Emporia High School - Re Echo Yearbook (Emporia, KS)

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PROLCDGUE As the 'I944 school year draws to its close, it marks the thirtieth year that classes have been held in this building, construction of which was started in 1912, and classes convened in the building Sep- tember, 1914. This building has sheltered many students and has witnessed their different ideas. It has known two great wars and from its interior have come the boys who have fought and shall fight to keep all that this building stands for alive. Many changes have been made since 'l9'l4 and many more will be made in the future to keep up with the changing times. The only remains of the old Garfield Building are the bricks and the bell which make the monument I-n the front lawn. lt has seen the beginning of romances, the start of careers. Boys and girls have found their interest in life and graduated from its doors to be- come great and famous men and women. SETTING

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I' .X gifs if i ' KL-Qifsijwpilvfu Awww i I MM William Allen White All ilu' lL'lIYIAli.Y u xlzlgv, Anil all fbi- :urn nm! rmnzwl zrzviwly jwlayrrx, Thug' bun' ibrir' milx ami lbvir ufzlrunrvx, Anil mzrb num in his limi' playx many purlx. William Allen White, to whose memory this book is dedicated, mode his entrance to Emporia, February 10, 1886, and his exit January 29, 1944. Mr. White belonged to the youth of the world. But we feel that the fact that he lived in Emporia made him belong to us more than to anyone else. His children, Mary and Bill, went to this school, walked these halls, had classes in these rooms that we use now. A living memo- rial of Mary White is the Mary White Rest Room for Col- ored girls which Mr. and Mrs. White gave to this school. His famous editorial, What's the Matter with Kansas? , made The Gazette nationally known. Since that editorial, his many writings have been read by everyone. He was a most tolerant man and opposed narrowness and bigotry. His kindness for everyone made those who knew him remember him with respect and affection. His editorials about nature proved his love for beauty and his comments on cooking and recipes showed his humorous side which reached out to everyone. His humbleness, his complete unawareness of the fact that he was a great man was evident. He was o friend to everyone. Not a man will leave Emporia and say that he did not know William Allen White. He spoke to the students of Emporia High many times, the most recent was in 1941. He told us that our habits and personality would be formed by the time we were seniors. The great influence that he had upon us was evident because so many of us were interested in his editorials and books which are a part of our education in the Emporia Schools. The editorial, Mary White, published soon after her death, will always be part of American school life and a favorite among students. The last paragraph from that editorial is an example of the beautiful thoughts that were a port of him. A rift in the clouds in a gray day threw a shaft of sunlight upon her coffin as her nervous, energetic, little body sank to its last sleep. But the soul of her, the glow- ing, gorgeous, fervent soul of her surely was flaming in eager ioy upon some other dawn. While Mr. White was at home in London or New Yorlf, we believe that Emporia, Kan., U. S. A., was the place where he played his most outstanding role, that of editor of The Emporia Gazette. Other parts he played were those of politician, novelist, humorist, reformer, man of the world. He was a cosmopo- lite with an international reputation and probably he was the greatest editor that we shall ever know. One quality that we should remember about Mr. White was the fact that he believed it right that he could change his mind, and that even if one day he believed in an issue, events the next day might change his conviction. Peter Pan Park was the result of his love for Emporia young people. He contributed most generously to Ham- mond Park which he considered an unfinished iob. Each one of us has a chance to make these parks his own. For us who stay in Emporia they will continue to be the place for real enjoyment. As we, the children of a new generation, have known him and followed his worthy activities, we shall continue to be inspired by reading his brilliant writings which he has left to our world. We shall never forget the character of his charm, his charity and his lofty ideals. Thus, we dedicate this book to our friend William Allen White-V. J. ge-ff'

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Of the Activities of the Emporia Senior High School 1944 VIRGINIA JENSEN, Editor . JAY SOUTH, Business Manager SYNOPSIS It began on a sunny September day in 1943, and the action of the play missed not a beat from first till final curtain. The action took place in the Senior High School-in the laughter filled hallways, the friendly G. R, room, in the sleepy study hall, and buzzing classrooms. September 7th, the first day of school, saw sophies finding their way to new lockers, new rooms and teachers. Juniors joyously greeted friends they hadnlt seen since May 26, or the day before. Seniors practiced a haughty air, relishing their newly-acquired superiority. The first week of half-days flew by, and teachers finally memorized facesg and seated Johnnie and Sallie on opposite sides of the room! The next weeks travelled faster and faster- Home work became routine fand don't do it tonight if you can put it off 'til study hall tomorrow!j. During September the different clubs got under way, and Hi-Ya Fun Week launched the G. R. year with parties, picnics and get-togethers including a songfest. A Hi- Neighbor party with dancing, ping-pong and a refresh- ment bar ended the first week of playtime afternoons. The first assembly of the year outlined the activities and aims of the school year. John Rees, president of the Student Council, extended an invitation to the new stu- dents. Four hundred fifty students purchased activity tickets, and the pep club practiced cheering after school, in prep- aration for the first game of the year-with the Topeka But, sob! Emporia Highls gridmen were out- Redskins. weighed, and the first game was a defeat for lf. H. S. The initial assembly of the year introduced E. H. S.'s as baton twirlers, quartettes, dramatic skits, tumbling acts and a mock football game poured from the chapters of a huge book on the stage. The last exciting pages contained the cheerleaders, directing cheering and and leading in the school songs. Approximately 325 candles lighted the Junior High auditorium when the Girl Reserve recognition service was held. Helen Graves, graduate, gave a talk on l'Building for Tomorrow, the theme of the year. Freda Ames ex- plained the symbol of the Girl Reserves while the girls lighted their candles on the stage. activities, I' L The first all-school party October 15 meant lots of fun in the form of dancing, tennis, ping-pong and refresh- ments to a large number of students despite the group that went to the football game in Topeka. Members of the home rooms chose their representa- tives to the student council for the year. The home room schedule followed the same plan as the previous year. Scairdy cats, and also those who wanted to enjoy the dancing and games attended the all-school Spook-Spree on October 29. No spooks or witches were allowed at the party, of which admission was the purchase of a war stamp, to boost war stamp sales. Many students saw the captured Japanese submarine on display on Commercial, before attending the party. An Armistice Day program November 10, with Major Matthew J. Shevlin of the 84th College Training Detachment as talked about the cadet program general. November 3 brought to the polls the highest percen- tage of students ever to vote in the class elections of Emporia High. Six hundred nine votes were cast, and voting took place in the east and west ends of the gym balcony. The campaign was a lively one, with posters on the bulletin boards, and across the library windows in the study hall. Classes were headed by Bon Donnellan, seniorg Philip Jensen, junior, and Jim Benfer, sophomore. Thumbs Up, an all-school play, was presented November 19 before the largest crowd to see an all-school play since 1929. The three-act comedy was well received by its audience Cof courselj and its timeliness made it especially interesting, since it had to do with the black market, war workers, spies, and the war effort. Rev. Orlo Choguill of the First Presbyterian Church was guest speaker for the G. R.-Hi-Y Thanksgiving pro- gram. Bob Richter introduced Reverend Choguill, who talked of this country, its beginning and foundation with relation to God. Devotions, a choral amen, a talk on the history of Thanksgiving, and the singing of America, the Beautiful, by the audience, made it a very impressive and enjoyable program. Outstanding actress! Roses and gardenias and sweet- peas to the lady! Freda Ames was elected best citizen among the E. H. S. senior girls in the annual Good Citizen- was given in Assembly speaker. Major Shevlin and the Air Corps in l