George Washington High School - Compass Yearbook (Alexandria, VA)

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SENIOR CLASS HISTORY ’53 Seniors or Fight! This was our motto as we bustled into the auditorium to hear welcoming talks from the administration on a hazy September morning five years ago. Who were we? Why, very important people of course, because we heralded a new era in Alexandria education. We were the members of the first eighth grade class. Some of us were indignant at not being freshmen, and all were somewhat conspicuous with bright, new books tucked under our arms, but we managed to outlast the year and the teachers and became freshmen as a reward. At last we could achieve that nonchalant air as the tattered and mangled books of our predecessors fell into our hands. Oh, there was no stopping us then, and now we have reached the end of the five years that seemed like an eternity to us that long ago September day. To be able to look down the hazy lane that represents the past and to see all the events that crowd the bends in the road is an impossibility, but some things do stand out clearly. Remember our first dance, the Sophomore Hop, on which we worked so hard, holding our breach all the while for fear the decorations would fall.' They did, but we thought the dance pretty successful anyway. This climaxed the year, and the final reports made us upper-classmen. Now on to new and bigger things. Christmas vacation wrought one of Alexandria’s worst snow storms on the very night of the Junior Class Christmas Hop. but those hardy souls that did dare to venture out enjoyed a gay evening amid the spicy fragrance of pine-boughs. For the Junior-Senior From we chose Rhapsody in Blue” as our theme and turned the cafeteria into a real Blue Heaven with sparkling stars and blue notes twinkling from the ceiling. Again, however, the elements were against us. It rained. Still, even this failed to dampen our spirits or halt our progress, and soon June exams, were a thing of the past and we were official seniors at last. This fact was not to be disputed and in recognition the school was ours for a day. We had recently won the second Old Oaken Bucket in our football career and we were as proud as peacocks. We really made the most of it! Bubble gum and caps were as noisy as the seniors while great quantities of candy disappeared from view. Right on the heels of Senior Day came the turn of the year and we were ’53 Seniors at last. A long weekend was ours at the end of the term with the celebration of the Inauguration to set the spirit for exams. The January graduates t x)k their final bow and the beginning of the end had begun. 'Ilie days flew by and soon sunny dispositions vied with sunny weather. June arrived and with it the Senior From held at the National Airport. The following evening we took the longest, yet shortest, walk of our lives; and receiving our diplomas, we. the ’53 Seniors”, passed into history. 10

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SENIORS

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Senior Class Officers With officers like these, the Senior Class couldn't help being one of the friendliest ever. Seated: Ann Lee, Secretary; Mr. Lindsey, Sponsor. Standing: Lester McMenamin, President; Tommy Eley, Vice-President. Mr. Irving Lindsey, Sponsor Mr. Lindsey The ’’Big Boss , as Mr. Lindsey could appropriately be called, keeps the senior class from falling (momentarily speaking) by the wayside. Treasurer without question, his rapid calculations of the financial status leaves us breathless and confused but he always manages to come out with the book balanced. Lester McMenamin and Tommy Eley Should you require the services of our class officers, just sing out for Mac , or Tommy, if you prefer. Either way. a tall good-looking guy with a dangerously contagious grin will answer your call. Right away you'll notice the friendly qualities that make him such a favorite at school and on the dance floor or the diamond, and it's a sure thing that his easy going manner will make him a friend of yours too. Lester McMenamin. President Tommy Eley, Vice-President 11