Durfee High School - Durfee Record Yearbook (Fall River, MA)

Page 4 text:

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GRADUATING CLASS OF THE B. M. C. DDR FEE HIGH SCHOOL It is my happy privilege to be allowed to congratulate the Durfee graduates of 1956. As the spokesman for the entire school staff and for the members of the School Committee, I wash you all the very best of happiness and good fortune. You young people leaving Durfee are going into a world that is in many respects one of the most exciting in history— one that opens up opportunities unknown at any previous time. You do not need to be reminded by me of the tremendous advances in science, technology—in the growth of leisure and of the other things about which you have heard so much which mark the social revolution of our day. I do not need to remind you either, that the same revolutionary changes have brought with them several problems ranging from insecurity of the individal to the un- certainties of world affairs. In any event, the nation needs and is looking for young men and women whose ideals of citizenship will be high—whose courage will be great—and whose intellectual training will be superior. Get as much training as you can. All of you, regardless of what part you take, must follow a course of study—must maintain the habits of mental discipline which your school has attempted to instill in you. Go forth with high heart but with firm determination and go, too, with the best wishes of all of us. Sincerely yours,

Page 3 text:

DEDICATION TO MISS MILDRED V. CARROLL, in recognition of her unfailing devotion to her profession and to the students of B. M. C. Durfee High School, the Class of 1956 proudly dedicates its Record Book. We accord to Miss Carroll our respect for her wisdom, and our admiration for her understanding and tolerance of youth. She has unselfishly given her time and effort as faculty advisor of the Home Room Directors and of the National Honor Society. Indeed, the success of these organ- izations could never have been attained without her counsel and service. So it is with deep esteem that we dedicate this book, which we expect to treasure all our lives, to one who has been an outstanding educator as well as a friend and advisor to the student body.

Page 5 text:

 PRINCIPAL TO THE CLASS OF 1956: You pause momentarily at a threshold today, happy yet touched by a fleeting sadness. Suddenly you realize what Durfee has meant to you in these few years that have passed so rapidly, and you are reluctant to leave the old familiar school. But no. The future waves you on. This threshold you must cross, and others lie ahead, fascinating, tantalizing, and ever challenging. There is work to be done, and you are ready to do it. To the extent that you have succeeded in disciplining yourself, your success will be rapid and sure or gradual and elusive. But successes there will be, despite the hazards of the way; for you have taught yourself throughout your school years to confront problems with calm, to analyze them with restraint, and to attempt their solution with vigor. If there is any one word of advice that I would give you now, it is this. Be a man or a woman of principle. Hold fast to the ethical and moral standards which you know to be right, precisely as you maintain your faith in God. Ignore the siren promises of reward without effort. Use your powers of discrimination to seek the essential truths in a welter of conflicting opinion. Above all, do not fear to reach conclusions of your own, weighing them in the balance of truth and justice. As you graduate from B. M. C. Durfee High School, my best wishes go with you. May you enjoy happiness and health, and may the years bring you success in full measure.