Downey High School - Shield Yearbook (Modesto, CA)

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 opf)omore As a squire the medieval knight continued the exercises of his days as a page but he gave much more time to them. He was taught to wield the great battle-axe, to endure the weight of his armor, and to move about in it easily. Each squire in turn became the “squire of the body , that is, he was the closest attendant of his lord. When his master went to the field of battle, the helmet was often entrusted to a page, but to carry the shield and armor was the task of the “squire of the body. Every knight had his pennon. If he had given long service and had many followers, the points of his pennon were cut off, leaving a square banner. A squire needed to have his ivits about him, for if the knight dropped his weapon, the squire must catch the horse or furnish a fresh one. If the knight was at- tacked by several opponents at once the squire was required to come to his aid. As a Sophomore the Thomas Downey High School squire takes an active part in the activities presented for the students. The Sophmores themselves sponsor a dance and also take an active part in the annual talent show. Class officers lead the students in their many duties as Sophomores so that, tasks completed, they will be ready to assume the responsibilities of a Junior.