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

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Chemistry Class LEFT TO RIGHT—D. Porten, N. Keller, H. Johnson, Dr. Gadaire (Instructor), J. Marcin- kowski, R. Hathaway, S. Jones, P. Megliola, A. McCarthy, H. Trubounis, H. Ostrowski, D. Walker, R. Webster, G. Rose. CHEMISTRY CHALLENGING Among the most challenging courses in Commerce is that of Chemistry. Doc Gadaire impresses upon each student the necessity for clear thinking, direct replies, and the scientific approach that insures enough enthusiasm to counteract the tiring monotony of hours sacrificed in search of a solution. Those who have undergone the painful process of mastering that peculiar decimal system of grams, liters, and the Centigrade thermometer will heartily testify to another need, a superior arithmetical ability. Of course, of prime importance to any pupil electing chemistry is his ability to receive criticism as a constructive aid. This faculty of cheerfully accepting all critical judgment has achieved for Dorothy Walker, °46, an outstanding position in her chemistry group this year. In addition to the splendid co-operation she has displayed, Dorothy has exhibited the true scientist’s capacity for hard work. Dr. Gadaire predicts a promising career for Dot, who hopes to study nursing. Possessing a superior native skill which has placed her at the top of her class is Dorothy Porteri. Immensely enthusiastic concerning her chemistry course, she has shown interest and understanding in he sensitive handling of the intricate lab. equipment. Many students electing chemistry find an indirect use for the knowledge thus gained. Nancy Keller, for example, anticipates a career as a Phys. Ed. instructor. She realizes, however, that more and more of the gym. classes today are being devoted to actual classroom instruction in health and science. To the scientifically-inclined student, work in the chem. lab. con- stitutes a genuine pleasure, rather than a task. BIOLOGY FASCINATING Although the bisecting of tiny insects in the biology classes occa- sionally disturbs some tender-hearted girls, the vast coverage of inter- esting nature facts seems to appeal to the traditionally inquisitive minds of its youthful members. Of course, it is difficult at first for the average student to comprehend the relationship between a study of the lowly Protozoa and an understanding of the intricate parts of the human body. However, as they encounter animals of increased stages of development, the students learn to appreciate the importance of every complicated human function. The pertinent lectures regard- ing intelligent care of the body, sensible eating and exercise habits, and proper attitude toward prompt treatment of disease are religiously followed by many girls. In addition to these educational advantages of biology, a pupil experiences great delight when in the final weeks of the course, he discovers imposing terms like sbermatophyte and pteridophyte. Among those possessing a real biological aptitude, Mrs. Foster mentions Helen Peresada, whose work has provided her with the incentive to further her knowledge to assist her brother, a physio- therapist. In this same group, Marguerite Berry also has shown an unusual interest and ability. Doc Gadaire labels Estelle Gibeau and Grover Grindle his “top- notchers.”” However, he agrees with Mrs. Foster and Mr. Jones that each pupil’s obvious gain in understanding of the common biological facts is sufficient proof of the true worth of a required biology course. Biology Class Mrs. Foster, teacher. st hia

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ENGLISH ELECTIVES For the first two years, Commerce students do not elect their English course. Seniors, however, have a choice of six electives. Among them are Classical Literature and English VII, two groups devoted primarily to college preparatory students. Those who particularly enjoy creative writing elect Caduceus, members of which group write the yearbook as an extra-curricular activity. Miss Rankin, adviser, remarks, “Although some of the editors, such as Beverly Graves in writing, and Edna Tutas in layouts, have more natural ability than others, all are equally enthusiastic and co-operative.” The other periodical class prepares the news sheet, which is issued approximately twenty times during the school year. The editors strive to make it as nearly like a real newspaper as possible. Students electing Commerce should have both initiative and originality. Since there is no opportunity for many corrections, they learn to do their work well. Miss Roberts, adviser, affirms that this year’s Editor-in-Chief, Rose Riskalla, possesses “an innate sense of responsibility.” Frieda Katsou nakis, for her originality in art on both the paper and the Commerce Bulletin Board, also merits attention. Another dependable girl, Phyllis Minott, has been extremely generous in the time she has allotted to Commerce. Joan Sosville’s care of the cuts and newspaper engraving has been excellent, while Mildred Beron has evoked very favorable comments for her fine editorials. SPEECH AND TOWN MEETING GROUPS Another elective, speech, under Miss Blakeman, offers these aims: poise before an audience, ability to conduct oneself with ease in public, and the cultivation of a pleasing tone quality. Pupils find it possible to utilize in their future jobs principles taught in this class. For example, Artemis Tatamanis and Alzira Paulo chose the course as an aid to clearer enunciation in singing. Cynthia Barnett, who enthusi- ABOVE—Town Meeting Discussion: Miss Jenks, adviser. . . Roberts, adviser. . BELOW—Commerce Class: Miss astically has taken part in every activity given by the speech class, hopes to study drama after graduation. Other pupils planning a career as telephone operators feel the training in voice control to he valuable. Miss Blakeman particularly mentions Beverly Boulris and Donald Frizzle as ranking among the most outstanding in her group. COMMERCE TOWN MEETING Every Senior English class is required to devote one period every two weeks in the Town Meeting Room, 119, where they discuss some current problem. Miss Jenks, adviser of these groups, considers these gatherings very valuable, since they stimulate initiative, emphasize clear thinking, and teach pupils how to familiarize themselves with authoritative references. Particularly effective exhibitions of the work accomplished by these groups were given in the two spirited discus: sions on Juvenile Delinquency before a P. T. A.. Meeting and a gathering at the School Department. The group consisted of two representatives from every Senior English class. Although all the pupils who participated showed ability, Miss Jenks feels that Donald Frizzle, as chairman of the group, was outstanding. In this wide variety of English electives, seniors are almost certain to find a course suited to their particular interests and talents. A Gallery of Stars TOF, Left to Right—(Chemistry) D. Walker, D. Porteri, N. Keller; (Biology) H. Peresada, G. Grindle, E. Gibeau, M. Berry; (English) A. Tatamanis, A. Paulo, C. Barnett, D. Frizzle, B. Boulris, F. Katsounakis. BOTTOM—B. Graves, E. Tutas. . . . END ROW-—J. Sosville, R. Riskalla, M. Berton. | | | | |

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sl Miss Scott’s Foods Class BP. Kmiecik, M. Tynan, M. Cherichetti, P. Maloney, E. Surowinski, A. Swiderski, A. McCarthy, M. Ramsay. THESARIZOFSZGOORING The art of preparing tasty dishes is certainly not enjoyed by all, but eating is a universally accepted pastime. Cooking varies little from other classes in that it, too, demands dependability and initiative. The girl who can follow directions, and can be relied upon to administer her duties efficiently is, of course, an asset to any cooking division. Of even greater value is the student who is capable of performing her work without the direct supervision of a teacher. Both Miss Bulk eley and Miss Scott emphasize the fact that the truly skilled cook must possess interest and enthusiasm for her work. A pleasant innovation which has given Foods II girls an opportunity to demonstrate their culinary art is the small dining room on the third floor. Here the girls realize that even well-prepared food increases its appeal when properly served. Among the potential wizards of the kitchen, Miss Bulkeley mentions Gloria Gerrard, whose “initiative, patient attention, and eager spon- taneity of manner make her a pleasure to teach.” She affirms that Rosemarie Mazzaferro, with her quiet but efhcient manner, also merits recognition. Absolute dependability is illustrated by both Patricia Haggerty and Beatrice Thibault. Miss Scott unhesitatingly praises Shirley Gendron and Lillian Hazlett from Foods I. In her Foods II class, she comments favorably upon the willing and alert attitudes of both Mildred Cherichetti and Patricia Maloney. Among the most outstanding in the entire Foods Department, however, is dependable Phyllis Kmiecik, the only girl taking Foods III at present. (Girls pictured in dining room.) It may be noted that certain qualities of character contribute equally as much to cooking proficiency as a real culinary skill. LEFT—Foods Dining Room, P. Maloney, P. Kmiecik, M. Ty- nan, M. Cherichetti, A. Swi- derski. . . . ABOVE, top to bottom—P. Haggerty, R. Maz- zaferro, G. Gerrard, B. Thi- bault, L. Hazlett, S. Gendron. [22]