Galway Central High School - Piper Yearbook (Galway, NY)

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Seniors

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It's a rare person who possesses the versatility which enables him to wear a barker’s hat and persuade P. T. A. Fair-goers to bid on a gaudy apron, or don a shaggy mustache and ship-captain’s costume to direct and act in a hilariously successful play, or, in faded blue-jeans, to take hopelessly confused scraps of paper, wood, and lights to create a sensational Prom Setting. Mr. Joseph Swierzowski is such a person. He gives himself wholeheartedly to each of his endless activities while remaining, above all, a dedicated teacher who imparts to his students more than specific knowledge of geometry, elementary and intermediate algebra, and practical mathematics. He suggests as well practical guidelines for living. He may stress the importance of working hard when one is working, of playing hard when playing, of using good judgment in apportioning time and loyalties to activities - perhaps unaware that he himself exemplifies the very virtues he recommends. Mr. Swierzowski can give a student encouragement and hope when a problem seems unsolvable. He will correct a mistake, perhaps chide a flagrant deficiency, meanwhile pointing out ways to overcome these inadequacies. If he believes in a cause, he will back it against any opposition. And then, at the most opportune time, his humor will inspire refreshing, lightening, laughter. Mr. Swierzowski is the ideal teacher as we know him - inspiring pride in accomplishment, joining in sincere, regret for failure, and provoking tension-dispelling laughter when laughing at ourselves is, after all, the best cure.

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Each of Galway's graduating classes was composed of individuals; some were more individual than others. One would have to search far into the annals of Galway to find a more individualistic” class than the Class of '63. 3ut this does not mean we don't have memories we will always hold in common. Mr. Swierzowski will surely advise other classes during his tenure at Galway, but what other class will possess Phils and Bruces to tease, treasurers like Carol to split the profits with, or Sharons to fortify the cafeteria with a year's supply of candy and soda for one game? Certainly no sophomore class will again consume as many advisor-supplied tissues with which to mop up adolescent tears, nor will another class agree unanimously on two diametrically-opposed issues in votes only seconds apart. No class will produce its dance decorations, still wet, only minutes before every dance - no class will make the profit margin, either. Upon no class will be heaped as much abuse - and praise. Our teachers can put away for all time the adjectives originated; just for us. But, on the other hand, no class will overcompensate for its sometimes academic lows with twenty per cent of its members scholarship winners. No class will defy prediction right up to those last minutes on the stage when we receive our diplomas and leave - the last of its kind.