Granite City High School - Warrior Yearbook (Granite City, IL)

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CLASS HISTORY One fine autumnal morning, September 7, 1915, 99 Freshmen approached the open doors of Granite High. What is more fitting, then, that the Freshmen, in the green time of their lives, should enter school. We felt as though we held a very humble position among the other classes of the school. However, it did not take us long to rid ourselves of the an- noying feeling that confronted us. Immediately the thoughts of school spirit began to inspire the minds of every Freshman. The Class chose Walter Winters as President, and Thomas Marshall as Vice-President. Later they became “stars” in basket-ball, and, also in track work. The Freshm en participated in the annual entertainment presented by the Glee Club. As a general rule, Freshmen haven ' t the time to organize and enter into school activities. It is incumbent upon them to pursue the lessons assigned from day to day. Somewhat set aback by fear of certain subjects, the timid Freshmen en- tered their respective class-rooms, their knees trembling and their teeth chattering. During the nine months of study, toil and struggle bravely we strove together, wrestling with the problems the teachers set before us. Always striving forward with the never failing spirit of a conqueror, the time came when we stepped from the lowly Freshman to the jealous Sophomore. By this time we began to think we were quite an important factor in the school. We held our heads high and our backs straight for we were not yet overburdened with too great a problem of school life. The effusions in our Fresh- man year had long since fled ; and we felt supremely wise. In our class-rooms we often tried to display some of this wis- dom; it was often on this account that we received many a reproof from our teachers. Our class was still well represented in athletics. Walter Winters, the President of our class during the Sophomore year, still held his position as one of the “stars” on the basket ball team. The principal characters in the operetta given by the Glee Club were chosen from our class. Now we were eligible to enroll as a member of one of the two literary or- ganizations or of the debating society. Although we were chided by the upper classmen, we accepted their taunts as a challenge. With our minds made up to finish the job we had undertaken we struggled on till our Junior year. When school opened in September, 1917. we took our seats in the Junior row. With the eye of envy we beheld the austere Seniors occupying the place of honor. After a short time the class was organized. Thomas Marshall was elected President; Walter Winters Vice-President; Minnie Champion, Secretary, and Edna Ruyle. Treasurer. We flung aside all our foolish “stunts” and frivolities of the past; for our object now, was to make the best of our ability in order to reach the goal. Page Eleven

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PHYLLIS NICODEMl’S, Snap VIOLA LUCKERT Page Ten HELEN GERLING GENEVIEVE TURLEY HENRIETTA FINKE LELA TAYLOR

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Even though we had to sacrifice many of our pleasures during this term, due to the great war, and exert more effort in order to accomplish our school work creditably, we have succeeded in mastering the task. There were difficulties to encounter especially in chemistry, geometry, and language. Worse and worse became the examinations; more rigid at every trial and tert. We enjoyed several social functions during our Junior year which might be of interest to note. The first event was the entertainment given in honor of the Class of ' 18. It was held in the gymnasium, on October 30, the eve of Hallowe ' en They well repaid us for our courtesy shown them, by inviting the Junior Class to attend a Kid Garden Party. Many “kid games” were played, afterward a delicious luncheon was served, we departed feeling sure that the friendship between the two Classes had been strengthened. The last and greatest event of all was the annual boat excursion. A delightful trip was taken to Piasa, Chautauqua, and at 10:30 the happy party started for home. This pleasant day ends the record ot our Junior year. Now. this, the fourth year in the history of the great class of 19 has been one of much hard labor, and but little resting by the wayside. We organized on September 11th electing William Holst as our President. The other officers of the spring semester were Harry Hughes. Vice-President. Kathleen Rader. Secretary and Luella Deterding. Treasurer As the pride of our class grew, we began to wish for badges befitting our station, and samples of jewelry were sent to our class, and at last, after much considering and reconsidering, the class professed to be satisfied with its choice. Ac- cordingly the pins and rings were purchased, with which we felt well content. Owing to the influenza ban we had few social events during our Senior year. The main event was the Senior party given by the Senior girls in honor of the Senior boys. The gymnasium was festively decorated with crimson and gold Music was one of the features of the evening, especially that rendered by Maude Mueller, the musician of the Class of ' 19 Games were played throughout the evening, and at 10:00 a dainty luncheon served. Our departure was taken at a late hour. Near the close of our Senior year two great problems confronted us, namely, that of giving a class play and also publishing an annual. Both of which met with great success. We have up to this moment upheld the honor of our school. Our victories have been won not without a struggle but we have succeeded in the spirit of our motto: “Difficulties conquered are stepping stones to success.” RUTH LAWIN, Class Historian. Page Twelve