Chilocco Indian Agricultural School - Chiloccoan Yearbook (Chilocco, OK)

Page 11 text:

A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT JIMMY BAKER It is that time of the year again when everybody on the campus dons that smile for the Yearbook Pho- tographer’ cameras. Everyone wants to look his or her best for the event! As we glance through the Yearbook, we cannot help but see the “forte” of the school. Many messages are derived from it just merely “thumbing through” and viewing the activities, the life, the “make-up” of our school pictorialized therein. The most important message I hope each reader gets from this book is the unwritten one that says: “Our students are among the best and better equip- ped in many respects.” This truth is very apparent For example, the Yearbook itself is designed and assembled by printing and yearbook class students in almost its entirety, The snapping, development, and printing; the “layout” and labeling of pictures, pages, and sections; and the initial assemblage and format of the book are done under the tutelage of staff instructors. What other students can boast these capabilities? The welding, vo-ag, food service, heavy equipment, building trades, office education, auto mechanics, and auto body repair students all do productive work on “real life” objects and activities during training. They do not just work or train on models. They do actual work that makes them proud and contented, filled with a sense of self-satisfaction and accomplish- ment. They tune up motors or repair auto body damage on someone's vehicle, do welding for the school, plant wheat and care for the cattle they will ultimately produce products for your dining table. Students prepare meals for other students, engage in typing essential correspondence, remodel homes, do landscaping, etc. These are “real” work in “real life” situations. Thus, upon graduation these young men and women know “what it is all about” in the vocational world. If your car fails to start, you can turn to a Chilocco student mechanic for assistance. If you don’t know how to handle that big diesel Cat ask a Chilocco heavy equipment grad student The message is very clear that vocational education and general academic education can help one possess a variety of capabilities not ordinarily found in every school. The tribal materials you read might be prod- ucts of Chilocco printing students. The dances you watch may be Chilocco Indian Club members. The Indian boxer you watch may be a member of Chi- locco’s Boxing Club. This then evolves into another important message. The variety of programs available at Chilocco might be the very thing that fulfills the desires or needs of other Indian youths. This school may be the very place for him or her. If so, let’s get them here to learn and to associate with the finest student body and staff. 5