Gainesville High School - Hurricane Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

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GAINESYILLE HIGH SUHOOL. 1915 Literature, as a branch in the English course is studied for its cul- tural value. It develops those personal attitudes toward the great values in human life that will help one to appreciate the values in life as it is lived all about one. and to discriminate more carefully in the selection of those values which he wishes to realize in his own life. In studying poetry, we have the poet's attitude toward life, which inclines us toward higher ideals. The study of fiction gives us a clearer insight into the great human motives that have dominated men and have an influence over us in our upward way in the process of civilization, and also inculcates a desire for the better things of life. In order to keep us in touch with this day and generation it teaches us to be appreciative. By the study of literature there is engendered a general interest in literature itself and a tlesire to inculcate a habit of reading. In studying literature one becomes acquainted with the great masterpieces and learns the proper standards of good literature and by this means may choose the books one reads. In short, no matter what may be our position in life, high school English cannot fail to be of the utmost material, disciplinary and cultural value to us if we learn well what it teaches and use our knowledge in everything we write, think or say. BERTHA ROSENBERGER. MATHEMATICS In the course of mathematics pursued here, the Gainesville High School has held true to the line of work established by years of usage. Elementary algebra is taken up in the freshman year, and plane geometry in the sophomore. These two years of work are required of all who gradu- ate. Advanced algebra in the junior, and trigonometry and solid geometry in the senior year are optional. All expecting to enter college are informed that four years' work in mathematics are required preparatory to college. and advised to take the full course, but this High School is not a prepara- tory school distinctly and alone, and could not justly be one, since a great number of the students do not enter college and require a different course from those who do. Mathematics of all studies easily excels. It is the exact science. A student enffa0'ed in solving a mathematical problem always knows what ofa: zz- C end he is Working for and when that goal is attained. From the very nature of the subject, mathematics of all studies is best designed to de- velop clearness and accuracy of thinking and expression. These two 31

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UAINESYILLE HIGH SVHOOL, 1915 ENGLISH When we begin to consider the luenents of the study oi' the English language to the English speaking people we enter upon an almost unlimit- ed field for thought. English in any department of school is not only bene- ficial but very necessary, and in the high school course of study we have the ve1'y foundation for the proper usage of our language. In respect to the material, disciplinary and cultural value it performs a service that no other subject can. Materially, high school English teaches us how to speak and write correctly, and no matter what our path in life may he, it is the most nec- essary study for us. We may never need mathematics or any of our other studies, but English we certainly shall need. In our grammar school days we are taught the parts of speech, their uses and how to construct sen- tences, but in the high school we learn to use sentences easily and proper- ly. The better we know how to express our thoughts, the more likely we are to obtain what we desire and the only way to express our thoughts is in words either spoken or written. In speaking it is very necessary to understand how to express our- selves. The greater part of our feelings. desires and opinions are express- ed in Words. and it behooves us to speak as well as possible. The weight of a persons character is frequently determined by the kind of language he uses in an ordina1'y conversation. Many have been the troubles caused bv a speech which was so worded that it gave an entirely ditterent impres- sion from that which it was intended to convey. To say what you mean and say it in the clearest and most concise manner possible is one of the best rules that could be given for the use of any language, and in order to follow this rule it is necessary to know how to use our words and arrange them properly in sentences and paragraphs. In every letter we write we express our knowledge of composition and rhetoric. Every one likes to receive an interesting and well composed letter, whether personal or business. If we wish to write business letters. our knowledge of composition and rhetoric may help us wonderfully. Sometimes the way in which our letters are expressed will mean many dollars lost or gained for us, while many times we lose friends by writing them letters containing perfectly innocent thoughts badly expressed. Therefore we should always know how to express ourselves in writing. High school English is of great disciplinary value. The course in English serves for a double preparation in life, as it is an aid in, and a preparation for, social and personal life, that is, for manhood, womanhood and citizenship. It aids in the choice of and advance toward a vocation. 30

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GAINESYILLE HIGH SCHOOL, 1915 qualities of mind will be of greatest value to a student in life to come. In most people, even in people otherwise well educated, these two attri- butes seem altogether lacking. People unacquainted with the benefits derived from mathematical study, as well as people who demand a close-at-hand view of the dollar mark at all times and in all things, seem inclined to view with extreme lightness the importance of mathematics in the equipment or make up of man or woman. No person can be as well fitted for a successful career without having made a careful and exhaustive study of mathematics. It is true that a knowledge of the processes of algebra or the theorems of geometry cannot in all cases be made to serve first-handed as a bread and butter factory. The possessor of mathematical learning is not looked to or intended to use this learning as a first handed means of making money, as in the case of those who have made a study of a trade as bookkeeping or stenog- raphy. For this reason it is hard for many to understand why mathe- matics is a practical science. The highest function of man is independent thinking and accurate reasoning, and the man who excels in these respects is a leader of his fellows and is capable of accomplishing the ,greatest amount of good and attaining the highest degree of success. Whatever, then, develops these powers of thinking and reasoning, serves to heighten the capacity for success, and is certainly, above all things the most in- tensely practical. Thus the cultural side of mathematics is closely bound up with its practical phase and we see that here also, as in any other instance, true culture is one of the most practical elements that can con- duce to a successful career. So far we have considered only that side of mathematical training which develops intellectual power and skill in reasoning and accuracy in expression. But there is no branch of engineering which is not almost wholly indebted to mathematics for its advancement. From the ancient pyramids and the towers of prehistoric Eabylon to the engineers of to-day performing marvels of construction, mathematics has been the very foun- dation upon which the work is based. The civil engineer running his lines through the uninhabited wilderness and over inaccessible mountain ranges, digging great canals and harbors, building sky-scrapers that tower high above the earth, and the man who bridges deep chasms with a net-work of steel, even the naval architect who has to balance the mighty battle- ships finely and calculate the stress stood, would all alike be lost without mathematics. Thus we who study mathematics in the high school, whether we shall ever pursue the subject further in college or university, or whether we 32