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Page 8 text:
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“Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for?” — Robert Browning If Albert Wilcox, principal of East High School in 1903 could somehow see Dr. Kehoe’s office, he doubtless wouldn't recog- nize the place. The dusty book shelves have mysteriously disappeared. Oversized por- traits of stern-looking characters no longer glare down from the walls at nervous stu- dents. Stuffy, oppressive formality has gone with the starched collar. Instead, thriving desk-top plants seem ready to take over the room. A transparent plastic object, looking more like pop art than a container, displays no less than five colors of pens, and suprisingly, the door to this of- fice is usually open. Then the new principal comes in, completing the new images. “Sorry I’m late,” she says cheerfully, “I was just refilling my coffee cup.” As usual, there is much work to be done in this new job. “You wouldn’t believe the paperwork,” the principal; “I don’t be- lieve all the paperwork.” But for Dr. Jose- phine Kehoe, the Rochester native, whose talents are finally being utilized by the com- munity she has served so long and well, time spent with a student is always time well spent. It is indicative of her desire to estab- lish students and teachers as allies rather than opponents. She hopes that such an atti- tude will be aptly reciprocated by everyone involved. “I'd like it to be fashionable again to be smart, and to be in school on time. The atmos- phere is right for some school spirit again.” If these sound like unreasonable goals to you, don’t telll Dr. Kehoe. In seventeen years of public education, she has made a living of dealing with undersized budgets, anxious parents, and sometimes uncooperative su- periors. She has risen to demanding oc- casion before, and figures to rise again. “We do have big goals,” she concedes, but I think of that as emphasizing the posi- tive and playing down the negative. We need things to strive for. It reminds me of that line by Robert Browning, about always aim- ing for something better.” The new principal feels comfortable in her new role; transitions have been smoothly made. “The students and faculty have all been very supportive. Early in the year I received a note from a student saying how glad she was that I was the new principal. I thought that was a nice touch.” Naturally, though, there is much to learn about running a public high school. “I’ve had to study the budget, order roof repairs, examine leaks that need fixing, coordinate cafeteria programs . . . ” She pauses, then laughs. “It’s like being the mother of a big- ger house — and with more kids!” Dr. Josephine Kehoe Welcome, Dr. Kehoe!
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Page 7 text:
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On September 8, 1959, the new EHS opened, despite great controversy over its cost, a destructive fire before its completion, and several strikes by workers’ unions which delayed work on the project several times. The cost was over $11 million, a figure almost unheard of back then. There were also complaints from taxpayers because of our $3,000 piano, the Olympic-size swimming pool, the 43 TV sets, and a mysterious “canoe room” which, after investigation, turned out to be nothing more than a long storage area which could house a canoe which could be used to teach boating and water safety. The Principal was Charles N. Clark, a former language teacher and East High alumnus. Mr. Clark was only the third principal in East High’s history, a long history going back to 1903, when the “old” East High opened its doors at 410 Alexander Street. At that time, with Albert H. Wilcox at the helm, East was one of only two high schools in the city, and was praised by many for its many innovative features, which included a large auditorium, and separate locker room and gym facilities at opposite sides of the school for boys and girls. In 1938, a new principal was appoint- ed — William Wolgast. During its first 56 years, EHS suffered through the many traumas which beset the entire nation. Sixteen of its stu- dents were slain making the world “safe for Democracy”, while 61 of East High’s sons lost their lives in World War Il. The Great Depression was felt by all; many students quit to help support their families during the hard times, while teachers were told to take a large cut in their salaries, in order for the city to meet its payroll. With the opening of the new building, we began a “new history”, a time characterized by specific incidents reflect- ing popular movements, felt not in just one Upstate school, but in an entire country. Impressions alone remain, im- ages larger than life. . . BEGINNINGS: 1959-1962 Bobby socks, crew cuts and corny rock songs abounded, but so did problems, for a school which needed, for some, a justification for its existence. The science labs weren't completed until November; the gyms and shops were not ready until almost spring; and the Commons Room was often a mass of planks, pipes and scaffolding. 1959 Principal Clark explained why good grades and cars don’t mix, and introduced a ban on student driving, “un- less a special need is demonstrated.” The Board of Education issued a statement estimating that the average cost per EHS pupil was $4,000 guaranteeing the “best educational program over the next 25 years.” 1960 A certain yearbook advisor graduated in June, and Patricia Carnahan joined the faculty as the second girls’ ad- visor(dean), due to the school’s population having increased to 2500. PROMISES FULFILLED, THEN BROKEN: 1963-1969 1963 Two 15-year olds, having consumed large quantities of beer, vandalized the building, inflicting several hundred dollars’ damage. SGA proclaimed a “dress-up day”, prompting one senior to observe “Many of the skirts were worn too tight and too short.” 1967 Sal Rizzo accepted the job as basketball coach of our Section V Champs. 1968 Members of the EHS choir stood on stage with bowed heads and upraised fists as the band played the National Anthem. Forewarned and forearmed, the administration closed the curtains. There were other events, other protests: the student walkout in protest of the elimination of Driver Education; the anti-war protests of the Vietnam Era; Moratorium Day; the special tributes and memorials in honor of Martin Luth- er King and of Robert Kennedy, who once visited our school to speak at an assembly. ONE MORE TIME: 1970-1978 In 1969, Mr. Clark retired, being replaced by Alfred J. Valvano, vice-principal and former dean at East High. Mr. Valvano helped guide the school through many experiences, some pleasant, others harrowing. His first years were haunted by the spectre of racial strife, as tensions and pressures which were manifested in the community and on our streets suddenly spilled over into the school. Through the diligent efforts of the administration, the teachers, AND the students, tensions and pressures were eventually replaced by increased tolerance, accord, and harmony. Mr. Val- vano’s tenure at East saw the beginning of new traditions: Ice Cream Day, Sucker Day, Apple Day, Doughnut Day thie ot and there was more. 1971 EHS Thespians hosted the second annual Drama Festival, a two-day happening featuring one-act plays pre- sented by seven different schools. 1972 Ten students “took over” the PA system, barricading themselves in the room, introducing themselves with nicknames, and vowing to play music for as long as possible. They played one record before being chased from the room. Their song: “Gone, gone, gone.” 1974 Mitch Jones Co. regained the AAA basketball crown, overwhelming Mooney. 1976 The Bicentennial. Male students and teachers entered a beardgrowing contest, ending on April | with an im- mensely successful, school-wide Historical Dress-up Day. 1977 Josephine Kehoe, former vice-principal, was appointed as East's principal. The SGA was reorganized after a long absence. The Orientals reclaimed the City-Catholic Basketball Title. It is impossible, in such a short space to give a full picture of East High’s glorious history. It’s been a history filled with disillusionment. compromise, accomplishments and ultimate triumph.
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