Gavit High School - Futura Yearbook (Hammond, IN)

Page 10 text:

CONCERN for his” students was evident in Mr. Witham ' s face as he listened to Mr. Earl Frcuhling relate an incident. Pride and interest marked Witham Dedication Reflects Gladiator Spirit HIS ROLE as an administrator was in cordination with assistant prin- cipal. Mr. William Sippcl. Mr. Lewis F. Witham, principal of Gavit School, passed away shortly before midnight on Saturday, October 28. He had been Gavit’s principal since the school’s opening in 1960. Mr. Witham’s entire life was devoted to education. After gaining Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Indiana University, he taught at Mentone and La- Porte. He then began his 41 -year association with the Hammond Public Schools, teaching first at Washing- ton and then at Hammond High. In 1947 he was named principal of Wilson School, and 13 years later became the first principal of Gavit School. Mr. Witham had seen only four classes graduate from his school at his passing, but made innumerable accomplishments in that short time. Every Gavit institution and tradition was based upon his ap- proval, and many of them could never have existed without his active support. 6

Page 9 text:

“ His Clocks had no Hands . . . His Doors had no Locks ...” EULOGY “He was truly a great man.” Mr. Lewis F. Witham, principal, administrator, teacher and friend, had served us in a long term capacity. With devotion to the youth of the school and deep, sincere interest in his students, Mr. Witham helped form the minds and character of all within his realm. Stalwart in his own beliefs, but with a unique understanding of human dignity, he listened to the hopes and aspirations of his kids. Believing in the integrity of the student, he allowed an individual to approach his own horizon, and where the student failed, he let the individual try anew. With inexhaustible patience, he gave students a second, a third, and even a fourth chance. Thus, he scanned the horizon and viewed the greatest long range benefits for the student body. Ardently, Mr. Witham looked toward the future and planned for the future ... he visualized Gavit’s potential in its total frame and prepared us with guides in our search . . . He has journeyed through life and has met his new horizons ... to justify his trust, we must work toward our goals with the same ferver. The Search .

Page 11 text:

Mr. Lewis Witham was an acknowledged friend at all school activities. Participation in class projects was typical of Mr. Witham and his wife. ATTENDANCE at prom festivities widened Mr. Witham s social con- tact with students. ACQUAINTANCE with the students parents enabled Mr. Witham to achieve many educational goals. The Search ... 7