Grand Rapids Christian High School - Memoir Yearbook (Grand Rapids, MI)

Page 28 text:

PRESIDENT'S COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS HE first requirement for a successful structure is a good foundation. No abiding edifice can ever be erected upon a weak, defective base. So also in life we find that a substantial foundation is the pre-requisite for a useful life. VVith this in mind, the Class of 332 has chosen as its motto, Our foundation is laid, we are ready to build. And it is our highest hope that we may be able to build a structure worthy of the foundation laid here at Christian High. High school education is a constructive process. Here our perceptive faculties are developed, our tastes are defined: and our characters are molded. It is here that we learn to use the tools with which we are to buildg it is here that the bases of our lives are laid. Thus, in high school, we receive a firm foundation, of which the teachings of the VVord of God form an integral part, and upon which we can now build a lasting, useful structure. Tonight we are assembling for the last time as a class, to recall a happy past. and anticipate a glorious future, as we part to meet no more. And it is only fitting at this time that we express the appreciation which we all so deeply feel towards those who have given us our Christian education. We are very grateful, first of all, to our parents, who have often denied themselves in order to provide us with this foundation. VVe would also thank our teachers, who have directed us in the building of our foundation, and who have set us a noble example towards the ful- filment of the ideals they have taught us. The lamentable lack of this appreciation during our high school days will undoubtedly be fully realized in later years. as we see the true value of the efforts they have put forth. We are especially indebted to l'Ir. Vanden Berg, our sponsor. and lX'Ir. Driesens, our principal, who have been of great assistance to us during our high school career. YVe are deeply appreciative, again, to the Board, the Christian High Ladies Circle, and other organizations, whose helpful guidance and whole hearted support have constantly been manifested. But, above all, our hearts are filled with thankfulness to God, the blaster Architect, through lVhom our foundation has been made possible, and to VVhom it has constantly been consecrated. And now, our high school days are over, and we must cast a last fond glance upon the days that have gone by. The pleasant associations formed here at Christian High, which are now hard to break, will never be forgotten. And the Christian instruction which has here been imparted to us will, we hope, ever abide with us, and be reflected by us in every action, small or great, which will form a part of our structure of life. It will always have a special meaning for us that this year, which now closes our high school life, has also seen the construction of the first unit of our New Building. llay we, the Class of '32, see in this great achievement a symbol of our consecrated task, so that, our foundation having been laid, we may now press on, and, in spite of the difficulties and hardships which are bound to confront us, build a worthy structure thereupon, dedicated to the service of our fellow-man, and to the ultimate glorification of God. ANTHONY HOEKEMA E261

Page 27 text:

CLASS HISTORY HREE YEARS ago a group of new students who were called freshies by the undiscerning Juniors and Seniors entered Christian High. VVe were very much gratified when another group of students arrived the following semester to take from us that undignified appellation. During the first year of our career at Christian High, we organized as the Class of '32 under the sponsorship of llr. Vanden Berg. Chester De Graaf was elected as our first president. lVhen the end of the school year arrived, we thought it fitting to have a celebration, antici- pating the new dignity that would be ours the following year as Juniors. VVe acted accordingly, and after having patiently submitted to the inevitable trials of exams, we had an outing at Meyer's Lake. The following September, we again gathered in the halls of Christian High, not as green freshies, but as sophisticated Juniors. At our first Class Meeting we elected our new officers for the ensuing year. Chester De Graaf was succeeded by Lawrence Van Noord who is now residing in California. In llflay, we entertained the Seniors at a Junior-Senior Party. During our Junior year, we became, more thoroughly acquainted with our school, and at the end of it, we felt as never before, that we were truly a part of it. Following the custom of the classes, we again planned an outing at the end of the year. This time we chose VVhitefish Lake as our picnic grounds. After this recreation, we parted as a Class until the following September. At last the coveted position was won, and we were Seniors. The year was begun with much enthusiasm. Anthony Hoekema became our president and we started in as quickly as possible with the new tasks that awaited us. A Nlemoir Staff was chosen, rings were selected, photographs were taken, and so on and on, until now at last all our tasks as high school students are completed. Before our departure, the Juniors extended their farewell to us at a very pleasant and enter- taining party. The few years we have spent here have for many of us, been the happiest of our lives, and the Senior year, especially, has been very pleasant and happy, for the longer we linger at Christian High the more we appreciate and love our School. RUTH IMANSE E251

Page 29 text:

.,,- F? X . -.17 LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT E, the Senior Class of 1932 of the Grand Rapids Christian High School, being now, as ever possessed with those brilliant faculties which for three years have been a source of continual amazement to the learned faculty, do hereby pro- claim this to be our last will and testament. PVP lzrreby bequeatlis To the faculty-the rooms that have been desolated by our departure with the fervent hope that in the far distant future they may iind a Senior Class of equal good humor and intelligence. To hlr. Driesens-the privilege to watch every step of our upward and onward fleeting, each success and honor which we may achieve in the arena of the world. To Mr. Matthius Hendrikus De Vroome-a pair of paper-clips to be used on his olfactory organ if ever he should have the misfortune of coming in contact with a highly perfumed female. To hir. E. R. Post-the volume intitled The Proper Study of American History written by one of our esteemed fellow members, Klr. Emerson Oelen. To 11-Ir. Van Den Berg who has faithfully guided us through our high school career, we leave a picture of each one of us in order that he may be amply provided with a set of original jokes. To the tender mercies of 1NIiss Zandstra we intrust all tooth-aches, head-aches and various other aches and pains which unscrupulous Juniors may use as reasons for playing hookey. The following individuals do donate some of their outstanding attributes to those of the lower classmen who are found most worthy. Clarence Bruins and Lucille Van Kuiken leave their wagging tongues to our rising young scientist, Rhinedale Rooks, to use in his research work for a perpetual motion machine. Edward Postema bestows his poise and philosophical attitude toward life, to Ryven Ezinga, newly arrived. Anne Vroome leaves to her sister, Henrietta, a set of ecstatic spasms in order that her resounding shrieks may echo in the Girls' Room for some time to come. VVinnie Bouma and John Bonjenoor leave to Nelson 1Vaa1kes their seats with apologies that the combined space be so small. Clarence Bolt offers the rose in his cheeks to Alice Holst. Esther De Graaf leaves her cleverness in slipping out of class to talk devotedly to some one at the drinking fountain to Sylvia Hollemans. Clarence VVorst leaves his seriousness with Richard Sieswerda. Mfay the effect be noticed. Harold Brinks gives his attractive brown eyes to Rlaurice De 1N1Iey with the hope that they may also win for his much renown among the senoritas of his class. YVa1ly Hoffman turns over to John Vroone his speech-making ability together with his engaging, ever-present smile. Annette Dekker donates her dutiful application to her studies to Paul Paine with the hope that it may be a sustaining rock to him in the time of need. In witness whereof we do set our hand and seal this first day of June in the year 1932. W'itne.v.ves.- P. Anick CLASS OF 1932 D. Pression 1271