Emerson High School - Emersonian Yearbook (Gary, IN)

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WINIFRED DAVIS A. B., A. M. KEZIAH STRIGHT THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT The High School course in English is organized primarily with reference to immediate personal and social needs. Only when school life is genuine are results obtained. Students write not to satisfy any teacher, but because what they write, if worth whi le, is printed in the school print shop and read by a large public. The depart¬ ment supports a weekly newspaper, articles for some of the local papers, a school annual, and when the print shop is not too busy, a literary magazine. In all courses, both literature and composition, the oral work receives equal attention with the written, as the young person is more often called on to state his case in speech than in writing. The auditorium classes are ever ready to listen to a good speech, story or play, so the student again works not for his teacher or class, but for a real audience. The English course also aims to establish the habit of reading good books and magazines in the right way. Pupils are encouraged and directed to read freely as individuals throughout the school period. To provide for this, library co-operation is secured, informal class discussions held, time allowed and credit give n. To many pupils this general reading proves more valuable than any formal subject in the high school course. In the reading of students the difference in ability, tastes, and age or develop¬ ment is recognized. EDITH HEURING, A. B. Fifteen

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J. A. WHITE EMERSON COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT The work offered in the Commercial Department is both academic and vocational. The content of these subjects, when studied as other high school studies are usually studied, contribute both to general culture and mental training. The North Central Association of Colleges allows entrance credits for bookkeeping, shorthand, business English, and other commercial subjects. When these subjects are taken with the intention of making them vocationally useful, they must be pursued somewhat more intensely, and to a considerable greater degree of perfection than is usual in other high school studies. Definite knowledge must be obtained and a considerable degree of skill acquired, for it is only that knowledge and skill which is one hundred per cent perfect most of the time that can be used in business, and which commands good pay. By including some of the commercial subjects in his elective studies, any high school student may receive at graduation a diploma that will admit him to college, and at the same time he will be qualified to enter a business office at a good salary. MINNIE KNICKERBOCKER EMERSON DRAFTING DEPARTMENT In the fall of nineteen hundred twelve, 0. N. Yeager took charge of the Emerson drafting department. Under his direction, the first systematized instruction was begun. Beginning with practically no equipment—rough-top tables, ragged-edge T- squares, cardboard triangles etc.—and no permanent room, the drafting department has grown by leaps and bounds until today it enjoys the distinction of having no superior in equipment or in desirability of location of room among the high schools and higher institutions of learning of the state. The work has been planned to meet the needs of two classes of students—those who intend to become draftsmen and those who wish to learn this “world” language that they may use it in their daily work. Provision has been made to care for all students—boys and girls—in the high school, and extending down to the third grade. HISTORY The study of History presents an opportunity this year that we seldom have. The aim of our work is to create a good citizen; a citizenship founded upon a knowledge of the problems and needs of our country. Current Events have formed a large factor in our work in an effort to meet this. O. N. YEAGER Fourteen

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EXPRESSION DEPARTMENT The expression department has been busy this year, and the results are gratifying. An “oral” newspaper was published every week in the auditorium by the different classes. The first paper was “The Auditorium Review,” published by the Senior class. “The Junior Sun” came next, and took some of the laurels from the Senior newspaper. The Sophomore class presented “The Gary Farmer,” and they made their publication very helpful, as well as interesting. This semester the advanced expression class of thirty students held an oratorical contest to choose representatives for the Lake County and the Northern Indiana Associations. The work was strong, interesting and artistic. The Senior play which the expression department will present this year is “Secret Service,” by William Gillette, provided the boys do not enlist for a real war. FRENCH This year we have had one beginning and one second year French class. Early in the second semester each section presented a French play in the auditorium. Al¬ though they were simple, both were very satisfactorily given. The French Club has been inactive this year, but we hope to revive it and add to its membership in the fall. IRENE OLIN, A. B. Sixteen