Decatur Catholic High School - Tattler Yearbook (Decatur, IN)

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I l0Nl H SFHUUI. THEN By your graciouS patience I will a round unvarnished tale deliver. Today we look back to the very beginning of o ur Catholic high school. The Reverend Fathers Wilk- en and Seimetz and the Sisters of St. Agnes are responsible for the splendid school we have today. In 1881, Father Wilken turned his attention to providing a grade school for the children of his parish. After a few years of service, Father Wilken was called to his reward, and Father Seimetz, an ardent and firm supporter of Catholic educa- tion, carried on the task. In the spring of 1919, Father Seimetz, with the assistance of Sis- ter Aloysia, Worked out a plan for establishing a high school depart- ment. Father S e i m e t z, Father Kroeger, Sister M. Antonita, and Sister M. Odelia comprised the first high school faculty. The first high school graduates were: Aloysius Schneider, Andrew Appelman, Char- lotte Niblick, Irene Holthouse, and Margaret Mylott. A Catholic high school for the children of St, Mary's parish was a reality. The next year Sister Vera, our former principal to whom we dedi- cate this book, came to Decatur to unite her efforts with those of the other sisters. She was so energetic, ambitious, and full of enthusiasm that each of the students was inspir- ed to live up to her ideals. Sister Vera found her way into the heart of every student of Decatur Cathol- ic High School, and there she is des- tined to live as the kind and loving teacher and friend of high school days. Sister Vera remained with us to see a modern high school building erected and a full four-year course established. Through her efforts and the efforts of the priests and other sisters, Decatur Catholic High School, in 1922, had the distinction of being honored by affiliation with the Catholic University of America. In 1931, it was granted a condition- al first class commission by the State Department of Education. It is especially due to Sister Vera's earnest and efficient work that Decatur Catholic High School has grown to the extent it has reached today. Its growth can bc shown best by comparing the sub- jects taught when the high school was first established with those taught today. At first only religion. algebra, Latin, English, history, ge- ometry, and the commercial sub- jects were taught. In 1930, the two- year commercial course was dropp- edg commercial subjects were made elective in a four-year courseg and a four-year classical course was es- tablished. Today students of Deca- tur Catholic High School have the opportunity of studying religion, English, algebra, plane and solid ge- ometry, chemistry, biology, Latin, German, history, social problems, 12

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OUR SPIRITUAL GUIDES OTHER cHRis'rs Reverend Father Seimetz is our pastor, sup- inlendent, and friend. St. Mary's parish is blessed to have such an able leader in the cause of Christ. Our appreciation is sincere, Reverend Father, and we feel forever incapable of returning what you have done for us, Your pleasing personality has often spurred us on to success, and your sincere, deep piety has been an example to everyone und- er your care. He hath a tear for pity. and a hand Open as day, for melting charity. K gg: ::: 5: :ge :gl His life was gentle: and the elements So mix'd in him, that Nature might stand up And say to all the world, 'This was a man! ' REV. J. J. Sl-Jl1ll'Il'Z IIICV. .i. .l. IIICNNES Reverend Father Hennes, Assistant Pastor to Father Seimetz, is a real friend. His jolly disposi- tion has endeared him to the hearts of all. His duties have always been executed excellently. As a religious instructor and an athletic director, he is one of the best. His great devotion to the Bless- ed Mother has been an inspiration to the entire parish. We sincerely hope that he will be with us for many years to come. May he live Longer than I have time to tell his years! Ever belov'd and loving, may his rule bel And, when old Time shall lead him to his end, Goodness and he fill up one monument! ll

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NONY civics, and music. The enrollment of Decatur Cath- olic High School has kept pace with its development also. From the thir- ty-five students in 1922, when the first senior class of five was gradu- ated, the number of students has grown to ninety-six with a senior class of sixteen this year. In 1920, the first basketball team was organized under the direction of Father Peters, assistant pastor. Since that time athletics has played a big part in the the life of Decatur Catholic High School. Today Deca- tur Catholic High School boasts baseball and track teams. The Com- modores, its basketball squad, have had many successful years, This team is considered one of the best in the state. The year 1925 saw the erection of a beautiful, well-equipped Cath- olic grade and high school in Deca- tur. This school is serving its pur- pose and is a monument to those who labored so hard to provide us with a Catholic education. At the beginning of our present school year, 1934-35, Sister Vera was taken from us. We were ex- tremely sorry to lose the splendid influence of her careful guidance and the inspiration she always in- stilled in our hearts. We wondered if school could ever seem the same again without her presence. However, Sister Rosemary, Sister Vera's capable successor, has prov- ed herself a true friend. She is loved by the entire student body, and she has spent much of her time helping us with the difficulties of school life. S i s t e r Rosemary has truly found a place in our hearts during this one short year. Our fondest hope is that she will be with us for many years to come. Decatur Cath- olic High School needs her. The present faculty of Decatur Catholic High School is composed of Reverend J. J. Seimetz, Reverend J. J, Hennes, Sister Rosemary, Sis- ter Regina, Sister Helen Clare, Sis- ter Agnes Terese, Sister Edwardine. Sister Gertrudis, and Sister Barb- ara. How can we express our grati- tude to these d e v ot e d teachers '? They have given their lives to help us grow spiritually and intellectual- ly. We are truly grateful for their interest, encouragement, and sacri- fice. Decatur Catholic High School has grown and is still growing, We are fortunate to have had the opportun- ity of attending a truly Catholic high school. May the ideals implant- ed in our hearts by a Catholic edu- cation long endure! I have labored, And with no little study. that my teaching And the strong course of my authority Might go one way. UlGl'Vl'l R l',K'l'HOI.Il' HH H CHO 13