Classical High School - Blue and White Yearbook (Springfield, MA)

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THE BLUE AND WHITE vsnQ-as--snsns.-sn'nf-xusosnvsunnws-vxni. -Q0QnQ4-xnsn1.-sux- 1. nxnq4.,,,x.,,, .Lug 1923 898- ,1 OOL SCH L HIGH A CENTR -10-

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aeexeeaaexe:Lavs.vae:sa-ae-Q4-Q:vsegvgeivsnwewx.-Q--L4-L4use-Q4-Q4einxn:sux--Q-vm-wxa-xv-Qnsa-1uQ4 game with the former. One ofthe boys, running backwards to catch a fly, stumbled onto a baby carriage containing a small colored child. Boy, ball, and baby fell to the ground while an irate mother complicated matters by an assault with her parasol. The boy insisted he caught the ball, the umpire insisted he didn't, and the game ended with the matter still undecided. With the resignation of Principal Jacobus in 189-1 and the succession of Fred Washington Atkinson, the modern era had begun. The new principal was well fitted for the position, having had training in teaching in secondary schools, and study in France and Germany. Because of the increasing pupil membership, it was decided to build a new school east of where the old one stood. Plans were gone over with great care, and attention was given to previous needs of the school. In May, 1897 the corner stone of the building we all know and love so well was laid with proper addresses and ceremonies. lt was occupied in Sept., 1898, seventy years after the opening of the 1'Old High School. What a change those seventy years had brought! The new building, conf taining lunch room and kitchen, science labf oratories, art studios, observatory tower, library, and assembly, might well have justified the title Ueducational palace. It is interesting to note that because of the wide corridors and the simple plan of the building, pupils were al' lowed to pass freely to and from classes without the lock step requirement of the old school. There was one important addition to the school in Atkinson's term of ofhce'the come mercial courses, under the leadership of Carlos B. Ellis. These were so popular that they soon grew too large for the school, and were removed in 1906 to the newlyfopened Technical High School. ln 1910 the High School of Commerce was organized with Mr. Ellis as principal. Atkinson resigned in 1900 to become super, visor of education in the Philippines, and William Qrr succeeded him as principal. He had been a teacher of science since 1888 and vicefprincipal since 1894. Ar this time, gym work became re- quired for boys. At first the Y.M.C.A. was used with only an older student to instruct. When in 1923 the junior High School was built, plans were made to include gymnasiums for both boys and girls, and leaders were secured esf pecially for this work. Three of the oldest clubs in the school were begun in Mr. Orr's term. The House was for the lower classes, and was primarily interested in parlimentary procedure and speaking, the Senate's chief purpose was debating. Pierides, a literary society for girls, was also formed for debating, and held annual speaking contests. Mr. Qtr resigned in 1910 and became the deputy commissioner of education in Massa' chusetts. William Colver Hill became the new principal and has kept this position for 26 years. He has the distinction of serving the longest term of any of the 16 principals of the Spring- field High School. Z A Science Class Taught by William Orr.

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THE BLUE AND WHITE vsusa-sn -L4 vL.-s4.xuQns4-x4-snsumn1q4-x4-1ux- '54-Lui.vsvsnxa-Q4-xusxassuwnn-Lava-ws4vx4-Q-sq.-Qnsa Century of School There have been many changes in the school since 1910: in 1911 came the first midfyear graduation, in 1917 the junior College was organized and has kept such fine standards that it is recognized by colleges all over the country, the true value of music to the school program was realized, glee club, chorus, and orchestra became integral parts of the course, while the performances of opera and oratorio and the annual Christmas music programs are much enjoyed by the city as well as the school. The honor roll was first published in 1913. The reason for the maximum honor roll is an amusing one. Mr. Hill was visited by a pupil's mother, who said that her daughter had lost interest in her school work. Mr. Hill mentioned that the girl was an honor pupil, but the mother replied, 1'Oh, she says it's no trick to get on the honor roll.', So the maximum, for those with all A's, was started to give one girl something for which to work. Mr. Hill began giving magna cum laude pins in 1916, the largest graduation honor roll was in 1932, when there were Z3 names on the list, Prizes given at the end of the year are an added incentive to studying. When the Senior and Junior High Schools were put under the same management in 193+ the School Committee voted to change the name Central to Classical , and thus to indicate the purpose and character of the school as in keeping with Technical, Commerce, and Trade, The name Central had arisen when the Mechanic Arts High School learly Techl was started at Winchester Square. Even after the building of the other schools, the name Central still clung, though it was never officially adopted, And now we pause after the first 108 years in the history of Classical High School, but this is not the end. For we hope she will continue for another 108, keeping up the fine record she has held these many years. DR l-lENRY R V.-xll,1.sa REV. JAMES N SYKI-is SAMUEL Krslox Three Principals of the First High School -11-