Cole Trade High School - Hilltopper Yearbook (Southbridge, MA)

Page 17 text:

I949 - HILLTOPPER - 1949 CLASS This year's graduating class is evenly divided between World War II veterans and younger men who have spent four years at the school. In the past two years we have had a preponderance of veterans. However, as time moves on, we expect veteran grad- uates to be fewer in number. The presence of these veterans was very noticeable in all activities at the school. We had many natural leaders in the group who were willing to extend themselves unself- ishly in time and effort to make this a bet- ter school. They were willing to offer the younger men constructive thought and counsel. An outstanding example of their ini- tiative and co-operation was shown at the time of electing a man to Good Govern- ment Day. Wisely they helped to select a capable student and then proceeded to solidly back him. The occasion was far more important than the desired end. What it did do was to solidify and vitalize the group consciousness of the entire stu- dent body. This group of men have felt the pinch of the present mild recession. Part-time work became scarce. Consequently, their financial resources dropped, which meant that the desired goal was more difficult to attain. The will to remain in school was a wise choice. Jobs today are not plentiful. Those who get them must have more to offer than a strong back and a will to work. They must also have trained minds and skilled hands. These men know what the demands of in- dustry are today. We know that they are GF '49 ready. Perhaps they have sacrificed in momentary financial gain. On the other hand, they have received the solid founda- tion upon which skilled craftsmanship rests. The non-veteran group is composed of younger men who likewise have evinced a steadfastness of purpose. During their four years at the school they saw many young men leave the institution with their train- ing incompleted. However, they listened to the instructors and veterans who sagely advised them to complete the task. This they wisely did. Included in the latter group are several young men who have achieved recognition in the field of sports. They were the main- stays of the school athletic teams for four solid years. They have built up its athletic reputation and also inspired youngsters entering the lower grades. Looking over the graduates we find that almost half of them have chosen machine shop practice. The drafting group is con- siderably smaller than last year's record number. We have five electricians gradu- ating in this class which is three more than last year. The group from the wood shop is smaller with only three graduates. For the remainder we have three from sheet metal and one from the paint shops. This class has profited from the school. Conversely the school has been enriched by the presence of this group of men who have contributed to its betterment. By their presence, by their actions, by their spirit of true fellowship, they have set a high standard for future classes to emulate. -15.-

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949 - HILLTOPPER - 1949 GRADUATES 46 CLARENCE LEO STANDROWICZ IOSEPH THEODOSS Leo Joe' Electrician Electrician Leo is the enthusiastic type. We Popular joe, President of the saw this in the classroom as well Student Council, carried the re- as on the playing field, spect of the whole school. l-lobby: Stamp Collecting Hobby: Stamp Collecting Sports: Basketball, Softball, Fishing Sports: Basketball, Football Armed Service: Navy Armed Service: Army RENE PHILLIPE TRAHAN ROBERT ROGER TRAHAN Rene Bob Draftsman Sheet Metal Rene is a quiet tellow. l-lis school B0l3 'S 6 llkable Cl'lSD WITH 2 program plus domestic responsibili- ready Smile. S0016 dal' he intends ties kept him busy. to compare his biceps with those Hobbyl Travel of Cl'1aI'l6S Atlas, Sports: Swimming, Colt Hobby: Travel Armed Service: New Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Swim- ming -14-.

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1949 - HILLTOPPER - 1949 C-OOD GOVERNMENT DAY SENATOR Ralph Girouard, a member of the graduating class, achieved the unique distinction of gaining this district's senatorial seat on Good Government Day. This was no small feat, particularly when we consider the fact that our school has not the largest enroll- ment in the district. His election was made possible by several factors. The candidate himself was ag- gressive. He knew that his only chance to win was by gaining the support of other small schools in the area. Wisely he conceived a coalition plan by which the small schools would unite to back a coalition can- didate. The schools in the plan would all eventually have a Winning candidate from their respective in- stitutions. The plan was fairg the plan was demo- cratic. Ralph had the united support of our student body. His campaign managers were alert. Ronnie RALPH GIROUARD Aucoin, Paul Snyder, Ray Lemire, Sam Alger, Paul Parenteau, John Lipski, Ed Stalec and Joe Theodoss may be singled out as important aides in his successful campaign. The undergraduates gave their loyal support. They backed a man who they knew would bring credit to the school. Ralph toured the district and addressed the various student bodies in the plan. His sincerity and sound arguments won their support. On April 8th, Ralph went to the State House in Boston to sit in the Senate. He was selected as Senate Committee Chairman. The newspapers carried pictures and stories about him. From our observations and understanding of his aggressive nature we know that Ralph was an active participant in the affairs of the day. We are proud of Ralph for the splendid manner in which he acted before the pub- lic eye. He brought new recognition to the school. We are thankful to Mr. Morrell, the faculty, the entire student body, as well as the member schools in the plan, for their generous support in his behalf. 116.-