Geneva High School - Seneca Saga Yearbook (Geneva, NY)

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E, YLECZCL saga The editors have selected a few of the many fields of training for emphasis in this Annual- li only a few, for there is a paper shortage and a war fRememher Tojo and Schickelgruht-r?l We call to your attention: Administration and Faculty-H for their work in guiding us into and through the right courses in this emergency- especially the outstanding work of Miss Margaret Coo- ney in carrying through the sale of war honds and stamps. Total 587,741.90 As of April 5, 1944 Library, Mtisic, Dramatics- X vii hecause fighting a war de- mands wholesome recreation during leisure hours: Student Council, Junior Red Cross, Geneva Hi-News, and Victory Corps-because they are inclining us toward demo- cratic ideals: Science Club, Fixture Farmers, Homemaking, and National Honor Society - for their guidance in training our minds for worthwhile things for tht- present and the fu- tureg Athletics-for its contribution to the physical fitness part of young Americas program. ll9 ,W

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I I I - s It 4 . .Student Qouneill . . , . . . .1 - -A., r 4. ' . - ' f , . -'Q--9 J- - ' f 1' r...2f1 .ff-4 - - ' .f An active, intelligent student council is a valuable addition to any high school. By aiding the stu- dent in three distinct ways, it tends to make him a better citizen of his home and school and a bet- ter member of society. The student council allows a student to have an active voice in the activities of his school. He feels that he spends a good share of his day in school and, therefore, should have an opportunity to share in its operation. When this opportunity is granted, the students and faculty pull together and the school runs as one, big, happy family. When a student knows that indirectly he has made the rules, he ceases to complain continually about the operation of the school. Later, because of this spirit of cooperation has carried over into the community, the graduates are ready to cooperate and sacrifice for the common good. By demonstrating governmental practices, the student council acts as a supplement to civic training courses. Everything that is done in connection with the student council is done in a man- ner similar to that actually practiced in a democracy. Both the student council and the actual gov- ernment are representative bodies composed of individuals elected by the people. The elections to choose these individuals are carried on with the same fervor and zest in both organizations. After the election has been completed, the representatives suggest improvements in a manner similar to that followed in actual practice. This practical experience in government is valuable to the student because it gives him a glimpse of what is in store for him after high school. The student council furthers the student,s natural abilities, for when the time for the election of a new council rolls around, the entire student body puts its natural abilities on display. Those mem- bers who seem to have the abilities the majority expects, are chosen as candidates. After their elec- tion, members introduce ideas helpful to the students they represent. In addition, they express opinions on measures brought up by other representatives and to express intelligent opinions the members must develop the ability to think on their feet. A council member must also show fortitude so that he might be able to follow things through to their conclusion. The student council gives many benefits. First, it teaches cooperation and respect for the other fellow's ideas and feelings. Second, it teaches the fundamentals of democratic government. Third, it develops the natural abilities such as the ability to express ideas intelligently and the ability to stick with a job until it is completed. Fourth, it develops a knack for accepting responsibility square- ly. If a person is responsible, he can be depended upon to follow any job through to completion. EDWARD S. NAGEL, JR. President Student Council. I 18 1

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