Classical High School - Classic Myths Yearbook (Worcester, MA)

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Chester Porter Chester Tapley Porter's boyhood was passed among the beautiful hills of New England, and in their rugged virility was moulded the character of the man we love and admire. At the age of eighteen, he entered Amherst, where he played a prominent part in collegiate activities. Gifted with a rich, baritone voice, he became a member of the quartet of -the Amherst cla-ss of 1896, which sang at every class reunion for over thirty years. Less than two years after his graduation, he became instructor of mathematics at Classical and began his thirty years of unselfish service to the school and to the com- munity. Mr. Porter was prominent in musical circ-les. He was president of the Worcester Oratorio Society from 1911 to 1919, and was a director of the Worcester County Musical Association. At the time of his death he was president of the Economics Club and held ofiices in many other civic and fraternal organizations. He was master of the Morning Star Lodge, A. F. and A. M. in 1908, and District Deputy Grand Marshal of the 21st Masonic District in 1917 and 1918. It was, however, mainly to the noble cause of educa- tion that he devoted most of his attention, and this school will always be a living monu- ment to his efforts. He took a personal interest in each pupills progress, and this interest followed the pupil out into his college or business life. Through his aid, many a student has secured the financial support necessary to complete his college education. He established the Student Council, revived the school paper, and enthu- siastically supported our clubs. A tennis player of note, he was keenly interested in all school athletics, and it was largely through his efforts that baseball was brought into the high schools, twenty years ago. But need we say more? His accomplishments, his character, are known to us allg we are all the richer for having come in contact with such a life. To us, he will always be a splendid example of citizenship and service. l4l

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Why does the winged one, cherished and beloved As he in this community, betake himself And that great spirit enshrined in his great frame To another sphere? We want him so- And yet there must be reason for itg There must be reason for it. Selfish we who weigh our loss Against the gain of Heaven. The Leavener has weighed things In the scale infinite-and decided, There must be reason for it. The impress of the man, his strength, His power, his virtue, his indomitable soul, His strict adherence to high aims and purposes, His consequent uplifting of us all. O, God! 'Tis hard, indeed, for wretched humans such as we To see the reason for it! . LEo Ivox The old assembly hall is dim, and wistful memories slowly take form and steal across the consciousness of the silent, musing boy, sitting alone. Again the firm step, perhaps now a little hesitant, mounts to the platform, Shadowy, at first, and then clearer the tall figure stands, as he has often stood before, the kind eyes now questioning, a little smile hovering about the strong mouth. He has, perhaps, heard the praise of the faculty, read the tributes in the newspapers. But should there not be something else? It was not for the faculty nor the press that he gave such willing service. It was for the youth of the nation. And have they forgotten? With gentle sadness, the question burns in his eyes. And in answer to that appeal, the eyes of the boy say, Know you not that we can never forget? A look of peace lies on the dear face for a moment. Then slowly the vision fades. This was the man who was so patient with our faults, so proud of our successes, so willing to help, so slow to condemn. Looking back, we can all see numberless little things, of which, at the time, we took no heed, that he in his kindness and understanding had done for us. And if our lips are bound by inarticulateness, then must he look into our hearts and know. l5l