Gainesville High School - Hurricane Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

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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

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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 this year, surely it cannot be said that it retards or hinders progress in a school. As a member of the Senior Class, I hesitate not at all, and I believe that I express the feelings of the majority of The Class, when I say that, without a doubt, this has been one of the most profitable as well as happiest years of my school experience. MARJORIE WHITE. ATHLETICS Athletics is a very important branch of the regular High School work. It is a very important element in the obtaining of a high school education. Man's life constitutes three great factors, namely: the mental, the moral, and the physical. The philosopher will say that the mental is, by far, the most important: the preacher will say, the moral: but the strong, healthy, robust athlete will stand for the physical. Why? Because the physical is the very foundation of both the moral and the mental. The mental and moral are both dependent on the physical. The purpose, therefore, of athletics in the High Schools is the develop- ment of a sound body, which is the basis of a sound mind. There are many benefits derived from good, clean athletics tand in this theme the word athletics means good, clean athleticsb. If a nian's physical nature is strong, healthy and robust, the mental and moral will naturally have a better chance to develop. Look into Nature! The most matured plant yields the greatest p1'oduct, the healthiest tree the sweetest fruit, and the greenest vine the prettiest llower. The old idea that mothers used to have, that athletics consisted only of rough, dangerous games, in which the dear son would get half killed, or at least crippled for life, is fast becoming an idea of the past. These loving mothers are beginning to see the real result of athletics. They see that son as he develops in alertness, activity, quick- ness of decision, self-control, and self-reliance. Friends, have you visited the state prisons, the penitentiaries, the re- form schools, and asylums all over this grand old republic? Have you no- ticed the physical condition of the occupants thereof? Statistics show that ninety per cent. of these men and women are abnormal physically. On the other hand, look about you in your every day life. Note your political lead- ers, your social leaders, and all your other leaders. What is their physical condition? Why did the ancient Roman value athletics so highly '? And why are the colleges and universities all over the civilized world today ad- vancing athletics? Then, why shouldn'tfthe high school advance athletics? Athletics then, does not consist of rough, dangerous games for the cle- - 0 Za