East High School - Orient Yearbook (Rochester, NY)

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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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The relationship between students and faculty at East High school is a series of fascinating contradictions. For every heated arguement, there was a shared laugh. Each misunderstanding accompanied a sincere attempt at communication. Sometimes personalties couldn’t coordinate, and problems were irreconcilable. This faculty earned our respect, sometimes coming reluctantly, but coming nonethelessm a quiet admiration but a sincere one not withstanding. They have monitored our progress and frequently indulged our moods. We have seen them in t-shirts at club picnics or dressed up at Open House; it made little difference. The true personality came through in action, and will remain in memory. Ader, Walker, Geyer, Br ; Izzo, Barry, Denni Faber, Sedita, Abramow, Gi Critrendon,