Great Neck South High School - Vista Yearbook (Great Neck, NY)

Page 9 text:

FOREWORD OUR first year at this beautiful school has been one of many experiences for each person—student and teacher alike. Each one of us had to start with the first brick and begin to grow from there—to start new organizations, to make the transition of certain traditions from one school to another, and to make adjustments; all these have not been easy. But now that we look back, they weren't really as difficult as they seemed. The reason has been the wonderful cooperation between the students, teachers, and principal. We have all done our share to make a suc- cessful first year and to establish precedents which will be followed for years to come. The first layer of bricks is the principal, who guided us through the school year. The next layer was the teachers who, although hampered by the lack of equipment, did a fine job in teaching. And the next layer—the most important to the founda- tion—was the students, a most important group. There were G. O. and class officers, athletic teams, both boys and girls, and students representing the school with their scholastic achievements; they all started the reputation of our school. Others who were not as active supported their fellow students with their spirit. It was a year to remember ,not only for the seniors, but for the juniors and sophomores, too .because they were all a part of the structure. An attempt was made by all for the successful completion of the solid and firm foundation of the Great Neck South Senior High School. All the outstanding events of our school year have been described and illustrated through a very important first, VISTA of 1959, this yearbook. Like everything else, it started from the beginning and came to a successful termination by showing the school year from beginning to end—a workman's laying of the first brick to his placing of the final one for the culmination of the school year. 5

Page 8 text:

FOR guiding the school through its first ond most difficult year, for making all the preparations for the new school, and for giving his love and loyalty to the student body and faculty we gladly dedicate this VISTA of 1959 to Ruel E. Tucker, principal of the Great Neck South Senior High School. Mr. Tucker has had much experience as a principal. Before coming to this school, he had been principal at the Great Neck High School from 1941 to 1956. Then, giving up this position, he began the plans for the new school, at which he worked arduously for two years. The entrance of students and teachers for the school year 1958-1959 was a momentous occasion for him. Before this time, the school had been just a building without people, academic work, activities, and spirit. He had worked hard for his actual job—being principal or educational leader of the school—to come into being. We feel that he care- fully and skillfully handled this important role. Besides this aspect of his position, he is known for his inspiring and friendly associations with both students and teachers; for his ability to solve all problems, especially at 8:00 in the morning; and for his amusing stories, told at any gathering. Mr. Tucker has been devoted to the school and will be loved as our first principal for years to come. 4

Page 10 text:

 What nobler employment, or more valuable to the state, than that of the man who instructs the rising genera- tion. CICERO FACULTY