Gainesville High School - Hurricane Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

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GAINESYILLE HIGH SCHOOL. 1915 SOCIAL LIFE IN HIGH SCHOOL When girls and boys have grown into womanhood and manhood and have gone out into the world to take their places among' their fellows, the fondest recollections that come after busy hours to soothe tired brains and ofttimes aching hearts are those of school day experiences. As young people are naturally social in temperament and ready always to plan for amusement and gayety, it is very necessary that the social life of the school furnish an outlet for youthful enthusiasm of a social kind. They are going to have a ce1'tain amount of social intercourse, for their natures require it and if such intercourse have the support and encouragement of the school authorities it is sure to be a pure and wholesome form of amusement. One of the best results of this element in a school is its essential char- acteristic of preventing selfishness. It is an established fact that where so called crowds or sets exist, the1'e are sure to be several isolated boys and girls who seldom have the chance to mingle with their comrades in a social way. In high school each student belongs to a class-whether Freshman or Senior makes no differenceg everyone has the right to join any of the associationsg if' desired each class may have receptions, parties and the like. If one class plans for a little party or social affair, there are no hard feelings, no one belonging to that class is left out, everyone feels that he or she personally is needed and wanted, for each one is in a measure responsible for the success of the entertainment. So to prevent this selfish attitude and to promote a feeling' of companionship, it seems that school, where the students meet on the common footing of fellow class and school mates, is the first place to inaugurate this feeling of lmnnc cunmrrulwrz'c. As- sociation promotes and cements friendship. As a people we are democratic and our democracy should be developed in early years when minds are plastic and hearts are susceptible to influences. Social life in High School develops not alone a friendly spirit but also school spirit. In order that a school be successful it is absolutely neces- sary to have the co-operation of the students. The teachers cannot alone accomplish all things, neither can they be entirely successful with the aid given them by the board of trustees or the patrons. They must have the assistance and support of the students or their efforts will be only in a measure productive of the good they hope to achieve. Social activities will instil a certain amount of school spirit into some who hitherto have seemed practically indifferent. In the scholastic year of 191-1-1915 the spirit of good fellowship has been encouraged in the Gainesville High School, and I firmly believe that it has proved highly beneficial to the student body as a Whole as Well as in- 21

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GAINESYILLE HIGH SCHOOL, 1915 One of the most useful organizations of the high school is the orchestra. Un all pulrlic and private occasions the very best music may be furnished without cost to the high school. The high school orchestra creates en- thusiasm in music and leads many to play some musical instrument. An- other important high school organization is the athletic association. Probably this lzody has more work than any other of the school's socie- ties, supporting and encouraging, as it does, all athletics. Every student organization should be conducted on a business basis. Every otiicer should be selected with greatest care. The ollicers should be selected on account of ability and not popularity. Neither should any one or two members be let 1'ule everything according to their wishes. That is one of the most harmful things that comes before organizations. If this is the case, the organization will soon be divided, which means it cannot stand. A prime necessity is proniptness in business transactions and also in time of meeting. The work should always be business like, and at no time should foolishness prevail. The value of student organization is almost inestimable. The value accrues not only to the student but also to the school and public. The school is well advertised in every particular because each organization does its best work by competing with other high schools. The members of these organizations attain managing power that leads them to success in their future lives. This ability makes of them good citizens who are a credit to their community. In these organizations is where every high school student first learns to take responsibilities. This also is a fundamental part of the foundation of a business life. The value of co-operation is learned in bodies of this kind. This again is a great help to them in after life. High school students lay their foundation for after life while in the high school. Were it only for this reason student organiza- tions should be carried on in the most prohtable manner. The life and success of all high school organizations depend on the co- operation of the entire student body. Each student should be an active member and support the organization by his work, dues, and regular attendance. Without the co-operation of students, the organization can- not do its best workg the otlicers do not have encouragement and therefore the work is a burden. For this reason student organizations must have the support of the entire student body and faculty in order to be successful. CLAUDE OGILVIE. 20

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GAINESYILLE HIGH SCHOOL, 1915 dividually. However, the social atlairs are not allowed to interfere with our regular school work, for it is so arranged that as many as possible come on Friday nights in order that there may be no unprepared lessons the next day. The first of numerous pleasant events given by some division of the Gainesville High School during the above mentioned year, was a reception at the home of Mr. T. B. Stringfellow. The boys of the Athletic Associa- tion acted as hosts, the foot-ball eleven being honored guests. As our High School Faculty was composed entirely of new members, this gave the students an opportunity to become acquainted with them outside of the class room. Other social atlairs given by the Athletic Association for visiting teams have been thoroughly enjoyed by home as well as out of town participants. The homes of Maj. W. Il. Thomas, Mr. A. L. Daughtry, Dr. J. t'. Bishop and filr. T. W. Shands have in turn been the scenes of several of these recep- tions. Besides these, the Senior Class and their friends have been entertain- ed at several delightfully informal gatherings. Probably one of the most pleasant and most interesting receptions of the whole year was tendered by the Boys' Athletic Association at the hos- pitable home of Maj. Thomas at the close of the foot-ball season. During the evenin,g, the formal disbanding of the squad took place. New oiiicers were elected for the coming year and as several of the star players, being seniors, would not have a chance again to represent their school, they we1'e called on for farewell speeches. In view of the fact that the season just closed had been the most brilliant in the history of G. H. S. foot-ball, it was with reluctance that the squad disbanded, however they were cheered by the fact that the eleven next year would be even more eiiicient than in previous years. Professor and Mrs. P. H. Rolfs were at home to the Junior and Senior Classes early in the new year. One thing which made the evening espec- ially delightful was the presence of our principal and his charming young bride. Last in order, but by no means last in importance, came the Junior reception. This is always the social function of the scholastic year, when the Juniors entertain the Seniors, it having been the custom of the Gaines- ville High School for several years. The parting remark of one of the guests at the elaborate affair probably expressed the opinion of all who were fortunate enough to be present- it was a brilliant success! The year 1915 marks the close of the most successful period of the life of G. H. S. Since social life has been more than ever in ascendency during -7 0