing Latin Stars Miss Mary Brodbine, Miss Connelly, and Miss Anna Brodbine, directors of French Where can we get a trot, Miss Burnett? As the cui tain rises for this scene we are in France, engaged in a lively French conversation. We are talking of the weather, the time of day, and of our health. This gives us excellent prac¬ tice m using the phrases and idioms which are necessary for travellers. But the study of French in the Chelsea High School goes beyond learning to speak the language. There is extensive drill on grammar and, in the course of the year, we each read several of the French classics. Our classes are ably directed by Miss Frances M. Connolly and Miss Anna M. Brodbine. These directors are especially well qualified since they both have traveled widely in France. Thus they can enrich our classes by giving first-hand descriptions of famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Triumphal Arch, Napoleon’s Tomb, and Notre Dame. In spite of the fact that we were at war with Germany, the German language continued to be studied at the Chelsea High School. This is a good thing, for a large number of our famous scientists, musicians, and mathematicians were German and in studying the language we uncon¬ sciously learn of these great men. We have a fine director in Miss Ruth M. Severance. Under her guidance we learn to read and write the language efficiently, we study German plays and poetry, and in addition we gain a valuable understanding of old Germany and its people.