Downey High School - Shield Yearbook (Modesto, CA)

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Ibmmtsitratton “What nobler employment, or more valuable to the state, than that of the man who instructs the rising generation.” The medieval knight began his education by listening to the tales of the troubadours and jongleurs. Later he became a squire and was placed in the home of a noble to learn the duties of a knight. Today, the educational process is still being used. Chib dren are sent to schools to learn from teachers and adminis- trators. Here at Downey there are eighty-six such people. A process of “building character9 takes place as the teacher endeavors to impart knoivledge to the student and the adminis- trator guides the functions of the school so that it will be of the most value to the student. Knowledge gained in the study of various courses is only the first step in building the character of the Downey knight. Skills, abilities, insights, and understandings gained through clubs, organizations, sports, and student government contribute an integral jmrt in the development of one's character.

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Befctcation Chivalry produced a concept that changed the world. This was knightly honor. The education of the knight was directed toward the building of a strong and sound character. As a young hoy he was placed in the household of a noble where he mastered eti- quette and household routine, and imbibed the lessons of honor from the tales of the troubadours and jongleurs. At fifteen, he became a squire in the service of some knight from whom he learn- ed the care and the use of weapons and armor, the management of horses, and the rules of the hunt. When he had performed some single manly exploit, he was able to take the vows of knighthood, which were: to keep the faith, to do justice, and to protect the weak. Before the ceremony of knighting, he kept an all-night vigil in the church, confessed his sins, and took the oath. His lord then presented him his sword, the golden spurs, and the cross of the knight. He then smote him upon the shoulders saying: “Arise, Sir Knight. Be brave, true, and loyal.” He then became a knight bachelor or a knight banneret. He then pledged allegiance to his lord and was hound to serve at his own expense in the royal host fully equipped and on horseback for forty days out of each year. Because knighthood is the symbol upon which the traditions of this school are based, we, the students of Thomas Downey High School, dedicate the 1956 Shield to “building character,” a process which began in the days of the medieval knight and is still alive today. 6