German Township High School - Laureola Yearbook (McClellandtown, PA)

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Um As a pile of lumber, nails and paint is not a house, so just a collection of people and books is not a school. There must be activities, associa- tions, common spirit and interests, mutual confi- dence, respect for others' individuality, neighbor- ing, and sharing the common lot. There must be work, play, sociability, happiness, and sorrow. One has only to glance back in memory over this school year to know that our school has been a habitation with a personality for we have shared together, worked together and enjoyed happy times to- gether. Again the war has taken its toll with changes in instructors, courses, and student personnel. Many have gone with their parents to industrial areas and we have felt their loss. Too many, un- fortunately, have found the lure of their earning power too great and have left school to work. These, we wish-we might have encouraged to stay with us. A few, taking advantage of the accele- rated college programs, have left vacant places in our ranks. But in true army style someone has stepped into each place and our school army has marched onward, Too often during the year we have had to see books turned in, courses unfinished and our boys step forth manfully into another life -answering Duty's call to wherever or whatever the future miaht demand. This we watched with regret and saddened spirits but with courage and hearts full of admiration for them. ln contrast to this feelina of loss has been the joy at seeing and visiting with those who have returned from war areas, no lonaer boys but serious men eager to know what we have been doing at school. We have not always dared give wav to our disheartened soirits, so some social activities have gone on. What student has not enjoyed the noon- time volley ball games, the dances, the plavs, and the various club meetings? Here we developed a spirit of aood will and friendship, an important phase of school life. Then, too, the class parties so successful this year have been well attended and thoroughly enjoyed leavina pleasant memories for all. Who would or could forget the l-lula dancers of the senior party, the crowning of the queen at the junior party, the wedding of the sophomores, or the versatile entertainers of the freshman party? The cooperation and fellowship exhibited in prepa- ration for these social affairs will be remembered long. -.101

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'-sa-gg yi WMZJR Through this diary number of the Laureola we do not wish to create the impression that we intend to live in the past. Because of the war the youth of German Township and all America scans horizons broader than we ever knew. The fine new world for which we are all hoping and planning will be run by our returning heroes and the boys and girls who sit behind our school desks today. How they and their country will fare depends upon the knowledge and ability they are able to acquire and the leadership they have a chance to develop. They need the very best that we can give them. They have much to learn and such a short time in which to do it. -9- ,M if

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School We may not have won laurels in our sports but our hats are off to a grand group of sportsmen and their coach. One cannot always be a win- ner but one can always be a man. After every contest we were complimented for our good sports- manship. One of our football players received O place on the all-county team and three were given honorable mention. Outstanding among service groups this year were the German High News group, the Laureola staff, the Hall Patrol boys, the Photography Club, Tri-Hi-Y, Hi-Y, the Band, Orchestra and Choral Groups. Each group has with willingness and re- sponsibility served well in its own capacity. X'Ve listened with pleasure to the music furnished by the different music groups at the football games, basketball games, the assemblies, and plays. They have done a grand job. Every day in the halls we have seen order maintained by efficient corps of patrolmen. In evidence back-stage, preparing the news or wrapping papers for mailing to our service men you might have found an active group of the news staff. You need only to glance at this book to be assured that an untiring, competent group has been busy preparing this school annual. We have missed throughout the year our movies. The army has proved that this type of visual education is most essential to effective teaching and learning. Too often we have thought of moving pictures as merely entertainment ancl riot as a successful teaching tool. Science classes have felt the loss of this type of instruction this year. War conditions prevented our obtaining a new projector but we hope soon to be able to benefit again by this type of instruction. Boys in school this year, knowing that they were facing induction, have studied with keen in- terest aviation mathematics and courses in pre- flight aeronautics. So you see we have worked, planned, and played together, making this an altogether suc- cessful school year-one which we hope has left its mark on each student. This true community spirit in our school, this unified living has resulted, we believe, in a better outlook on life, deeper social roots, more unified personalities, and a higher culture. lt is like an orchestra, in which each member plays his own part, often improvising a little, but with an overall harmonious result. ..11..