Fairmont High School - Maple Leaves Yearbook (Fairmont, WV)

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FOREWORD. The whole world is at war! Over all our lair land the youth of the nation is buckling on sword and scabbard to fight the ruthless and arrogant Hun of Ignorance. Armies arc being raised; battleships manned; the whole country rises to eject this enemy, sub- jection to whom means mental degradation. One of the most gallant battleships manned is the Superdreadnaught l II S. which set sail from port upon the morning of September 17. 1917. Captain Colebank, his eye fixed unswervingly on the advancing enemy, keeps careful watch for the submarines of C arelessness, Laziness, and Desire for Pleasure which are ever lurking near the surface ready to sink the vessel. Able Seamen of the Moore Command, already scenting victory in the air. fight brave- ly. secure in the knowledge that only one more hard battle lies between them ami vic- tory. The Hutchinson C rack Gun Crew, also battle scarred, not yet scenting immediate victory, still fight bravely and uncomplainingly, knowing that success must at last crown their efforts. The Barnes Midshipmen, though unused to the hardships of war, yet Hushed with the success of their first engagement, show every indications of settling down into hard and seasoned tars. The Apprentices, fresh drafted green from their experiences in the training school, as yet untried by the din of battle, show unbounded enthusiasm, ex- uberant optimism that give signs of the able seamen of the future. Although always in fighting trim, ready to repel every advance of the foe. this battle- ship is able occasionally to indulge in athletic contests with neighboring battleships of other fleets at such times the deck is cleared for action. The strongest and bravest are chosen, and always the F. H. S. comes off with a fair share of glory. Was there ever an army or a navy without its slackers? Alas, no. except in song or story. Truth compels us to record that on the good ship I . 11. S. there are oc- casionally those who resort to camouflage to cover defects in preparation for the battle at hand. Not long, however, does it take the vigilant lieutenants of our worthy captain to uncover such attempts, and' then comes retribution swift and sure! And SO our ship sails on. through storm and stress, with ictorv perched high on her banner, lighting and winning her battle for freedom from the slavery of Ignorance. Many more battles will be fought, many more victories won. before the good ship reaches |K rt. but no braver or more dauntless crew will ever man the I . H. S. than that of the present.