East Leyden High School - Eagle Yearbook (Franklin Park, IL)

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It is with a great deal of pride and gratitude that we dedicate the EAGLE OF 'S3 to the boys in service.

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These pages are dedicated to your cherished memories of our beloved school principal. J4 e r m a n Vjivi 3 a i; e r Through his efforts Leyden became the outstanding school it is today. Some of his greatest achievements include the Christmas Pageant, the annual summer workshop, the Core program, and the democratic way Leyden is run. To some he was a man of dignity and high ideals; to others he was a man whose face, though usually stern, could brighten the day for a student with a warm, friendly, and radiant smile. What did he mean to you . . . To me Mr. Ylvisaker always seemed the perfect example of a man dedicated to a great cause. He worked with, for, and L ecause of us, the student body. I have always been impressed by his faith in the generations of the young people with whom he came in contact. I will never forget him as a source of inspiration and encouragement and as a sincere friend. The Leyden student body has lost a far-seeing administrator and understanding friend. Never will I forget the way Mr. Ylvisaker smoothed over my embarrassment the day I presented him with a belated invitation to the Junior-Senior Prom. He simply laughed good-naturedly and said he wouldn't miss it this year. At 5:00 one evening Mr. Ylvisaker made a surprise visit to one of our Annual meetings. He asked why we were here so late and we explained. He smiled and said, I know the Annual will be better than ever. I cannot help thinking of one thing he always said: As the seniors go, so goes Leyden. I came to Leyden as a sophomore and felt nervous and out of place. At the first assembly Mr. Ylvisaker gave a speech that was so intimate and friendly, I couldn't help but feel at home; I knew I could find a friend in him. After I bought my white buck shoes, Mr. Ylvisaker smiled warmly, and asked me if I were trying to create a new fad. It seemed to me that he rather liked the idea. As he signed the Annual contract. I'll always remember the way he asked me whether or not it was going to be a good yearbook. I showed him the cover design and he seemed very pleased. At the Homecoming gome Mr. Ylvisaker begged me to be careful when twirling my fire baton. He was concerned with my safety and when it was all over he congratulated me and said, I knew you'd be careful. I cannot accept the fact that he will never again come to the choir room and stand listening, sharing our frustration, our pride in accomplishment, our eagerness to create beauty, our triumphs and failures. He, as a lover of music, realized our problems and limitations, and he seemed to know that his presence there brought encouragement and inspiration. As a sophomore I accidentally set off the fire alarm. I was frightened because I heard that Mr. Ylvisaker threatened to expel the guilty person. However, I decided to confess. When I explained that it was an accident, he was VERY understanding. As a freshman, Mr. Ylvisaker called me into his office and congratulated me on the work I was doing. The following day my parents received a letter complimenting me on my class standing. 7