Elk County Catholic High School - Memories Yearbook (St Marys, PA)

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.. Q - A few trying hours still remained to us, the taking of final examinations. With these successfully completed, we once again breathed freely, and looked joyfully forward to the many pleasures awaiting us on Graduation Day. Creta Iackson. ..,., SACRED HEART GIRLS CLASS HISTORY OW that the close of our high school career is rapidly approaching, let us look back to the opening day of school, and see what events have occurred since then for our brief class. history. In September, l928, about thirty-five little girls assembled in the first grade room at the Sacred Heart School. Some of us disliked the idea of entering school as we would much rather have spent the time playing, while others were happy to think that now, at last, they had grown old enough to begin their studies. Recess greatly appealed to all of us as it meant some free time, and in our room, the baby room , a little surprise party was occasionally given. What a treat it was when apples, cookies, or some other delicacies were distributed to each member of the class! Each one of us aimed to excel in her lessons so that her name would be written on the highest branch of the tree drawn on the blackboard. But how sad we all felt when we missed our lessons and, like defective fruit, came tumbling down to the ground! During the second year, joy reigned supreme when each member of our class had the honor of receiving her First Holy Communion. What a happy day! One that will never be forgotten! In the third year, the chief event was our Christmas play. The Infant Iesus, the Blessed Mother, Saint Ioseph, the angels and shepherds were represented. We were arranged in groups and dressed in distinctive costumes. Some of us entertained with recitations, others with Christmas songs. It was a pleasant and new experience to each one of us to appear on the stage. A surprise awaited us in the fourth grade when instead of a Sister, a lay- teacher was appointed to take charge of our class. Another change that took place that year was the opening of a new classroom for the fourth grade. All of us were delighted with the new desks we were permitted to use. In the fifth grade a Sister again took charge of us. The news that the class would be moved to the next floor was greeted with joy, this, however, was somewhat marred by the loss of some of our companions. Some moved to another town while others changed schools. During the year little letters were written to the classmates who were prevented attending classes on ac- count of illness. Frequently contests were held between the girls and the boys, the winners being presented a flag which was displayed in the class- room. The following year was hailed with pleasure as the same Sister was as- signed to the class. An incident of that year that struck terror to our hearts was the fire that broke out in the basement, but our fear was of short dura- tion due to the good order kept by our teachers in marshaling us safely to the playground. In the seventh grade, part of our school time was devoted to instructions - 2: gi a 29

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'Q-. 'A - fi'4...fs: .Q.. rescued through our efforts. After a little discussion, we decided to call the first one Clara, in honor of our teacher. The fifth and sixth grades were rather difficult, but we succeeded fairly well. These were the last two years in the grade school building. ln the fifth grade we had a play entitled, The Rainbow Drill which was very colorful. ln this, the girls formed a rainbow by having crepe paper of rainbow hues and tints. We practiced for some time so that our play would meet the stan- dard requirements of our school entertainments. In the sixth grade we also had a play, entitled The Life of St. Germaine . Leona Wortman took the part of St. Germaine and Virginia Erich represented the stepmother. After leaving the grade school building we went to the Gymnasium build- ing to complete our seventh and eighth grades. We liked the change because we were getting closer to the high school all the time. In addition to the re- quired subjects, we spent some time preparing to chant High Masses, Requi- ems, and hymns. After we had sufficient practice, the seventh and eighth grade pupils took turns, singing. The vacation which followed soon came to an end, and the time to reg- ister for high school courses arrived. Here for the first time we were united with the eighth grade pupils of the Sacred Heart parish. The classes being large, the pupils were divided into four groups, two rooms for girls and two for boys. Some days passed before we could get accustomed to Departmental work, selecting the subjects we wished to take, and adjusting our program to class schedules. Then began our Sophomore year with a double promotion, in grade, and from first floor to second floor. This was very gratifying. About this time a sound motion picture projector was purchased for the use of the school. A number of commercial films were shown and several feature films, the outstanding one being Miracle of Lourdes . This innova- tion proved to be a treat to all of us because formerly we had seen only slides or pictures which were silent. The lunior year brought with it a pleasant occurrence, the purchasing of our class rings. It was a very special day when the salesman came into our room with a large selection of class rings from which we were to make a choice. Another event that appealed to us, at the close of that year, was our being invited by the Alumni to serve the graduates and Alumni members at the annual Alumni banquet. Then came the much-desired reports, stating we were eligible for the senior room. This has been a busy year, indeed. Early in the fall, we began the major project of our school life, the Year Book. We hurried about getting advertisements and subscriptions, and began collecting material for our an- nual. Class officers and staff members were chosen who were to assume the responsibilities of this undertaking. Then we picked our motto, class colors, and flowersg this was quite a task as we tried to please everyone. The day the salesman came with the pennants, emblems, and hats, there was considerable commotion. When choosing the pennants and emblems, everything went all right. Then came the hats. Some wanted the Crew hat and some the Scotty . Since there was such a marked difference in choice, we were finally permitted to get either hat. -Q 3 : S '?'Q 28

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z --IWM Q H f as a preparation for Confirmation. The day we received this efficacious sacra- ment was a solemn and memorable occasion. That year, our pastor, Rever- end Father Timothy, OSB., was transferred to the Saint Marys Parish, and he was succeeded by Reverend Father Henry, O.S.B., who still has charge of the Sacred Heart Parish. Because of Reverend, Father Henry's desire that a chil- dren's choir be organized, we were trained to sing in the choir. When we reached the eighth grade, we were permitted to become mem- bers of the choir, a privilege for which all of us were grateful. At the close of school, the pupils of the entire school rendered a program in honor of our esteemed pastor and dear friend, Reverend Father Henry, OSB., who cele- brated his Silver Iubilee in the priesthood. That day, too, diplomas and class pins were awarded to all of the pupils of our class who satisfactorily com- pleted the eighth grade. Prizes were also given for the highest average in studies, and perfect attendance at school. A few months later, we were admitted to the Saint Marys Catholic High School, where we met new Sisters who were our teachers and advisors for the remaining years of school. We also met new companions some of whorr. became our closest friends. In the tenth grade we were consigned to a room on the second floor. How sorry we were that not all of our former classmates were still with us to enjoy the beautiful rooml We all appreciated the new sound-motion picture machine that was pur- chased for our high school that year through the kindness of Reverend Father Timothy and the Alumni Association. Several memorable incidents occurred during our eleventh year. About two months after the opening of the term our anticipation of ordering class rings was realized. We were elated over our choice of rings, and our joy was increased because we received the rings before Christmas. In january, to commemorate Sister M. Edith's Golden jubilee in the Sisterhood and in grati- tude for her untiring zeal in our behalf, all of the pupils of our high school ren- dered a program in Sister's honor. The serious illness and death of His Holi- ness Pope Pius XI, in February, left a sad impression upon each of us. Later, when the announcement was made that Cardinal Pacelli was elected to the papal throne, and took the name of Pope Pius XII, there was universal rejoic- ing among our pupils. At last, we reached the Senior year. During this year, we have had many happy experiences. October 29, a reunion of all our former classmates from the grade school was held in the Sacred Heart School. To add to the spirit of Christmas, the pupils of the high school rendered an interesting program. Six of the girls of our class presented the play, The Wandering Christmas Cakes , which, because of its humor, was enjoyed by all present. On February IG, we had the unique experience of meeting Chief Osken- onton, a son and grandson of great Chiefs of the same name, who spent the early years of his life among his people in St. Lawrence River Reservation in Canada. By hereditary right he bears the title of Chief in the proud Mohawk tribe. His narration of some of his past experiences and the way he expressed himself gained our admiration and enthusiasm. That incident will long be remembered by us all. 2:11:31 1'- 30