High School of Commerce - Caduceus Yearbook (Springfield, MA)

Page 26 text:

Jransforred Beauty. — The sunny expanse of 319 harbors the art classes that Unlike the solitary this brimful-of-life have become a Commerce tradition. retreat suggested by the word “artist,” room is the studio where budding young painters struggle for success. Their achievements are encouraged and guided by the expert instruction of Miss Marsden, whose rule over Typical Art Class. At easels: Freida Katsounakis, Hilda Ostrowski. Vocal Success The Commerce Choristers, composed of the finest-trained voices selected from the regular glee clubs, have maintained the Commerce tradition of the former A Cappella Choir. Every aed and Thursday morning at 8:45, this cream of the music crop has headed for the club room for forty minutes of Monae ed choral practice. Morning Rehearsal of Commerce Choris- ters. Dr. Viggiano, conducting. Roberta Allen at piano. her family of artists is a firm, but kindly one. Besides receiving instruction en masse, the pupils also obtain individual attention from Miss Marsden. In this way, a large amount of superior work is accomplished. The crea- tion of something fine or clever is the only recompense desired for their labors. However, they also reap a satis- factory reward in knowing that great value is placed on their designs for the War Chest, the yearbook, and all occasions. Facing class: Lorna Loranger, Shirley Ledtke. Miss Ruth Marsden, teacher. A casual spectator watching these girls in the club room might think them a happy, irresponsible group, singing in Little do these , as the girls a carefree manner, under little supervision. onlookers know of the many repeats of one song seek each time to reach the level of tone Settee eh A beautiful blending of voices, achieved only after many weeks of this voluntary practice before school, has thrilled many assembly audiences. {

Page 25 text:

Sparkle of £fficioncy. “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” A belief in this proverb may have spurred Freshman girls in their earnest search for culinary skill. By diligent study, practice, and instruction, wonderful delicacies have been pro- duced for many years in Rooms 305 and 307. An appetizing fragrance daily has invited passersby to enter the kitchens. These tantalizing odors were increased in 1941, when through co-operation of the P. T. A., the old- fashioned stoves were replaced by very modern ranges. Now the clean white sparkle of efficiency mingles with an air of informality, as student chefs deftly prepare food, supervised by Miss Bulkeley or Miss Scott. Although Foods is required only during the Freshman year, many Junior girls continue their training in this pleasant third floor atmosphere. The capability of these students has been demonstrated to the faculty at frequent luncheons and teas. Very real success has resulted from mental “‘wrastlin’ with meal planning, etiquette, and teamwork problems. Yumble-Fingered Antistry ” Down through the years, the Freshmen in our Commerce clothing classes early have discovered their lack of proficiency in the art of sewing. During the early months of instruction from Misses White, Judd, Hewitt, or Scott, punctured fingers and crooked stitches vanish with the continual use of the thimble. Soon, also, are banished those mishaps caused by the startling lurch of the sewing machine, as its power is unleashed by some overexuberant girl. Discussions and a helping hand from the teacher usually bring not only the needed confidence and skill to the apprentice-seamstresses, but also the ability to choose the best lines and colors for really smart and becoming clothes. JUNIOR ARTS Juniors, whose skill is asserted during their Freshman year, often continue their nimble-fingered art in Dressmaking classes. Their beautifullymade garments have attracted much admiration; the dressmakers themselves are proud to appear in perfectly-tailored suits or dresses. UPPER—Typical Foods Class. Jean Winkler, Jane Surprenant, Jean Ivory, Theresa King, Shirley Graves, Phyllis O’Meara, Eleanor Brumfield, Jane Martin, Louise Fattini. Miss Bulkeley, teacher. : LOWER—A Clothing Class, under Miss Janet Scott, Room 311.

Page 27 text:

First Aiders Perfecting their Bandaging Technique, in Room 109. Miss Robert, teacher. Morale Bulders. Since the attack on December 7, a traditional wartime course in First Aid has been reestablished in the high school girls’ curriculum. The popularity gained in Commerce by this new class—happily minus back-breaking, muscle- stretching contortions of apparatus fame — suggests the con- tinuance of the new study after termination of the war. During its maiden year at Commerce, the able instruction of Misses Robert, Grose, and Hollister has instilled a knowl- edge of First Aid into the brains(?) of the Senior girls. Progress was soon evidenced by the early skill in application of bandages, and in the practical tests. Perhaps the instruc- tors often wondered whether their efforts were in vain; yet the eagerness of their young charges usually disproved such thoughts. Vs COMMERCE SPORTSMANSHIP The gym. classes may outwardly seem the most strenuous periods; actually, gym. relaxes the body and brain, and pro- vides an outlet for all pent-up energy. Naturally, the boys undergo more rigorous training than the girls, who, however, must show increased strength as a result of the course. As part of their training, the girls encounter the difh- culties of the obstacle course. Their exuberance is also spent on calisthenics and on a motley assortment of other drills. Of course, beginners in such a course may complain of rheumatism; actually, they receive only minor training as compared with that of the boys! : The boys’ physical director, Mr. Wulff, valiantly endeavors to add brawn to his masculine charges. The boys’ obstacle course applies the muscle-molding tactics that are employed by the Army; the calisthenics build endurance and fortitude. Despite these activities, both boys and girls indulge in after-school sports with unbelievable alacrity. The favorite game of all students is basketball; and throughout the season cheering students lend encouragement to the players. Al though. Commerce teams have not recently acquired out- standing records in interschool games, the school has always held the record for good sportsmanship. Exercise Health The girls’ energetic sense of humor often burst the bonds of discipline when a Ku Klux Klan face bandage was being administered to a giggling victim, or when a blanket stretcher was collapsed by the pseudo-Amazons. Then, too, victims proved to be a source of amusement to the busy practitioners, as gleeful application of a traction splint, or hearty efforts at artificial respiration caused discomfort to unfortunate guinea pigs. Although this hilarity enlivened a well-regulated course, the girls really understood the need for such wartime-required courses. Their labors were very successful, as evidenced by the many Red Cross certificates presented many triumphant First Aiders. If real knowledge and skill are the best morale builders, the accomplishments of First Aid classes produce this spirit in Commerce.