English High School - Blue and Blue / Record Yearbook (Boston, MA)

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WALTER F. DOWNEY, A. B„ Ed. M„ L. Head Master H. D.

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AND TO THAT MEMBER OF THE CLASS OF ’52 WHO PRESENTED SUCH AN INSPIRING EXAMPLE OF SCHOLARSHIP, COURAGE, AND STAMINA

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Keys of ‘52-. Just a half century ago this June I graduated from high school. It was quite a different world then. Times have changed, but not the fundamentals of living. Here are a few observations and recommendations based upon experience since my own high school graduation in the year 1902. Be disturbed as little as possible by passing events. Today we hear so much that is wrong with everything and everybody. This is nothing new. However, today we have one great protection, — we knew things, — secrecy in this nation, when the public interest is concerned, is rare. We have a free press. We have free speech. However, do we hear enough or know enough of what is right in this day and age? Just let me submit a few things: In all history the ideals of this nation are the highest ever expressed by man. This age of science is being used for the good of man, as well as for the reverse. When I graduated from high school my life expectancy was forty- eight years; today yours is sixty-six years. There is more altruism, more charity, more consideration for others in the world than ever before. There are more churches, more schools, and more hospitals than in any previous period of history. Many with high ideals, and others who consider service to mankind as of the highest importance, do not receive headlines. However, the world is bet¬ ter because of the large number of these individuals. Bigotry and racial ten¬ sions are being offset by the influence of growing numbers who believe in un¬ derstanding and good will. There are vastly more people trying to do the right thing than the wrong thing. As you look at life at this time you may look through glasses that are dark, or clear, or golden. The first leads only to cynicism; the second to straight thinking; the third to idealism. Avoid the first — accept the second, — based upon the third. Through five decades I have met many individuals of prominence; with some of them I was net impressed. Those whom I have remembered longest were people of character, sound ideals, wholesome outlook, who showed a distinct and sincere spirit cf understanding toward people and toward the world. Have a religion that is your own. Live up to its precepts and its teach¬ ing. It should by your guide — always. God bless and guide you, Every One. Head Master June, 1952