Girard College - Corinthian Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

Page 31 text:

Left to Right: R. Ayjian, J. Gordanier, R. Pasquarelli, D. Ahlum, M. Ahlum, G. West, R. Lanza, Mr. Henry Mazaleski This year marks the fourth anniversary of the Girard College Conservation Club. In these four years the club made remarkable progress. Led by President David Ahlum, the club continued this progress and worked hard to better itself. Other boys in the Senior class sincerely interested in preserving our natural resources were Michael Ahlum, Vice-President; Garren West, Secretary; Robert Pasquarelli, and Richard Lanza. These boys met once a week, discussing all phases of conservation. This was done through pro¬ jects in which the club hoped to fulfill its motto of learning and application.” One of the new pro¬ jects initiated this year was the acquisition of fre. ' films for the showing during club meetings. Mr. Henry Mazaleski, the club sponser, provided the much needed adult leadership for the organization. Another great help was that of Mr. George Dunkle, teacher of biology and health, whose advice was invaluable. Without the assistance of these wo men, the club would not have been able to make the remark¬ able progress that it did. With our national problem of water shortage, soil erosion, strip mining, and pollution growing more acute and important every day, the needs and possibilities in this field of endeavor are multiplying every year. For creating an interest in conservation we found the club to be invaluable this year. Conservationists are becoming more scarce. The main reason for trips is to enable the informed student to learn the proper techniques of caring for the land. The members quickly realized that conserving nature is an ever-growing problem, and that unless strong leaders are found immediately to prevent destruction, the forests will be lost. By our training of young people the problem of wildlife will slowly diminish. These were some of the items discussed and debated throughout the year by the club. J . 27 f

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ion Front Row, Left to Riqht: D. Kolowitz, A. Aqlidian, J. Troxell, W. Dull, R. De Christoforo, D. Cundari, R. Pasquarelli, L. Kazimir, A. Tonqi, F. Valentino, H. Younq, S. Thomas, T. Mouery, L. Sobchack, J. Manasek, A. Coccogno, W. Mac llvain, G. Jamieson, R. Walker, R. Me Gonigle, E. Golembski, J. Daubaras, Bock Row, Left to Riqht: M. Ahlum, A. Hallier, R. Setzer, R. Lorenz, R. Mercer, J. Fulton. Upon entering the eighth grade we were introduced to the Battalion. During our first year we learned the bas¬ ic marching techniques and simple commands. At the end of the first year we were put into Companies. The following year we learned complex formations and worked to make them impressive. For Founder’s Day, we drilled every day in prepar¬ ation for the final display of our proficiency. The Battal¬ ion celebrates Memorial Day for all those soldiers, es¬ pecially the boys of Girard, who died in the Wars. This also is the main reason we have a Battalion to make sure our boys are prepared to serve in the Armed Forces. In the tenth grade we made friends with the upper classmen and marched our best because at the end of the third year five boys are picked to be officers. In the Junior year we were the best marchers. The underclasses looked at us to see how to march properly. In the Junior year we would also know who would be leaders or offi¬ cers to be in charge of the Battalion in our Senior year. In the Senior year, after we took our respective ranks, we learned the correct manner to run the Battalion. Correcting the mistakes which were once ours, the Battalion developed over the last five years and has accomplished the desired results. Members of the Battalion made an enjoyable and superb showing as they marched during the Cadet Ball. Many comments were made on the performance of the officers. The eight Cadets show¬ ed absolute command throughout their maneuvers. Training the recruits was a difficult Friday afternoon chore; however, they received the finest training possible. The fut ure will hold good fortunes for these recruits because of the effort and hard work of the officers. {26 y

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To be chosen a member of the National Honor Soci¬ ety is an accolade of the highest order. It is the greatest honor that can be conferred upon a high school student, for only students who have shown outstanding qualities of scholarship, leadership, service, and character can become members. All members take the following oath upon induction: I pledge myself to uphold the high purpose of this society to which I have been elected, striving in every work and deed to make its ideals the ideals of my school and life.” Each student is given a gold pin, symbolic of the national recognition of his membership and of the re¬ sponsibility he has assumed in taking the Society’s pledge. Mr. Albert Schoell did, as he has in the many years past, a fine job in his capacity as sponsor of Girard’s chapter of this organization. Cooperating with him were this year’s officers: Dennis Lalli, President; Dominic Cundari, Vice-President; and Richard Setzer, Secretary-T reasurer. One of the most pleasant affairs of the year for these boys was the annual National Honor So¬ ciety dinner held in early April at the Inn, Alden Park Manor. In attendance were all members, Mr. and Mrs. Emil Zarella, Mr. Albert Schoell, and Miss Miriam McGhee. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed himself and all give thanks to the Alumni Association for sponsoring the dinner. The National Honor Society focuses attention on those who have maintained its standards of excellence, making these students examples for their fellows. Even if only a few are inspired to make these standards their own, the purpose of the Society will have been fulfilled. Thus, the Na¬ tional Honor Society is one of the most worthwhile activities on campus. •{ 28 y