Gratz High School - Gratzonian Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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DR. E. CARL WERNER PRINCIPAL O

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To hring ahout the realization of the high ideals set forth hy the school administration, a stahle form of student government was estah' lished, the henelits of which we are enjoying today. Mrs. lviarion Wzlllaice very ahly handled the prohlems of student relationship at first. Ever since the school opened, a numher of athf letie and extrafeurricular aetiyities have heen def yeloped, such as foothall, hilsehall, tennis, has' kethall, soccer, swimming, and track. Uur school was also famed for its dehating and for its chess teams, and art work. There have heen some very excellent stage productions given hy the students. Our sehool paper, the Spotlight, has main' tained a high standard and won national honors. Under the capahle leadership of Dr. Alec Wzishcci, our hand has worked itself up to its present position of leadership among such or' ganilations. All of these heterogeneous interests eontrih' uted considerahly toward making Simon Urat: High School an outstanding school in l'hiladel' phia. Year hy year, hundreds ol' students of our Alina Matter who go out into the world hear witness to the fruitful efforts of this edueaf tional institution, and, at the same time, add up to the everfinereasing nulnher ol' loyal sons and daughters in this freedoinfloying eountry of ULlI'5.

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OUR PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE We, in America, have long believed in thc value of universal education, From the early days of the Republic to the present, the leaders of our country have stressed the importance of education as one of the bulwarks of democracy. We believe that an educated and intelligent citi- zenry is necessary for a people to govern itself wisely and to safeguard its liberties. The American people have placed great faith in the public schools. They are convinced that they are necessary to preserve' and improve our form of government. No nation has more widely extended the opportunities of higher education to those who are willing and able to accept them. You, who are to be graduated in a few days from this high school, have had the benefit of many years of education and training in the public school system of a great city. During these years, much time has been devoted to the development of proficiency in the elementary tools of learning and in the acquisition of varif ous other skills, knowledges, and appreciations. In our studies we have sought to develop an understanding of American ideals and the demo' cratic faith. This understanding has been exem' plified by our attitudes and relations within the school and in the activities of our Students As' sociation. These experiences were of the utmost importance in developing an understanding of the democratic way of life. I congratulate you upon the successful com' pletion of your high school studies and I am certain that the training and the ideals of our school will sustain you in the years that lie ahead. May these years be happy and many! Sincerely, ZTQJJJ For three years our school days have been profitable, happy, and enjoyable, For three years they have been guided by our principal, Dr. E. Carl Werner, who has managed our school so efficiently. Upon his graduation from Central High School, he entered the University of Pennsylf vania, where he pursued his undergraduate studies and also acquired the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. He then became a teacher in the Commerce Department at the Germantown 'High School. A few years later he was promoted to the Frank- ford High School as headship of the Commerce Department. When Simon Gratz High School was ollicially opened, Dr. Werner came here. In 1932 he was appointed principal of the Penn Treaty Jr. High School. Six years later, he was returned to Simon Gratz, as principal, after the death of Mr. J. Elwood Calhoun. Under his leadership and guidance, and his constant work with the student body and faculty, the school has been greatly improved. His progressive ideas have met with the sincere approval of the students, Such innovations as guidance counsel' lors, distributive education, and schoolfwork pro' grams which were added to the high schools in recent years have had his earnest support. The keen interest he takes in school athletics has led to a dehnite plan for an athletic field across the street. He also has organized a Student Athletic Council. The Music and Art Departments are grateful, too, for Dr. Werner's interest in their respective fields. There is not one department or activity in our school that does not have Dr. Werner's interest and attention. For such devotion we can only say, Thank you, Dr. Werner, we will not forget all that you have done.