Georgetown Preparatory School - Cupola Yearbook (North Bethesda, MD)

Page 9 text:

, 4-'A'-num.-... Although many of the means used are shared by all methods of Christian educa- tion. the distinguishing feature ot' Jesuit education is intellectual development according to the Ratio Studiorum with its emphasis on the humanities: language. rhetoric and philosophy. Nor are the other elements of man neglected: the familiar principle of mens sana in corpore sano and the unchanging standards of sports- manship. Hours of class are balanced hy co-curricular activities. The vital, spiritual motif of-the Christian's life is cultivated constantly and achieves fulhllment in Sodalitv action. The final and essential influence is that of the teacher. For, the teacher lrather than his methodl shares with the student his own ideal of Christian living, and gives hy his own example the Jesuit message expressed in Jesuit humility and dedication. ln gratitude. the Class of 1958 will go forth to join the long procession of distinguished alumni devoted to family. to country and to the Church: men who in their individual spheres of action. have been conspicuous for right thinking and for right living.

Page 8 text:

s the sculptor forms the stone, a .le uit Education is forms the man into a true follower of Christ. Four years have passed since the September day when the Class of 1958. then a group of eager freshmen, was first studied hy the penetrating and prophetic eyes of the Jesuit Fathers. ln a fleeting instant each youth was glimpsed not as the shapeless marhle loloclc in which Nlichelangelo envisioned the David to come. but rather as the vigorous, sparsely-leaved tree is viewed by the arhorist with scholarly understanding of its nature. potentialitv and needsg with vision of the great majestic tree that will one day stretch forth heautiful hranches in rapt praise of its Creator. ln the june soon approaching. this Class of Seniors, having attained its full growth of young manhood: development that is spiritual as well as intellectual. moral as well as physical. will leave the stately columns. the lofty cupola of Georgetown llrepfand. with the serenity won in the prayerful heauty of the ffhapel. enter a world of shifting standards and continuous conflict. The hattles to come. however. will not hnd them unprepared. For the wars of men and ol' ideas have no terror for one who has as his exemplar the true and perfect Christian. the ideal ot' Christtan education. The true and perfect Christian is a man who thinlqs. judges and acts constantly and consistently in accordance with right reason illtiminctl hy the supernatural light ol' the example and teaching of Christ. To accomplish this end. -Jesuit education forms the whole man: physical. social and spiritual to the image and lilteness of Christ.

Page 10 text:

3 To the Class of 1958 Father Maher, our Headmaster, has been an understand- ing friend and valued adviser. With each succeeding Senior month, we have been drawn more closely to him, sharing his quiet humor and his vision of spiritual and temporal achievement for Georgetown Prep, and for her students and graduates. Every member of our Class flike every student in all six Formsl is aware that Father Maher knows him and his problems, and is interested in his daily efforts at studies. on the athletic field, in school activities. He is greeted warmly in the Headmaster's ofiice or among the groups of boys who immediately surround Father Maher indoors or out. Father's enthusiastic presence at School contests sparks the Georgetown Prep spirit, inspiring a will to win and 'lto play the game as it should be played. All this our Headmaster does with us and for us while carrying on the tremen- dous taslc of administering our School and malcing the long dreamed-of Gymnasium a reality. With sincere admiration and affectionate gratitude, the Class of 1958 dedicates THE CUPOLA to the Reverend Michael F. Maher, SJ., Headmaster of George- town Preparatory School--and our good friend.